new member - Mazda5 owner

[jandree22]

Hey all...

I'm Joel, got a 2007 Mazda5 Touring - 5MT. I've been over at GasSavers.org for a little bit, but recently saw the sig for this site somewhere and liked it better so I'm using Ecomodder's sig now Figured it'd only be right to hang around here too, why the heck not?

Anyhow, enough rambling. My goal isn't to get ridiculous numbers, but consistent 30MPG would be a nice goal at least in the winter, maybe 34-35 consistent in the summer. Being a 2007, I don't want to go tweaking it all up mechanically so although I've got my tires at 40psi, I'm definately more into mastering driving techniques and dicipline. I'm 24 so my biggest competitor is my young guy ego when people tailgate and cut me off, but I'm making progress with that

Hopefully I can learn some stuff here and eventually contribute some stuff back too! K, here are a few pics. Thanks for looking.

If you're unfamiliar with it, some pics make you think it's just a regular old minivan, but as shown here it's no larger than a Chevy Equinox. It's largely mechanically based on the Mazda3. (Please ignore the neighbors ugly shutters!)


Decent aerodynamics out of the box. Drag co-efficient is 0.29.


If the 5MT wasn't available, probably wouldn't have considered it... got lucky there. As you can see it's a 6-seater, bought it as a family hauler.

[ankit]

Welcome!
I really like the design and the way it looks, but is it spacey enough for 6 adults?

I know what you mean about the whole young guy ego, try 17 years old.

[Red]

Welcome to the site Joel

[RH77]

Originally Posted by Red

Welcome to the site Joel

You may have seen my review of the 5 over there

It was great: 4-adults, full compliment of luggage, and near-30 mpg.

Welcome to EM -- enjoy the site...

...and best FE to ya

RH77

[DifferentPointofView]

try 17 years old.

I'm 16 But I've always been really calm and patient, so driving fast isn't really me. calm and patient don't usually equal fast and reckless.

Nice ride. Haven't seen a stick minivan in who knows when.

And welcome!

[H4MM3R]

Welcome to the community!

[jandree22]

Originally Posted by ankit

Welcome!
I really like the design and the way it looks, but is it spacey enough for 6 adults?

Yes and no. Yes it'll fit 6 adults, but the 2 in the 3rd row will get a little cramped after a half hour probably... the leg room is a bit skimpy. And with the 3rd row up, there's pathetic cargo space. But I usually drive around with the 3rd row folded down flat and then I got 44ft3 back there. So the best way to put it, is good versatility. Either 6 peeps in a pinch, or 4 and a ton of cargo. There are a lot of family situations where the 5 won't work, but there are a select few situations where it's perfect. And I couldn't finish the mini-review without noting the sliding doors... they may not be the sexiest feature, but sure are a godsend for loading the little guy in his rear facing seat

Thanks for the welcome guys

[jandree22]

Originally Posted by DifferentPointofView

Haven't seen a stick minivan in who knows when.

Yep, pretty sweet deal. If nothing else it's great for minimizing drivetrain loss and keeping RPM's under 2k when accelerating. However, it's geared pretty short for "performance"... it is a Mazda after all, so they gotta keep up their Zoom-Zoom image I guess, lol. @ 65MPH I'm floating around 3k RPM, not terrible, but not great either. But can *safely* keep it around 50-55 on most highways around here though so not a huge deal.

[josm100]

Hi Joel, I just bought a 09 Mazda 5 (5 AT with manual shift). We have a Hyundai Entourage (14 mpg in town, 21 on the Highway) and I drive my 19 month old twins like a granddad. We decided to get a more efficient car to suppliment the van and this one fit the bill. I picked it up last saturday so I don't have an milage numbers yet. How are you doing on milage on yours?

[josm100]

24.5 mpg 100% city driving, very pleased.