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Used Mazda5 Minivan Overview And How To Buy At The Best Price
"Older" vehicles are making more and more sense as used car prices have skyrocketed, and in particular, those with relatively low mileage ... and they are out there. In today's market, an older, lower mileage Mazda5 (they were produced from 2006 to 2016) can offer a viable and more economical option these days. And the following is an overview of the vehicle.
The Mazda5 truly is a "mini"van due to its significantly smaller size. That said, it still accommodates six-passengers and possesses the sporty design and agile handling that Mazda has become known for. Throw in it's attractive cabin, solid build quality, fuel efficient engine, easy parking and affordable pricing, and the Mazda 5 makes a strong case as a used minivan choice.
Introduced for the 2006 model year, first-generation Mazda5 minivans carried 2010 and were available in three models: base Sport, midlevel Touring and top-of-the-line Grand Touring.
The base is already fairly well-equipped with standard features that include full power accessories, anti-lock brakes (ABS), 17 inch alloys wheels, automatic climate control with rear-seat controls, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel and a 6-speaker sound system with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack.
Moving up to the Touring model adds a CD changer, a sunroof and a leather wrapped steering wheel.
The Grand Touring model then adds a leather interior, heated front seats, automatic xenon headlights, automatic wipers and Bluetooth.
Some used Mazda5 Touring and Grand Touring models can also be found with the optional voice-controlled touchscreen navigation system.
And in terms of safety, all Mazda5 models come standard with stability control, traction control, front seat side airbags and full-length head-protecting side curtain airbags.
Powering all first-generation models is a competent 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine good for 153 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. It's coupled with a five-speed automatic transmission that is standard on the Touring and Grand Touring. The Sport comes with a five-speed manual while the five-speed automatic is optional.
In terms of history, the uplevel Grand Touring model was added for 2007. In 2008, the Mazda5 got a revised front and rear design, as well as a new center control panel, electroluminescent gauges, an auxiliary audio jack, rear seat air vents and controls and additional flip-down armrests.
Mazda5 shoppers should also note that pre-2008 models were equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission, as opposed to the more recent 5-speed auto with its better gas mileage efficiency. It should also be noted that stability control was unavailable until becoming standard on all trims for the 2010 model year. There was no 2011 Mazda5.
This minivan entered its second-generation with a redesign for 2012 and produced through 2016, getting more power, improved seating comfort and some exterior design changes.
The same three trims are again available. Standard features on the Sport include full power accessories, cruise control, keyless entry, 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, stability control, traction control, four-wheel antilock disc brakes with brake assist, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and a 6-speaker audio system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack.
Opting for the Touring model adds Bluetooth, 17-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a rear spoiler, a trip computer and foglights. There's also an optional Moonroof & Audio package for the Touring that adds a 6-disc CD changer, a sunroof and satellite radio. The Grand Touring comes standard with this package plus a leather interior, heated front seats, heated mirrors, automatic xenon headlights and automatic wipers.
Powering this Mazda5 generation is a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine that outputs 157 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. It's paired with a 6-speed manual transmission on the Sport, while a 5-speed automatic is optional on the Sport and comes standard on the other models.
All in all, we believe the Mazda5 can make a solid and more economical choice for those looking for additional sportiness in a used minivan and who also don't need all the space of a traditional model. And lower mileage versions can still be found out there.
It's overall positives would include better handling than full-size minivans, relatively low prices and convenient sliding doors, while its overall negatives would include its six-passenger capacity, a kids-only third row and a somewhat underpowered pre-2012 model engine when fully loaded.
And we can make a number of suggestions to help you save when buying one.
How To Buy At The Best Price
There are actually several different ways to buy a used Mazda5 at the lowest price, and even at wholesale. You can click on the links to each of the following methods to get the specific instructions.
First of all, here's a Lowest Price Used Car Buying Guide that details a super effective method, one that often beats down prices even to wholesale levels. And somewhat related to this, here's another excellent method that identifies Price-Distressed Cars Right On Dealer Lots. These are vehicles they are so desperate to unload they would welcome your wholesale offer.
In addition, you can also try the Public Car Auctions in your own geographic area. While there can be a lot of junk vehicles at these auctions, there are often absolute gems sprinkled in as well. This article reviews what to expect at open-to-the-public car auctions and how to locate them in your own area.
Also ... for those of you who might be interested in a brand new Mazda, if the price was crazy good, here's info on exactly How To Get The Best Price On A New Mazda. This works just phenomenally well.
