I’m very much attracted with how the 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring looks and that’s probably what I’ll buy here in Houston. However, I’m meaning to ask first, what can you say about its performance?

Sergio

Houston, TX

For sure, any Houston car dealer will tell you that you will have a nice ride with the 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring. Its rear-wheel-drive is power-driven by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder rated at a horsepower of 167 and torque of 140-pound-feet. The usual test car of a Houston car dealer for the 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring features the typical six-speed manual transmission. A drive test has recorded a run of 6.9 seconds from zero to 60 mph which is about half a second fasted that the previous MX-5 that has been tested. It has also been found that the engine enhancements for the 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring were obvious – it does not bog like before and the upper revs are not anymore wasted.

This MX-5 gives out a sporty roar that lies across a high-performance motorcycle and a Honda’s old-school VTEC. The shifter and clutch are among the finest at whichever cost because not like a lot of manual-transmission tandems, its shifter and clutch really feels smoother and more defined when hurried. Certainly, the MX-5 can use a little added power; however, any person who likes sports cars would have a sack of running this ragtop because of its closely spaced components.

The braking performance of the MX-5 Miata Grand Touring is away from criticism and fade is not an issue. One other powerful suit of the Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring is its fuel economy at an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city/28 highway.

I think the Mazda 3 is pretty cramped for me and my wife, and I’m thinking of getting something bigger but I’m tempted to check out the other cars out there. Should I even consider the Mazda 6 as an option for me right now as our ride of choice here in Texas?

Christian

Houston, TX

Say it with me, Christian, “zoom, zoom, zoom.” Goodness, that old Mazda ad’s stuck in my head. Okay, enough zoom with the Mazda 3, so let’s go big with the Mazda 6. Yeah, Christian, I still think the Mazda 6 is worth a shot for you and your wife in Texas. What’s there worth checking in the Mazda 6? Read on.

Well, if its space that you want, this mid-size sedan definitely has enough for both you and your wife and a few kids as well. Features raved by current owners of this car range from performance to driver/ passenger conveniences like keyless entry, keyless ignition, dual climate control, satellite radio, blind spot monitoring, rain-sensing wipers and even seat memory. For power, there’s a 272 hp 3.7 liter V6 Mazda 6 available, if you are leaning towards fuel economy, you can always opt for a 170 hp 2.5 liter 4-cylinder trim. These are denoted by either “i” or “s” on the trim level. Having an “i” gives you the 4-cylinder and “s” means you’ll get a V6. Trims range from i-SV, i-Sport, i-Touring, i-Grand Touring, s- Sport, s-Touring and s-Grand Touring. The differences among these trims just revolve around the luxury appointments and electronics you get in the car, much like those I mentioned earlier.

I saw a Mazda zoom past me here in Texas. I’m certain it wasn’t an MX-5, so it must be the RX-8. Can you tell me more about it?

Richard

Houston, TX

Zoo, zoom, zoom! Hello, Richard! Yes, it was definitely the RX-8. I think that you will be excited to know more about it. One critical difference from other cars that you should know of first is the 1.3 Liter Renesis Engine. 1.3 liter? Yes, 1.3 liter, its not your usual 4 cylinder piston engine, the Renesis is a rotary engine. I even read somewhere that Renesis stands for Rotary Engine geNESIS. Catchy? Being a rotary engine, this thing has less moving parts than the traditional engines that you are used to. This engine type is thought of as more reliable or durable.

Anyway, the RX-8 is available in 4 trims namely the Sport, Touring, Grand Touring and R3 which mainly differ on luxury appointments like moon/ sun roofs, leather seating and the like. But more importantly for speed freaks like us, if ever you’re going to choose an RX-8 to drive around Texas, do go for the 5-speed manual. I mean, having 9,000 rpm as a redline value, you gotta max it out with a manual. In terms of power and sprinting ability, the RX-8′s Renesis churns out 238 hp at 8,500 rpm and it sprints to 60 miles per hour in 6.6 seconds. There’s more to find out about the RX-8, why don’t you get yourself behind the wheel of one?

What SUV choices are there from Mazda? My wife is bugging me to check out some cars at the local dealers here in Texas. I’ve heard a friend mention the Tribute. Is it any good?

Alex

Houston, TX

Hello, Alex. Choosing an SUV usually depends on the type of use you have planned for the vehicle. You have to decide based on whether the car is for daily use or you plan on a lot of outdoor weekend trips. You should also base your decision on your expected seating for the vehicle. Do you have a large family, a lot of friends or simply a lot of cargo to haul? Let’s base our decision on these.

Fortunately enough for you, there is only one SUV from Mazda. This car has been around for quite some time now, so pay tribute to the Tribute. Space-wise you can seat about 5 and get more than 65 cubic feet of storage with the 60/40 knockdown rear seat. In my opinion, that is ample space for an entire family load of luggage or other gear. Depending on your use, you can choose from either the i-class or the s-class that have the 4-cylinder 2.5 L DOHC VVT that packs about 171 hp or the 6-cylinder 240 hp 3.0 L DOHC VVT engines respectively. Three trims are available per class and they differ in terms of transmission types (manual or automatic) and some cosmetic features. Trims available are Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. In terms of drive systems, there is also an option for 4WD available for all trims.

Have fun with the Tribute, Alex

I’m in the market for a sedan, and I’ve gotten curious about the Mazda 6. Can someone offer some advice? I want to schedule a trip to my dealer here in Texas.

Erwin

Houston, TX

Hey, Erwin, advice on the Mazda 6 is coming your way before you set off on your way to any Texas Mazda dealer. I have some friends also curious about the car. So, we’ve been discussing how to look for and appreciate this vehicle from the Mazda Company. One thing is already clear to us, though, the Mazda 6 is definitely a step up from its predecessor, the Mazda 626.

I’d first take a look at the available trim levels. For one car, this sure is confusing if I wanted to buy it. At the current model year, there are seven trims available. There are four trim levels available with a 2.5 liter Dual Overhead Cam engine (DOHC) with Variable Valve Timing (VVT) and these are the iSV, iSport, iTouring and iGrand Touring. Standard on these trims is the 6-speed manual transmission, while an option for a 5-speed automatic is available on the Touring, Grand Touring and Sport trims. All can rev up to 170 hp at 6,000 rpm. If you want to kick it up a notch, the three trims on the S models will give you up to 272 hp at 6,250 rpm with their 3.7 liter DOHC 24-valve 6 cylinder engine. That kind of power will come in handy for that sudden burst of speed when you are in a tight spot on the road. The trims on the S models, sTouring, sSport and sGrand Touring also differ from the four other trims with their 6-speed Sport Automatic transmission. In terms of suspension and drive quality, the independent front suspension and multi-link rear will give a comfortable ride in varying pavement conditions. One thing worth looking at is the speed sensing power assist for the steering system. This makes for better handling of the vehicle on different driving conditions.

I’ve always thought that Mazda’s always excelled in styling. I think I’m about ready to get one and drive it in Houston, Texas but got lost on Mazda 3 and Mazdaspeed 3. So what’s the difference?

Jeffrey

Houston, TX

Hello there, Jeffrey. Yes, you are right. In my opinion, too, Mazda’s got it made in styling. Evidence of this for me goes back to the days they came up with the first RX-7 and MX-5. Now we have the Mazda 3. Mazda, like any respectable motor company, has its own group that churns out sporty versions of stock vehicles. Mazda has Mazdaspeed doing this for their cars.

Check out the Mazdaspeed 3 at your Houston, Texas Mazda dealer and you will see some noticeable differences. You can see a spoiler, flared front fenders and that the hood is bigger than the base Mazda 3. The lower air intake is also bigger in the Mazdaspeed version. Underneath the hood, you’ll find a 2.3 liter engine that gives you an exciting 263 horsepower performance. Are you ready to say, “Woot, woot?” Over at the standard Mazda 3, you also get a 2.3 Liter engine that churns a reliable 156 hp. Handling has always been excellent for the Mazda 3. I’ll leave the Mazdaspeed 3 experience to your imagination. I guess, pretty much, you’ll base your choice on how you plan to use the vehicle. So, if you’re looking at a zippy, “fun” drive around Houston, you can’t go wrong with a Mazda 3. But if you’re thinking more like “Fast and the Furious,” go for Mazdaspeed 3. There’s my five cents of opinion for you, Jeffrey.

Tags: Houston Dealer, Mazda Dealer

Hello, I have always loved Mazda’s MX-5 Miata since it first came out 10 years ago. However, I’m being tempted to get a Pontiac Solstice, which I think has great styling also. So, what do you think? Should I be seen in a new MX-5 around Houston, Texas or go with another car?

Joey

Houston, TX

Hey, Joey. How are you doing there in Houston, Texas?? Wonderin whether you saw the photo of a red 2008 Pontiac Solstice or was that a Saturn Sky? I still get confused from afar. That’s what you get for churning out twins. Kidding aside, that’s GM’s issue. Here is what I have got to say about your dilemma. Stick with the MX-5. You sound like a true Miata lover and like all “loving” relationships, there comes temptation. For you, temptation came in a package called “Solstice.” Sure, GM’s packed this baby (and its twin, the Sky), with enough candy to make you salivate. So let me just say, whoa, whoa, whoa! Take a pause and a deep breather before making that leap, alright?

Now, allow me to give you some “counseling” here. I mean, you can patch things up and rekindle the sparks with a new MX-5. Like, what have you got to lose? Under the hood, there is still that 4-cylinder 2.0 liter engine that you’ve always appreciated. The 2008 MX-5 still handles well and, in my opinion, revs quicker than a Solstice. In terms of design, I do think the MX-5 is a classic compared to a ’08 Solstice. Oh, and the roomier trunk space is a winner for me, too. That’s why I’m sticking with mine.

If you have watched many movies or television shows over the years, then you most likely have seen at least a few different scenes that are set at various types of auctions. Often, the main character is eager to buy a particular item at an art auction, an antique auction, or even a collector car auction. These auctions that feature classic cars are often held at car auction houses, which are the businesses that handle auctioning off a wide variety of vehicles, from seized cars to classic cars and much, much more.

Some people who are not even particularly interested in buying a vehicle through a car auto auction still enjoy hanging around an auction house on the days that the auto auctions are running, just to take in the atmosphere of excitement and to do a bit of people watching. It can be a fascinating experience to ..

Source: Art Auction

Begin with the used cars

The most practical way of buying your car for most affordable price is to go for a used sports car. You can look for the classic sports cars like Fiat or Triumph,  which can be restored back to their old glory for little price. These pre owned cars will help you to save on ..

Source: auto

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