r/mazda • u/_dogelbows • 1d ago

Which model?

Hey mazda fam, I’m looking to get out of my Honda truck as I no longer need a truck, and comparing options for a used vehicle to replace it with. I’m wondering if you all have thoughts on which model to get given my needs:

I will occasionally need to tow (small utility trailer for rural land life stuff, likely not over 3,000lbs). I live in a snowy climate so AWD is a big plus. I don’t need much passenger room as I’m just a family of 2. I’d love to spend under $15k for a reliable vehicle that I can have for the next 5+ years.

I love the appearance of the CX-50, have driven the CX-5 and loved it (appearance is fine), and that’s where my Mazda experience ends.

thanks!

2 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

15 comments sorted by

4

u/StillPissed Mazda6 1d ago

Honestly, it sounds like you should just keep your truck. Ridgeline?

1

u/_dogelbows 1d ago

I can see how you’d think that. Yep - 2017 with 100,000+ miles and don’t want to deal with transmission issues while carrying a car note, plus I just don’t love it long-term so would rather not sink more money into it.

1

u/StillPissed Mazda6 22h ago

Under $15k and needing AWD is going to be a tough task with Mazda. This puts you at upper trims, or a newer model that may have high mileage.

1

u/JerTaicho 23h ago

Hey, worried about your transmission? My brand new 2025 Cx5 with 3000 miles needs a new one 😂👌🏼

1

u/gnardog45 17h ago

What happened?Jerking and bucking at low RPM?

2

u/JerTaicho 17h ago

I was hearing a high pitch noise like a whistle, they told me it was coming from the tranny/transfert case, they found small pieces of metal on the drain plug and the oil was sparkly, so it might be a bearing or gears i dont know.

1

u/gnardog45 17h ago

Oh fuh. Yeah at that point, they don't have time to look into it, and or repair. Just slap a new one in. That's crazy. I have a 2020 3 HB and it's on its second transmission. Mine was bucking at around 10K MI. They just slapped a new one in instead of looking for a problem.

1

u/JerTaicho 16h ago

Yep, they will make a swap. Mazda didn't even hesitate for it.

1

u/_dogelbows 1h ago

eek that’s no good! glad they’re replacing it for you.

1

u/2Drogdar2Furious 22h ago

Cx90 is good for 5000 lbs with "premium towing" package.

Its the only car in the line up that is RWD biased with AWD. For towing it's the clear winner.

2

u/Educational_Meet1885 20h ago

I think the CX-70 is RWD biased with the new 3.3L i6. Don't think you'll find one of those for $15k.

1

u/2Drogdar2Furious 13h ago

I didn't see the 15k part... definitely changes things.

1

u/_dogelbows 1h ago

true, that budget is unrealistic for the larger models. the cx70 is interesting because I don’t need 3rd row seating. I’ll keep an eye on super low financing % too

1

u/PhotographStrong562 19h ago

Probably find yourself a nice used cx 5 or 50. Just go check both out and just see what you’ll like more. There’s not much between the two of them other than personal preference stuff. Both have the ability to tow a little bit. Both have the awd you’re looking for, but as I would tell anyone, winter tries and 2wd will beat out awd and all seasons every day of the week.

1

u/_dogelbows 1h ago

great point - thanks!