[aznbruinboy]

Hi I'm new to the Mazda 6 but I am seriously considering it for my next car. However as a broke college student, I most likely have to get a used one. I am interested in the 5door version but I am willing to look as back as 2003. How do I find out which years even offer the hatch version? Is there a list somewhere where I can find the trim and features depending on model year? I was hoping the wiki here would work but it appears to be down

Also, as it would be my first time buying, I was wondering when dealers resell used cars, are you able to customize the features like you would on a new car?

Thanks!

 

[doublebass120]

In 2003, the 6 came in 2 different body styles; the 4 door sedan, and the "sport wagon".

In 2004, they added the 5 door sedan to the lineup.

All body styles had the I and S models. The I model had a 2.3L 160hp I4 engine, while the S model had the 3.0L 220hp V6 engine.

As far as options, I think Mazda had a bunch of things clustered into packages, and I have no idea what these packages included, or what they were called.
However, I know most of the INDIVIDUAL options;
-Alloy wheels
-Power driver's seat. Passenger's seat doesn't have this option... Which sucks.
-Power moonroof
-Spoiler
-"Ground effects" kit (tiny lip kit)
-Leather (duh)
-Bose system (I've heard it sucks)
-Navigation (I think)
-Fog lights integrated INTO the headlights. (The 6 had a total of 5 bulbs in the headlamp. Low beam, turn signal, fog light, high beam, parking light (above the highbeam)). If the car doesn't have the integrated fogs, then Mazda would just put a plastic cap where the bulb should go.
-Lower bumper fogs. -- I don't think you can get both the integrated AND lower fogs, it's either/or. For looks, I'd go with the lower bumper fogs.
-Shock-Sensing alarm
-Remote start

These are all the options I can remember at the moment. I'm sure other people will join in with anything else.

However, I don't know how big your budget is at the moment, but, I've heard that the 06's are going CHEAP. Like, $17,000 to get an I sedan w/ rims and such.
If anything, you can use this as leverage when you're negotiating a price for a used 6.

Hope I helped.

PS- I think you could add options to the car, but I'd suggest you don't. We have a bunch of sponsors on these forums that'll get you OEM parts for CHEAP as hell. My fogs cost me $143 @ Showcase Mazda. My dealer quoted a helluva lot more.

 

[aznbruinboy]

Awesome, thanks for such a detailed reply. You've covered a lot! That also helps to narrow down what i'm looking for.

I'll be looking for a 2004 5 Door Mazda 6. Still debating on the V4 or V6. Read a lot about it but I guess a test drive would be the best way to decide. As I drive in the city a lot probably may go with the V4 but don't know how that will affect acceleration since the 5th door makes it heavier. As I expect to get one in a year, my price range would be $15K tops hopefully.

You are absolutely right on the 6s going cheap. I am surprised as I checked kelly's bluebook values and they are much lower than say an Audi A4 of an older year with more mileage. Any idea why the 6s are going so cheap?!!

As for getting OEM parts, I'm assuming you would have to know someone to install them for you right? I don't know much about car parts or installing them nor do I know any good mechanics that would install them for cheap.

How good are the 6s on maintenance? I'm deciding b/w a 2nd gen A4 or a mazda 6. Leaning towards the 6 just because usually jap cars are more fuel efficient and also have lower maintenance costs.

Lastly, when you mentioned the options, if I am purchasing a USED car from the dealership, would I still have the ability to customize it in terms of paint color, rims and body kit? (i doubt i would be able to ask them to cut a hole in the roof to add the moonroof ). I don't know anything about getting a car from a dealership as my first was bought off a friend.

Thank you so much for your effort. I really appreciate the detailed replies!

 

[strtfghtr]

I assume when you are refering to the 1.8T A4, it is not a very fast car but IMO has a very nice ride and a beautiful interior (I love the Audi interiors ) However I can tell you if maintanence cost is a concern then you should be weary of the Audi and even lookinto going for an extended waranty if you want a used one. They are prone to having tough problems such as oil leaks and drive issues and they are EXTREEMLY costly to fix as well as notoriously dificult to work on without the proper audi tools. An audi mechanic once told me his tool set looks like something that an alien spacecraft would be equiped with.

If you are going with the I4 MZ6 then as I have read in multiple post on here the MTX version gives a more entertaining ride. (course in my opinion MTX is always better)

 

[doublebass120]

aznbruinboy,

As far as paint colors go, you only have a choice of what they have on the lot. Say you want a Lapis Blue 5door S, and the dealer has a Performance White 5door S w/ all the options you want, you'd either have to settle for white, or get an aftermarket paint job

 

[Mazda Gremlyn]

Actually angel, the wagon didn't come out until the hatch did. Both of which were 04. The colour choice is what you see if what you get when buying a used car, and you can customise anything you feel like after you get it home. You can even have the dealer install a moonroof for you

 

[aznbruinboy]

@ strtfighter - You make a very good point on the maintenance costs as my friend has an S4 and he's always spending money fixing it. But you're right on the interiors - audi interiors are beautiful!

@ angel120 - Ah. that makes sense. Guess i'll have to go to the dealership to see what they have.

As mazda owners, can anyone tell me how the 6s are for maintenance? Are they prone to requiring repairs in any areas? Is there any reason I shouldn't get a 6?

Thanks a lot guys.

 

[jsherrill28]

As for getting OEM parts, I'm assuming you would have to know someone to install them for you right? I don't know much about car parts or installing them nor do I know any good mechanics that would install them for cheap.
[/b]

depends on what you want to install. for things like tail lights, grills, headlights, you could probably do yourself with some help from threads in this forum or on mazda6tech.com. for things like a lip spoiler to a wing spoiler, you'll need some help.

when you do buy and are looking for oem parts, check this site's sponsors who offer really good prices and customer service. good luck.

btw, i have an 04 5-door if you have any specific questions.

 

[Mz6GreyGhost]

As mazda owners, can anyone tell me how the 6s are for maintenance?
[/b]

Maintenance isn't too bad. Just to give you an idea, my '04 has 36K miles, and besides the oil changes, the only thing I've had an issue with is a CEL for a faulty fuel cap, replaced under warranty. In general, I don't think costs are outside the range for most cars in it's class.

Are they prone to requiring repairs in any areas?
[/b]

Some '03s and '04s with manuals (MTXs) have been known to have bad clutches, but my MTX is as good as the day I bought it. Throttle Bodies and PCV valves are other things that may/may not go bad prematurely as well. Check out the site for other random things that other members have dealt with.

Is there any reason I shouldn't get a 6?
[/b]

Yeah, if you HATE driving, don't like the feel of the road beneath you, can't stand great handling, braking, and steering for a midsize sedan, and think of a car as an appliance. In that case, get a Camry. :nana:

Seriously, buy what you like. You won't go wrong with a 6 though...

 

[lncomp]

Definetly go with the newer model years as they are more likely to have less problems, many members have reported problems with thier 03 and 04 models, and repairs can be costly. plus i think the newer models look better.

 

[aznbruinboy]

awesome. what are the significant changes between the 04 and 06 lineups?

 

[lncomp]

awesome. what are the significant changes between the 04 and 06 lineups?
[/b]

Well, between the 2006 and 2005 models, the 2006 is a more refined look to the 6 if you get the sports model, the 05 model is alittle more sportier, and the 06 is more modern basically, the back and side skirts are about the same, but with the 05, you have much more bodykit options than the 06, The dash kit in the 06 looks way better though, and improved cloth seats and design, check out pics of the other members cars to make your choice, this is a big one, I chose the 06 model, just because I wanted a new car that I know no one else is driven before, and im spoiled rotten.

 

[doublebass120]

2006 had a "facelift" of the front bumper, which means that the air dam (grille on the bottom), fog lights, and upper grille are different sizes (I think). The 06 radio is different, IMO, it doesn't look stock (it's black, while the rest of the center console has a silvery-aluminum color). 06 took out the center cup holder lid. 06 has different rims. I believe they introduced a new beige/tan & black interior. I've heard that the 06 cloth is of a better quality than the older models, however, I have yet to see it in person. The rear bumper also had a "facelift", and they came out with different taillight options. I believe you can get 'em in black or in red..

I have an 03 I sedan in Performance White, w/ a tan interior... DON'T go for tan, it's a bitch and a half to keep clean. I had a BLACK fleece blanket in the backseat for like 20 mins, and now there's lint all over..

PS- Incomp beat me to this reply lol <_<

 

[aznbruinboy]

I think i've exhausted my questions. I really appreciate your patience, esp Incomp and Angel120 for coming back here more than once. haha mazda owners sure are nice Thanks for the replies everyone!

 

[strtfghtr]

I think i've exhausted my questions. I really appreciate your patience, esp Incomp and Angel120 for coming back here more than once. haha mazda owners sure are nice Thanks for the replies everyone!
[/b]

no problem

don't forget that the 06 added the nice option of the turbocharged, direct injection, AWD model

 

[doublebass120]

Let us know what you get, and don't forget;

PICS PICS PICS!

 

[lncomp]

I think i've exhausted my questions. I really appreciate your patience, esp Incomp and Angel120 for coming back here more than once. haha mazda owners sure are nice Thanks for the replies everyone!
[/b]

Hehe, yea, np, just make sure you make the right decision before jumping in, and show pics of your ride once you get it! Most mazda owners are nice....Im not so sure about a few of them though, just be sure once you get your ride, you post any "newbie" questions in the designated section. I've learned to do that the hard way.

 

[daztd]

no problem

don't forget that the 06 added the nice option of the turbocharged, direct injection, AWD model
[/b]

Exactly!! :drive:

 

[aznbruinboy]

no problem

don't forget that the 06 added the nice option of the turbocharged, direct injection, AWD model
[/b]

haha that makes me drool, but it's likely out of my price range.

Let us know what you get, and don't forget;

PICS PICS PICS!
[/b]

will do!