Mpv - Page 2

AussieV8 · 8 Dec 2005, 01:04 (Ref:1479306)

Steve its your opinion and Beefy you should try one for yourself as my cousins in Liverpool have one which they traded a Scenic in for it...

Looks like the Canadians like them..

Richmond Hill, ON): Today, the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) announced that the Mazda5 has been selected Canada’s “Best New Multi-Purpose Family Vehicle” for the 2006 model year. Mazda Canada introduced the Mazda5 in the summer of 2005 and it is the only compact-size, 6-seat vehicle available in the market.

“We are very pleased to receive this honour from the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada,” said Gregory Young, Director of Corporate Public Relations and Dealer Affairs for Mazda Canada Inc. “The Mazda5 offers consumers a very compelling value proposition and we believe it has come to market at the right time. It is nice to see that automobile journalists agree,” he continued.

Between October 25 and October 29, sixty-three automobile journalists from across Canada who regularly write road test reports conducted back-to-back evaluations of all vehicles entered in specific categories, in identical conditions, on public roads and on a test track. Points are awarded for a number of criteria including: styling/appearance, occupant environment, performance, vehicle dynamics, and safety features, to name a few. A price curve is then factored into the tabulations to determine the winner of each category.

Mazda Canada Inc. is responsible for the sales and marketing, customer service and parts support of Mazda vehicles in Canada. Headquartered in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Mazda Canada has approximately 160 dealerships nationwide.

SpawnyWhippet · 8 Dec 2005, 01:15 (Ref:1479312)

Incidentally, my car was the Merc E320 version, towed the trailer fine at 70mph uphill, and used to get better fuel economy when towing than my replacement Merc ML430 got when it wasn't towing.

AussieV8 · 8 Dec 2005, 01:51 (Ref:1479337)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andydickens

Have you thought about a Merc E Class estate? I find they have more room than a MPV, more classy, hold their value better and are a nicer drive. I bought a 3 year old one for about 40% of its new price, ran it for 12 months towing a race shuttle, then sold it again for the same price. You can get 7 or 5 seat versions with enormous boots and they have roof rails for those aero roof rack things.
Also, the people behind you can see the road ahead!

Gee a van basher now let me think you hate 4bees as well...

A Merc station wagon

thats as bad as a Volvo get a hat.

SpawnyWhippet · 8 Dec 2005, 02:14 (Ref:1479349)

Quote:

Originally Posted by AussieV8

Gee a van basher now let me think you hate 4bees as well...

A Merc station wagon

thats as bad as a Volvo get a hat.

Not bashing at all; why do most Aussies think that forming a negative opinion is bashing? I test-drove a variety of station wagons (estate cars), 4WD's and MPV's to see which was the best for me. The E320 beat the others in all categories, looked much nicer, and held its value better too.
Pic below:

If you had read my post properly, you will also notice that my previous car was in fact a 4WD - the Merc ML430. That however deserves all the bad press it can get.

AussieV8 · 8 Dec 2005, 02:25 (Ref:1479350)

Sorry Andy but as working class citizens wouldn't drive a Mosman Mums taxi....

SpawnyWhippet · 8 Dec 2005, 03:02 (Ref:1479356)

Thats your choice Dave, but I find a Merc costs less to run than a Commodore or ute as it doesn't go wrong and maintains its resale value. Horses for courses though.
My dad refuses to run what he calls prestige cars because of the cost and has always bought a new Renault / Astra / Rover / Ford etc every 2 years. I on the other hand buy a 2-3 year old prestige German car every 12 months or so, then keep it for 8 - 20 months before replacing it. When we sat down and worked it out, my total cost of ownership is comfortably less than his, and I get to drive a much nicer car into the bargain.

AussieV8 · 8 Dec 2005, 03:15 (Ref:1479361)

I see your point but as a loyal Mazda owner of over 20yrs I have had no trouble with the brand and resale has been fine. I will continue to purchase them even if I could and I can afford a German or European car.....like u said horses for courses

Lets hope whatever beefy decides on its what he wants and is best for he needs..

Bluebottle · 8 Dec 2005, 10:38 (Ref:1479557)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andydickens

I on the other hand buy a 2-3 year old prestige German car every 12 months or so, then keep it for 8 - 20 months before replacing it.

If they're that good why do you keep replacing them after such a short period of time?

Y'see, to me cars are not a disposable commodity- I expect something costing several grand to last a good few years, I don't expect to be replacing our Toyota inside 10 years.

SpawnyWhippet · 8 Dec 2005, 22:36 (Ref:1480063)

I get bored of cars easily, thats why. I sometimes am even bored during the period of driving a rental car! If I had a normal car, eg a Ford Focus, it wouldn't last more than a coupe of months. The longest period I owned a car before selling it was 2.5 years, for my first Porsche 911 (1989 Carrera 3.2). The next longest was 22 months for my current car (1999 Boxster), however thats going on the market any day now. Also, if you keep them for much longer, you lose more in depreciation and increasing maintenance costs. Its definately cheaper for me to change more, and suits my lifestyle. I am the kind of geek who actually looks at the depreciation charts of a car and decides the optimal time to buy and sell - it can have a much larger impact on total cost of ownership than the purchase price or running costs.