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Best bang for the buck new vehicle

Posted on 12/23/25 at 3:45 pm
Posted by TechBullDawg
Member since May 2014
2078 posts
Posted on 12/23/25 at 3:45 pm
I nominate Mazda CX 5.

Made in Japan, AWD is standard, 2.5 with actual transmission.

Right now one can be had for less than 27k in base model. A Carbon was quoted at 29.5k.

What others challenge this?
Posted by iwyLSUiwy
I'm your huckleberry
Member since Apr 2008
40815 posts
Posted on 12/23/25 at 3:49 pm to
quote:

I nominate Mazda CX 5.

Made in Japan, AWD is standard, 2.5 with actual transmission.

Right now one can be had for less than 27k in base model. A Carbon was quoted at 29.5k.

What others challenge this?


Father in law is a master mechanic and owns a pretty big repair shop said to never under any circumstances buy a Mazda.

Simply based on that, I'd never consider one, regardless of the price. They don't look too bad though.
This post was edited on 12/23/25 at 3:54 pm
Posted by BrianKellysRealtor
Member since Oct 2025
165 posts
Posted on 12/23/25 at 3:50 pm to
Just traded in a 2021 mazda cx-5 carbon edition, that vehicle was a complete piece of shite. Traded for a 2026 kia sportage that is in the same price range and comes with a 10yr/100k powertrain warranty.

Also, AWD is not standard on CX-5's.
This post was edited on 12/23/25 at 3:53 pm
Posted by TechBullDawg
Member since May 2014
2078 posts
Posted on 12/23/25 at 3:52 pm to
A Kia?

L
O
L
Posted by fightin tigers
Downtown Prairieville
Member since Mar 2008
76419 posts
Posted on 12/23/25 at 3:56 pm to
quote:

I nominate Mazda CX 5


You'll nominate something else in 3 years when you are back in the market because of a $8,000 repair that will total the car.
Posted by Bullfrog
Running Through the Wet Grass
Member since Jul 2010
60423 posts
Posted on 12/23/25 at 3:58 pm to
A Chevy Traverse maybe?
Posted by BrianKellysRealtor
Member since Oct 2025
165 posts
Posted on 12/23/25 at 3:59 pm to
quote:

A Kia?

L
O
L


Yes a KIA. Look up the warranties on that cx5 nomination of yours. They're junk, the transmission was about to explode at 50k and mazda said oh that's normal for it to sound like a 747 taking off when you're accelerating.
Posted by creolechef
Member since Mar 2008
323 posts
Posted on 12/23/25 at 4:04 pm to
When Mazda was partially owned by Ford the quality as you’d expect was just ok. Ford sold their stake back to Mazda Japan back in like 2015. So the more recent models are all 100% Japanese designed, engineered and built. Quality is way better. I have a 2020 CX9 grand touring and it’s the nicest car I’ve owned to date in my 30 years of owning cars as far as bang for your buck and quality. Zero issues to date.
Posted by mdomingue
Lafayette, LA
Member since Nov 2010
42813 posts
Posted on 12/23/25 at 4:13 pm to
Excellent vehicle. I has very high reliability and customer satisfaction ratings for the last few years. My Daughter just picked up a low-mileage 2024 for under 25K.
Posted by TechBullDawg
Member since May 2014
2078 posts
Posted on 12/23/25 at 4:14 pm to
AWD is standard on CX5 no matter the trim. Who told you it wasnt
This post was edited on 12/23/25 at 4:17 pm
Posted by fr33manator
Baton Rouge
Member since Oct 2010
133506 posts
Posted on 12/23/25 at 4:17 pm to
While companies like toyota and Honda rested on their laurels, Kia seemed to realize they had a reputation and worked to change it.

From the Sofia I had a decade and a half ago to the ones I've seen now, I'm impressed.

Was a toyota man for the longest time but they got lazy, went hybrid everything and up on the price.

Friend has a new sportage that's cool as hell. My next vehicle will likely be one
Posted by UtahCajun
Member since Jul 2021
3097 posts
Posted on 12/23/25 at 4:19 pm to
CX-50 > CX-5
Posted by Jim bean xxx
Member since Sep 2018
9009 posts
Posted on 12/23/25 at 4:20 pm to
I know u get a lot of bells and whistles on the cheaper models

No issues otherwise
Posted by UtahCajun
Member since Jul 2021
3097 posts
Posted on 12/23/25 at 4:20 pm to
Your FIL is one voice going against the tide on this one.
Posted by BrianKellysRealtor
Member since Oct 2025
165 posts
Posted on 12/23/25 at 4:21 pm to
quote:

AWD is standard on CX5 no matter the trim. Who told you it wasnt


Wrong, it does not. Sounds like you need to do some more research.
Posted by mdomingue
Lafayette, LA
Member since Nov 2010
42813 posts
Posted on 12/23/25 at 4:22 pm to
quote:

Just traded in a 2021 mazda cx-5 carbon edition


The 2017 redesign had issues until 2023; 2022 was the worst year, 2021 second worst. 2023-2025 have been very reliable; it is still the 2017 design with tweaks to improve reliability.

Posted by UtahCajun
Member since Jul 2021
3097 posts
Posted on 12/23/25 at 4:22 pm to
quote:

I have a 2020 CX9


Wife has a 2023 CX-90. Handles much better than a 3 row should. We really love that car.
Posted by 3deadtrolls
lafayette
Member since Jan 2014
6723 posts
Posted on 12/23/25 at 4:23 pm to
But then I'd have to drive around in a shitty crossover.
Posted by UtahCajun
Member since Jul 2021
3097 posts
Posted on 12/23/25 at 4:25 pm to
quote:

Wrong, it does not. Sounds like you need to do some more research


Weird, Mazda's website says AWD is standard on CX-5

Right there on top of the page
Posted by notiger1997
Metairie
Member since May 2009
61299 posts
Posted on 12/23/25 at 4:25 pm to
Honda Accord or Toyota Camry
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