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Introduction and question

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mazda_tres

New Member
Hello, My name is Jeff and I'm looking at getting a used mazda 6s(04-06 range most likely). I'm in the process of selling my 98 audi A4 and once I do I can get a new car. I've been a member on mnaudi for a while now so I know how the whole internet forum thing works :eek:

I have a couple questions though. I've been reading up on the 6s with the V6 and it sounds like you lose an extra 10-15 whp between the auto and 6spd? If that's true then it definitely makes sense to get the 6spd, even though I'm not the world's greatest manual driver right now.

Also, I've heard you can gain another 10-15 hp from doing a cai? I looked at the AEM one for about $250. Would that be the best way to go? Like I said, I'm new to mazdas but I've been very impressed by them lately. Any help you experts have is greatly appreciated! thanks


Jeff from Chaska


ps- here's the link to where I found my info:
http://forum.mazda6club.com/lofiversion/index.php/t80975.html
 
dmention7

dmention7

Hater
Those numbers both sound about right to me. Though some might encourage you to go with the CPE intake since it includes a sort of mini-piggyback that helps to further lean the car out a tad, increasing gains and fuel economy to some degree. It's a fair bit more expensive now.... $500-600 maybe?

Oh, and welcome!
 
S

Slim

Guest
Welcome! Those numbers are probably right on. However, FYI I know for sure the manual in 03-05 is a 5speed, not 100% sure but I believe it stayed a 5speed for 06-07. And yes the car is vastly more powerful with the manual than the automatic.

CPE is the best for the V6, gets the best gains, avoids CELs, but is the most expensive. I'm not the familiar with the Injen or AEM and whether they are more prone to throw CELs or not. But the 2 people on the site with V6 equipped 6s are running the CPE and love it.
 
Z

ZoomZoom Diva

New Member
Keep in mind the 2006 model is significantly different from the 2004 - 2005 in interior and exterior styling... and blander/cheaper... overall inferior in my opinion.

The manual is a 5-speed on regular I4 and V6 Mazda 6 models, and is definitely worth having. The CP-E intake gained me 14hp and 14 tq with a wider powerband throughout. From what I have seen, other intakes are not worth the money (even if they are less expensive) as the MAF customizer increases gains, eliminates nasty CEL's, and I have also found a solid 1 mpg increased fuel economy... enough to pay for itself over the life of the car.
 
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L

LASERBLUE135

Active Member
I say pony up some extra dough and get a Mazdaspeed6, 6 spd manual and awd, which coming from audi camp, you'll probly appreciate. Quite a bit more expensive, but the resale value will be there and they are selling for a very reasonable price right now.

there are at least 11 for sale right now in the metro and can easily be had for less than $20k.
 
M

mazda_tres

New Member
Hey thanks for the replies. I looked at mazdaspeeds but they're well out of my price range, unfortunately. And what are the big differences between the 04-05 and the 06+? I know they have a newer stereo (still bose) and nicer wheels, and fog lights but that's all I noticed off hand.

It also sounds like the CP-E intake is definitely the way to go if I decide to do that eventually. My first mod would be to tint the windows and probably wouldn't get an intake until next year. It also sounds like the 5spd is much better than the auto which I was starting to realize. Thanks again guys, any more info is great too!
 
Z

ZoomZoom Diva

New Member
At least what I can remember off the top of my head... and nobody ever accused me of tact, so here goes.

While the fog lights moved to the proper location from inside the headlight cluster, the housings are terribly cheap looking. The trim (front and rear fascia and side skirts) became far less aggressive, making the car look plainer and less sporty. The taillight and headlight element surrounds changed to a cheaper looking black plastic (speeds are different lights). Inside, the trim is darker than the silver trim on earlier models, but the ashtray cover and cupholder cover were removed, leading to a cheap and unfinished appearance. The head unit is no longer visually integrated into the center stack (it still is FUNCTIONALLY integrated, so it's not just a snap out HU) which also detracts from the appearance. The seats are slightly different, the door handle pulls don't match on all 4 doors.

On loaded models, HIDs and navigation became available, but are not likely to be easy to find.
 
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S

Slim

Guest
Here's a few pics to illustrate:

2003-2005 w/ sport package - Diva and I agree is far more sporty/aggressive looking. (I used to own one, see pic below)





2006-2007 Mazda 6 - Looks similar but the body kit isn't as aggressive and doesn't go as low to the ground. But has the lower fog lights and black surrounds in the headlight housing.


 
M

mazda_tres

New Member
I just watched my audi drive away from me today. It was very sad but then I remembered the huge wad of cash I had in my pocket and cheered up.


Right now I can get a decent deal on a 2006 with low miles and all the options. I think I may take a look at the car because it has more warranty left than an 04 and lower miles and I do notice the slight difference in styling but it's not a concern to me. I also like the newer wheels and the look of the new stereo. Maybe I'm just crazy... Thanks for all the help though, you guys are very knowledgeable!
 
M

mazdamn02

Guest
At least it gave you some cash before it left! LOL

There should be tons of mazda6 options out there, pay no more then you want to... Best of luck!
 
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