[mike5809]

Well after owning BMWs for nearly 10 years I am now "bmw-less". My wife and I are purchasing a new home and we wanted to downsize; plus her SUV is getting a ton of miles so we purchased a new SUV and the plan is to pay it off in 2-3 years, at which time my wife will take it the new SUV I will get a M3 and drive our old SUV in the winter. We are completely against 2 car payments so this made most sense for us.

It's hard going from a 460 lbs tq (to the wheels) to a small 4 cyl. SUV But I have to admit it's a nice car! A 2016 Mazda CX-5 - Grand Touring. It rides well, has a surprising sporty feel. Also has all the comforts of what I expect in a BMW; Sport Seats, Nav, Heated Leather, Comfort Access, Bind Spot Monitor, Bluetooth Streaming, etc.

So far I'm really happy with it! My wife has had her SUV since new in 2005. Hopefully this will make a good replacement and last as long.

So long all; I will be lurking and eventually be back!

[924er]

Looks great. I bought an NX200t for my wife recently and she loves it. I like it too. Didn't get rid of my 335i tho never that!
Your Mazda looks exactly the same from the back compared to the nx. Yours looks a lot better than the base model that's for sure

[cpie168]

OMG those alloys wheels on the CX-5 look amazing!! Congrats on the new ride!

[///Mposter]

Interior really looks like a mix of the Acura RDX interior and the BMW X1/X3.
I understand your feeling of giving up the horsepower. I test drove a new Honda Accord 4 cylinder a couple of years ago and had the expectation of acceleration of my vehicle. That almost led to an accident while test driving , as I couldn't make it through the fast yellow light . After that I was thinking that either my driving style will have to change or I would need a 6 cylinder . I ended up with an x3 (35i), so it worked out. Your car is very nice ! I may have to take a peek at dealer to see it in person.

[mashimarho]

Congrats on the new purchase. And, best of luck with growing into the family!

[RaidersFan]

Where's the 3rd pedal?

[RaidersFan]

Honestly, that is a super fun (and affordable) car. You can forget the $8k/year deprecation that you are used to! Drive this, pay it off, then get the new toy!

[Deluxx3]

I actually dig the aggressive looks of the new Mazdas.
I also love that color, OP

P.S. Don't leave us, you're always welcome to hang around whether or not you have a BMW! Best of luck to you family!

[b1mmr]

Sick ride man, I think if I jumped ship I'd be going for an Audi.

[bena1701]

CX-5 is great. Pretty fun for sure what it is. That trim includes the Bose sound system I'm guessing? Enjoy!

[blacknbean]

cx-5 is a great car! i plan to pick one up as my next ride. congrats!

[Miller335]

Ive been seriously impressed with Mazda's line up over the last so many years.
If i was buying another Japanese car I'll be giving Mazda my money I think.

[kiel_dafo_kenyg_as]

[Bob Shiftright]

Originally Posted by dawgcatching

Where's the 3rd pedal?

That requires the 155HP motor and FWD.

(At least it's a 6-speed.)

[chi2410]

Nice SUV men congratulations, i like it.

[PG]

Good choice mate. Dad just bought the same thing in silver a few months ago and we've had no issues. It's real nice to drive and comfy. I think a lot of parts seemed to be "inspired" by BMW like the Idrive/Mazda Connect. The system in this I think is much better...

[Nitrousbird]

I'm confused; you are prepping to buy a house so the smart financial move is to buy a brand new vehicle? I have to be missing something here.

[HouseN54]

Originally Posted by Nitrousbird

I'm confused; you are prepping to buy a house so the smart financial move is to buy a brand new vehicle? I have to be missing something here.

This

[PTinVT]

Originally Posted by Nitrousbird

I'm confused; you are prepping to buy a house so the smart financial move is to buy a brand new vehicle? I have to be missing something here.

It's all about saving money and debt ratios, so the payments and expected depreciation - and maintenance - is probably lower all around this way.

I applaud the decision to take a hit on the car performance factor for a long-term financial win. Too many younger people live to the top of their credit limit, without saving any money.

And you're going to have much more fun in a Mazda than a Toyot-uh or a Hond-uh Enjoy.

[mike5809]

Thanks All; much more support than I anticipated

Originally Posted by PTinVT

It's all about saving money and debt ratios, so the payments and expected depreciation - and maintenance - is probably lower all around this way.

I applaud the decision to take a hit on the car performance factor for a long-term financial win. Too many younger people live to the top of their credit limit, without saving any money.

And you're going to have much more fun in a Mazda than a Toyot-uh or a Hond-uh Enjoy.

^ Above...this is exactly right. The vehicle fit better in our three year plan than the 335. Payments are less, cost of ownership is less, and debt ratio is less. We are DINKS in our 30s, with a good savings and annual income and this vehicle fit our needs perfectly. We were looking for a new SUV that had low cost of ownership, worry free, and would last us 8-10 years. Hopefully this is it!

I put 175 miles on it so far and it has been a fun time. Truly is a great little SUV. I was looking at the x3 but this was about 20k less and had more options, I think I made a good decision. Very happy with our decision.

[mike5809]

Originally Posted by PG_DC5

Good choice mate. Dad just bought the same thing in silver a few months ago and we've had no issues. It's real nice to drive and comfy. I think a lot of parts seemed to be "inspired" by BMW like the Idrive/Mazda Connect. The system in this I think is much better...

Agreed, a lot of the features and interior are very reminiscent of the BMW. How does your father like it so far?

[Wingnut335]

Although the features/layout of the cx-5 may somewhat resemble a bmw (E90 in particular), I found the feel and built quality to be nowhere the same. I looked into purchasing the cx-5 earlier this year, but wasn't happy with the engine feel and ride.