Should I Buy a Mazda Tribute?
Reader’s Question:
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
Should I Buy a Used Or New Mazda 6?
Reader’s Question:
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.