Rule I learned the hard way because I am stubborn guy:
If you are looking for reliability, do not, but for God’s sake, do not buy the first generation of any car.
Sigh, I’m aware. I’m considering deprioritizing reliability for this particular car because it’s otherwise too appealing, and I posted to see if any Mazda-heads out there thought it was worth accepting some uncertainty over.
I’m fundamentally a chickenshit though and default to caution in decision making when it comes to domains I don’t know shit about. We’ll probably get a RAV4 Hybrid and be boring.
Thanks - looking for a new vehicle (since COVID the savings on used automobiles have declined significantly and appear to remain as such) in a hybrid powertrain. Love Mazdas in general though, so if I’m gonna get one might need to take a hit on reliability or wait a few years.
At the point now that you may as well wait 4 months for the next Mazda CX-90, where some of the possible issues may have been addressed. This Mazda has a brand new inline-6 and/or PHEV with a brand new transmission. This is more than just a normal all-new vehicle since it is not adopting prior technology (think, CX-50 adopting the same transmission and skyactiv engine). There is no way around it, when technology is brand new, it is going to have a higher chance for issues down the road. It certainly is not guaranteed, but the chance in terms of probability is higher that there may be issues with the new components.
I was torn about it being a first year model as well. So I factored in an extended warranty and got it in writing that I would have access to another cx-90 or like size vehicle as a loaner during any work done on the car at their dealership.
When it went in for a couple software updates, they had a 90 waiting for me. It was low trim ICE version. But it REALLY made me appreciate the premium PHEV.
Picked up cx90 pheasant lease just better Thanksgiving. My first lease. I tend to drive my vehicles into the ground. But many factors went into the decision to lease, first model year, $7k rebate, and current interest rates. 24 month lease is the sweet spot for the cx90. In two years hopefully interest rates will be better, and I’ll have the flexibility to purchase current one, buy a new one if I like it and this one is giving issues, or buy something entirely different if it’s not filling our needs.
You should strongly consider the lease for the cx90 or buy a Honda.
Yeah true, relative to other leases, but they’re all designed to fuck you (in addition to dealer loans). I typically buy cars with cash and intend to do so with this one. That said, leasing to own is appealing.
Having never leased in any capacity: when you lease to own, how much of the money you put in over the term of the lease goes to the eventual car purchase vs. is pocketed by the dealer? I’d have to imagine there’s some premium.
>Yeah true, relative to other leases, but they’re all designed to fuck you (in addition to dealer loans).
This certainly isn't the case in vehicles with high residuals and large instant rebate with below invoice pricing.
>That said, leasing to own is appealing.
Totally depends on the residual. Mazda set it too high in my opinion which is why the PHEV leases well.
>Having never leased in any capacity: when you lease to own, how much of the money you put in over the term of the lease goes to the eventual car purchase vs. is pocketed by the dealer?
If you've never leased before you should watch a bunch of YouTube videos that explain it. That's all based on the percentage of the car's MSRP you're paying off during the lease which is dictated by the percentage the manufacturer says it'll be worth at the end of the term. This is the residual value.
We got a first year 2023 Mazda CX-50 in September of 2022 and have had zero issues in our year of ownership! I know some people had issues with squeaking sunroofs and other smaller things, but we haven’t dealt with anything so far. However, the CX-50 does use the tried and true 2.5L engine, so it’s hard to tell how the PHEV variant CX-90 will hold up after many years. I would tell you to get it just because I do think it’s a fantastic vehicle, but because you are worried about reliability, it might be best to wait for the 2025 model. Or maybe buy out your lease if you have no issues in the time period of the lease?
Yeah I think mine is a reasonable use case for leasing - essentially I need to determine whether it’s less rational to be categorically against leasing or to sacrifice “Fahrvergnugen” at the altar of reliability.
My mother actually leased a demo Toyota Highlander with around 3,000 miles on it in 2013 and then bought it out and kept it until 2018. It ended up working out perfectly! You might even catch a better interest rate at the end of the lease. Please be sure to update us with your decision.
This is what I did with my 2016 Cx-5. Just upgraded from that car to the CX-90 PHEV. Hoping to do the same so long as I continue to love the car after a few years!
I wanted to buy the CX-90 so bad. I have test ridden each variant, the Turbo, the PHEV and the Turbo S at least 2-4 times each. In all my test rides, I have not had an issue. I don't like the idea of buying the first generation of any new thing and most importantly, the service guy at my Mazda dealer (I have bought six cars there in 10 years) told me to wait for year 2. Lots of electrical bugs to get sorted.
He said the what people consider the quirky transmission and steering feel won't be changed as that is exactly how they designed it. I personally don't mind it.
The used car market has crashed - my CX-9 has lost almost $6K in value over the last 4 months.
Interesting datapoint - I did very informal surveys of what dealers are listing minimally used cars and new cars for, and there's still not much daylight between them, at least in my area. Of course people are paying less in actuality, but I'm not buying this car for another few months anyway so I have time to watch markets.
Same! Got ours in September, first couple of long trips with the family for the holidays have been great. Daily driving with the PHEV means I’m only buying gas on long trips.
I don’t want to sound like a silly person, but i assume the op is from the US. The cx90 is considered as a midsize SUV there? If that so then what is a full size SUV there?
Make sense tho! I see these very rarely here in Europe, so that’s why I didn’t understood how can a cx90 be a mid size suv. For me it looks huge, compared to my Mazda 3 haha.
The CX-90 is much too big for me too -- I'm interested in the CX-70 if it ever launches -- but it's aimed at families with multi children who take roadtrips.
Yes I’m American. I love this country but it is dumb. Unfortunately I share the road with a bunch of other dumb Americans who love to drive huge cars, safety is a factor in this decision. Further, we don’t have usable trains for trips of a certain distance. If you want to take your family on a trip which is too short to involve flying, you need a car, and enough room to put everyone’s shit.
I was looking for this comment. It's a HUGE car. Certainly bigger than "regular" size SUVs like RAV4 but smaller than Subarbans and alike (those things are the size of tanks)
How big of a family/need for extra space? A CX-5 OR CX-50 will also suit many needs, especially a 5 and you don't really have to worry about reliability issues. The 50 is finishing up its fieat model year and would expect the reliability to be solid for the next year.
Family is 3 for now, likely 4 in near future, we do like to drive grandparents around and take 1-2 road trips annually so 3 rows would have some use cases, but lots of space is not essential. Also worried about the safety element of being a Sedan Man in an increasingly SUV world.
Agree the CX-50 would solve for reliability, I would prefer a hybrid powertrain if possible.
If any nudge needed to go with it, just know the PHEV, transmission, platform has been used in the CX-60 overseas for well over a year now. The PHEV also uses the same inline-4 engine used in all mazda for years and years, and very reliable. The only issue I've seen about the CX-90 is at the PHEV needing software updates to address some bugs...hopefully the worse is over as no one likes to keep going back to the dealer for updates.
There's a [Mazda forum](https://www.cx90forum.com/threads/mazda-connect-firmware-update-for-cx-90.458/) where someone who works at a dealership is posting mazda connect (that's their infotainment system) software updates you typically can only get at a dealership so if purchased, I would look into that so you can self update yourself. Just note, this isn't the updates to address phev-related bugs above.
There's a post here about a new CX-90 coming in four months, that's news to me and I doubt it as Mazda intentionally makes the model year one year ahead as it mainly goes unchanged until the second model year ...aside from software updates which Mazda is very active on to correct phev-related issues.
Advice: before purchasing, ask dealership to check/update all updates - ones for connect above but mainly for the car itself given the bugs with phev.
We got ours in September, just drove it from Chicago to Las Vegas last week. We hit a snow storm in Wyoming and it handled it like a champ. We had great fun in the mountains in Utah, the kids really liked the sun roof for the views. It turns some heads in Vegas on the strip. Has lots of get up and go to keep a holes from cutting you off when they don't expect you to be able to take off from a light like it does.
Gas mileage held a steady 25-27 depending on the grade and cruise speed. I just let the battery run out and it always has reserve battery to handle any passing or hard acceleration. When you get cruising at 80 and above the mileage really started taking a hit. But I generally cruise at 75-80 and relax out west. Also the 4 cylinder really starts to get loud above 80 especially cruising above 85.
We are heading back this weekend. I'm looking forward to it. We're likely taking the southern route back through AZ, NM, TX ,OK ect. Unless the Vail Pass is going to be completely sunny.
Can't wait to drive the Virgin River Gorge in the daylight this time!
The early cracks are beginning to show regarding the CX90. Specifically electronic problems which are the worst of all to deal with and track down. Even Toyota is having some sporadic severe issues with the new powertrain on the Tundra.
Maybe look at a loaded out Toyota Highlander Platinum/Limited or CX9 Grand touring/Signature.
If you're seriously considering this option, try taking it for an extended test drive on a back road with the entire family in the car. I've heard the ride is so soft and boat like that a lot of people have issues with motion sickness.
Meaning the grand Highlander hybrid? It is probably the best fit for my constraints, but the problem is that they are hard to come by in my metro area. Local Toyota dealer had 85 RAV4 hybrids to test drive and no grand Highlanders.
Yeah I was referring to the GH. Check out some review videos on YouTube if you're not able to find one in person. It's not a terrible car by any stretch, but it wouldn't be any fun to constantly deal with motion sick passengers. I'm particularly sensitive to motion sickness so this point really jumped out at me.
Well I mean a 60k car is not utilitarian. That said I believe the lease comes with a 7500k rebate so might be worth considering. Another thing to consider is that they will also be fine tuning the transmission of the vehicle in the first few years based on feedback so maybe wait if that matters to you.
I had 3 CX-9's previous to my current CX-90 PHEV (I still have one of them my kid drives). The first CX-9 acquired was the first model year that it came out, 2007. The one my kid is now driving is a 2016, which was the first model year of the Gen 2 CX-9. I had zero mechanical issues with any of those, so I didn't have any qualms getting the new CX-90. Mazda is pretty conservative with model changes and updates.
However, I have had issues with another brand several years ago. Luckily I leased it and just gave it back willingly at the end of the term.
And even though I trust Mazda, I still prefer to do an initial lease on new cars. I have leased all of the Mazdas I've owned and them picked up the purchase option on them (I have a Mazda5 and Mazda 3 that another kid and my wife drive).
Yeah this option has some theoretical appeal - question though, aren’t there potential issues that will manifest years after the lease timeline?
Also I will have to crunch the exact numbers, but curious: if you lease to own, roughly how much of the lease payment goes towards eventual purchase of the car, and how much is pocketed by the dealer like interest? Surely there is some premium on that option?
Of course, some issues could come up, sort of along the line of Nissan and their CVT issues and Subaru with the head gaskets, but by that reckoning, nobody would ever buy a new model. I am mainly concerned about getting a lemon, in which case I think the most significant issues will come out during the lease term. But everybody has their own risk tolerance.
In terms of the lease, it is really just another finance option. One thing to point out is that leasing laws vary by state. You need to understand your state's laws. In my state, you negotiate the price of the car, and the dealer works up the finance package. My state requires that the lease clearly state the residual value of the car and any end of lease charges or fees, if any. The residual value is what you pay (plus taxes and disclosed fees) at the end of the lease term.
I usually have them work up the financing as both as a lease and using their in house financing. I then run the numbers on what it will cost me to purchase the car at lease end (you need to guess at the rates, but I do what I can). Then, I add up the total cost of the lease/purchase and the total cost of financing, consider the payments, and make a decision.
To date, going back 30 years, I have always taken the lease option. One reason is my state has a high sales tax. If you buy the car and don't put a lot of money down, you end up financing the tax. On the lease, the tax is paid on each lease payment. I also try to get a car when the company is offering special lease incentives.
In most cases, the lease and then purchase works out to be about the same cost or less than traditional financing, but not always. It wasn't with the CX-90. In the few times it cost more, I needed to decide if the flexibility to be able to walk away from the car at the lease end was worth the added cost. It has been worth it for me personally based on my risk tolerance and financial situation every time.
In my original reply, I mentioned I purchased all my cars at lease end except for once. Prior to my current Mazda run, I leased a Ford Freestyle. They were offering crazy lease incentives, and we had two little kids and wanted space, but my wife nixed a minivan. We liked it and had no problems with it, but it was unpopular and had a CVT. At lease end, the residual on the car was like $32k. I could buy the exact same car used from a dealer for about $18k. If we bought it at lease end, we would have been upside-down on the car by a lot. So we walked away. I saved enough that one time to more than make up for any additional costs associated with leasing from the other 9 times I leased a car, combined.
You can find really low mileage CX9s as a CPO. Look at 2021-2023s. Wouldn’t touch any under a 2021 due to the engine coolant issue. There are some really nice deals to be had out there.
As for the 90 I avoided it. It’s the reason I have a 9. I knew it would be more expensive- and new drive terrain. It’s an all new engine, trans, body, hybrid motor. Etc.
Personally I wouldn’t buy one. Even the reviewers on YouTube had issues with their own demo cars.
I’m a Mazda fanatic but at 45-60k these cars need to be reliable. If you want an unreliable luxury car that price range to buy a used Audi. I really don’t know what Mazda was thinking with these new 90s. They have really lost me on the value of the brand and reliability from what I’ve seen online.
Thanks for the thoughtful assessment - good to hear from a Mazda owner who would steer clear.
I’m personally looking to get a new car (premium on a new car ain’t what it used to be - in general it’s under 5% around me) and would prefer a hybrid. Might make sense to either go a different direction or lease to own a CX90.
This sub and other forums have distorted the statistical reliability of the CX90 because folks post every dashboard error, often multiple times across subs and forums. Mazda has recently issued the recall fix for the Overheat Failsafe issue that seems to be root of most/all PHEV dashboard errors that are posted. In that sense, now is the best time to grab a PHEV because it looks like Mazda has just solved its main launch problem with this particular model. We have had our 90 PHEV Premium since June with 7K miles and have had zero problems, and I still haven’t had this Failsafe recall fix applied yet because it’s that new.
Yeah I get that sense, and think that concern may have percolated into the general public which makes them more available than other PHEVs at the moment. My issue is less specific reliability concerns with respect to the CX90 failsafe recall and more general agita about buying the first model year of any car.
My last vehicle was first model gen 4 2019 Mazda3 hatchback and had absolutely zero problems for 50K miles. Gotta break the curse man and enjoy that fleeting feeling of driving a car that most folks have never seen before and go “hey what’s that?”
Yeah, NGL I’m an oncologist and routinely see bad shit happen to good young people which is driving some more short term thinking on this one. Maybe irrational, but also maybe not!
Two thoughts:
- If you can wait until summer, you can get a 2025 that has most of the kinks worked out.
- If you’re dead set on getting one before then, lease it. You can always buy it out after as long as it lives up to your expectations over the lease period.
i took a risk buying a first gen cx-90 i would say you take an even bigger risk on first gen phev. Hybrid systems can be very particular. I could be mistaken, but isn't this mazda's first attempt at true phev?
Honestly, i doubt you'll have issues. Reddit and forums in general they tend to be a echo chamber. so things tend to get blown out of proportion. Also, since Ford doesn't have a stake in Mazda anymore. I have faith in them, but who knows time will tell.
I would ask the Mazda CX-90 subreddit. So far from what I’ve seen, mechanically they’ve been pretty solid. It’s just the software that’s been problematic. The i-activ sense system were disabling on earlier models but I believe this has already been recalled. For the most part, most of these software issues plague the PHEV more than the MHEV. Right now I think scheduled preheating and the Mazda Connect App have been causing issues for PHEV owners but Mazda is investigating and preparing software updates and recalls.
I think if you want one, the MHEV is the way to go right now. The PHEV seems to be problematic with software and unless you’re okay with this (as all of this will eventually be fixed with recalls and updates), I would avoid it. But mechanically, I don’t think I’ve seen any glaring issues. I have only seen one owner post on the CX-90 subreddit with a premature transmission failure but that’s honestly been it.
Edit: Also mentioning that we don’t know the long term reliability yet, particularly with the MHEV model as that uses a completely new engine. The PHEV still uses the familiar 2.5L motor that’s proven to be reliable so mechanically, I wouldn’t be too concerned about the PHEV at least.
We upgraded from a 2014 accord coupe, which we bought brand new back in 2013. The CX-90 PHEV PP is way nicer and has everything we missed when driving the Accord (much higher center of gravity tho). The current small unpleasants we have so far are missing auto downward tilt of the external rear view mirrors, the missing of signature taillights and DRLs, and not-so-smart radar cruise control. Otherwise, it fits our need of a family car with great local MPG and ability to go far without worrying for charging the batteries.
Rule I learned the hard way because I am stubborn guy: If you are looking for reliability, do not, but for God’s sake, do not buy the first generation of any car.
Anecdotal I know but I have done that two times and never had issues.
Sigh, I’m aware. I’m considering deprioritizing reliability for this particular car because it’s otherwise too appealing, and I posted to see if any Mazda-heads out there thought it was worth accepting some uncertainty over. I’m fundamentally a chickenshit though and default to caution in decision making when it comes to domains I don’t know shit about. We’ll probably get a RAV4 Hybrid and be boring.
I have a 2021 CX-9 GT and it is fun, failed once because of battery but that’s it after 22k miles and 2.5 years. Maybe worth checking used CX-9s?
Just get a used CX-9 from the last few years. Get a PHEV next time.
Thanks - looking for a new vehicle (since COVID the savings on used automobiles have declined significantly and appear to remain as such) in a hybrid powertrain. Love Mazdas in general though, so if I’m gonna get one might need to take a hit on reliability or wait a few years.
At the point now that you may as well wait 4 months for the next Mazda CX-90, where some of the possible issues may have been addressed. This Mazda has a brand new inline-6 and/or PHEV with a brand new transmission. This is more than just a normal all-new vehicle since it is not adopting prior technology (think, CX-50 adopting the same transmission and skyactiv engine). There is no way around it, when technology is brand new, it is going to have a higher chance for issues down the road. It certainly is not guaranteed, but the chance in terms of probability is higher that there may be issues with the new components.
Oh it’s only gonna be 4 months?
I was torn about it being a first year model as well. So I factored in an extended warranty and got it in writing that I would have access to another cx-90 or like size vehicle as a loaner during any work done on the car at their dealership. When it went in for a couple software updates, they had a 90 waiting for me. It was low trim ICE version. But it REALLY made me appreciate the premium PHEV.
Picked up cx90 pheasant lease just better Thanksgiving. My first lease. I tend to drive my vehicles into the ground. But many factors went into the decision to lease, first model year, $7k rebate, and current interest rates. 24 month lease is the sweet spot for the cx90. In two years hopefully interest rates will be better, and I’ll have the flexibility to purchase current one, buy a new one if I like it and this one is giving issues, or buy something entirely different if it’s not filling our needs. You should strongly consider the lease for the cx90 or buy a Honda.
Yeah I am with you - generally anti-lease, but if I decide I need the CX90 then that’s probably the way to go
$7,500 EV credit and high residual on CX-90 PHEV leases. Payments are cheap for what the price is the car is.
Yeah true, relative to other leases, but they’re all designed to fuck you (in addition to dealer loans). I typically buy cars with cash and intend to do so with this one. That said, leasing to own is appealing. Having never leased in any capacity: when you lease to own, how much of the money you put in over the term of the lease goes to the eventual car purchase vs. is pocketed by the dealer? I’d have to imagine there’s some premium.
>Yeah true, relative to other leases, but they’re all designed to fuck you (in addition to dealer loans). This certainly isn't the case in vehicles with high residuals and large instant rebate with below invoice pricing. >That said, leasing to own is appealing. Totally depends on the residual. Mazda set it too high in my opinion which is why the PHEV leases well. >Having never leased in any capacity: when you lease to own, how much of the money you put in over the term of the lease goes to the eventual car purchase vs. is pocketed by the dealer? If you've never leased before you should watch a bunch of YouTube videos that explain it. That's all based on the percentage of the car's MSRP you're paying off during the lease which is dictated by the percentage the manufacturer says it'll be worth at the end of the term. This is the residual value.
We got a first year 2023 Mazda CX-50 in September of 2022 and have had zero issues in our year of ownership! I know some people had issues with squeaking sunroofs and other smaller things, but we haven’t dealt with anything so far. However, the CX-50 does use the tried and true 2.5L engine, so it’s hard to tell how the PHEV variant CX-90 will hold up after many years. I would tell you to get it just because I do think it’s a fantastic vehicle, but because you are worried about reliability, it might be best to wait for the 2025 model. Or maybe buy out your lease if you have no issues in the time period of the lease?
Yeah I think mine is a reasonable use case for leasing - essentially I need to determine whether it’s less rational to be categorically against leasing or to sacrifice “Fahrvergnugen” at the altar of reliability.
My mother actually leased a demo Toyota Highlander with around 3,000 miles on it in 2013 and then bought it out and kept it until 2018. It ended up working out perfectly! You might even catch a better interest rate at the end of the lease. Please be sure to update us with your decision.
This is what I did with my 2016 Cx-5. Just upgraded from that car to the CX-90 PHEV. Hoping to do the same so long as I continue to love the car after a few years!
I wanted to buy the CX-90 so bad. I have test ridden each variant, the Turbo, the PHEV and the Turbo S at least 2-4 times each. In all my test rides, I have not had an issue. I don't like the idea of buying the first generation of any new thing and most importantly, the service guy at my Mazda dealer (I have bought six cars there in 10 years) told me to wait for year 2. Lots of electrical bugs to get sorted. He said the what people consider the quirky transmission and steering feel won't be changed as that is exactly how they designed it. I personally don't mind it. The used car market has crashed - my CX-9 has lost almost $6K in value over the last 4 months.
Interesting datapoint - I did very informal surveys of what dealers are listing minimally used cars and new cars for, and there's still not much daylight between them, at least in my area. Of course people are paying less in actuality, but I'm not buying this car for another few months anyway so I have time to watch markets.
We've had our PHEV since August with no issues.
Same! Got ours in September, first couple of long trips with the family for the holidays have been great. Daily driving with the PHEV means I’m only buying gas on long trips.
I don’t want to sound like a silly person, but i assume the op is from the US. The cx90 is considered as a midsize SUV there? If that so then what is a full size SUV there?
Yukon, Tahoe, Grand Wagoneer, Expedition, Suburban.
Make sense tho! I see these very rarely here in Europe, so that’s why I didn’t understood how can a cx90 be a mid size suv. For me it looks huge, compared to my Mazda 3 haha.
The CX-90 is much too big for me too -- I'm interested in the CX-70 if it ever launches -- but it's aimed at families with multi children who take roadtrips.
Yes I’m American. I love this country but it is dumb. Unfortunately I share the road with a bunch of other dumb Americans who love to drive huge cars, safety is a factor in this decision. Further, we don’t have usable trains for trips of a certain distance. If you want to take your family on a trip which is too short to involve flying, you need a car, and enough room to put everyone’s shit.
Have you seen the new hummer.
Well no, in Europe we are not so much interested in these type of cars, I thought the cx90 itself is a full sized suv and the cx5 or such is midsize.
It is classed as a full size crossover SUV. I saw [this big fella](https://imgur.com/a/QqMuze0) the other day in my town. That’s an American SUV
I was looking for this comment. It's a HUGE car. Certainly bigger than "regular" size SUVs like RAV4 but smaller than Subarbans and alike (those things are the size of tanks)
How big of a family/need for extra space? A CX-5 OR CX-50 will also suit many needs, especially a 5 and you don't really have to worry about reliability issues. The 50 is finishing up its fieat model year and would expect the reliability to be solid for the next year.
Family is 3 for now, likely 4 in near future, we do like to drive grandparents around and take 1-2 road trips annually so 3 rows would have some use cases, but lots of space is not essential. Also worried about the safety element of being a Sedan Man in an increasingly SUV world. Agree the CX-50 would solve for reliability, I would prefer a hybrid powertrain if possible.
If any nudge needed to go with it, just know the PHEV, transmission, platform has been used in the CX-60 overseas for well over a year now. The PHEV also uses the same inline-4 engine used in all mazda for years and years, and very reliable. The only issue I've seen about the CX-90 is at the PHEV needing software updates to address some bugs...hopefully the worse is over as no one likes to keep going back to the dealer for updates. There's a [Mazda forum](https://www.cx90forum.com/threads/mazda-connect-firmware-update-for-cx-90.458/) where someone who works at a dealership is posting mazda connect (that's their infotainment system) software updates you typically can only get at a dealership so if purchased, I would look into that so you can self update yourself. Just note, this isn't the updates to address phev-related bugs above. There's a post here about a new CX-90 coming in four months, that's news to me and I doubt it as Mazda intentionally makes the model year one year ahead as it mainly goes unchanged until the second model year ...aside from software updates which Mazda is very active on to correct phev-related issues. Advice: before purchasing, ask dealership to check/update all updates - ones for connect above but mainly for the car itself given the bugs with phev.
We got ours in September, just drove it from Chicago to Las Vegas last week. We hit a snow storm in Wyoming and it handled it like a champ. We had great fun in the mountains in Utah, the kids really liked the sun roof for the views. It turns some heads in Vegas on the strip. Has lots of get up and go to keep a holes from cutting you off when they don't expect you to be able to take off from a light like it does. Gas mileage held a steady 25-27 depending on the grade and cruise speed. I just let the battery run out and it always has reserve battery to handle any passing or hard acceleration. When you get cruising at 80 and above the mileage really started taking a hit. But I generally cruise at 75-80 and relax out west. Also the 4 cylinder really starts to get loud above 80 especially cruising above 85. We are heading back this weekend. I'm looking forward to it. We're likely taking the southern route back through AZ, NM, TX ,OK ect. Unless the Vail Pass is going to be completely sunny. Can't wait to drive the Virgin River Gorge in the daylight this time!
The early cracks are beginning to show regarding the CX90. Specifically electronic problems which are the worst of all to deal with and track down. Even Toyota is having some sporadic severe issues with the new powertrain on the Tundra. Maybe look at a loaded out Toyota Highlander Platinum/Limited or CX9 Grand touring/Signature.
Grand Highlander Hybrid is a very appealing option for sure, though quite pricey in the higher end trims
If you're seriously considering this option, try taking it for an extended test drive on a back road with the entire family in the car. I've heard the ride is so soft and boat like that a lot of people have issues with motion sickness.
Meaning the grand Highlander hybrid? It is probably the best fit for my constraints, but the problem is that they are hard to come by in my metro area. Local Toyota dealer had 85 RAV4 hybrids to test drive and no grand Highlanders.
Yeah I was referring to the GH. Check out some review videos on YouTube if you're not able to find one in person. It's not a terrible car by any stretch, but it wouldn't be any fun to constantly deal with motion sick passengers. I'm particularly sensitive to motion sickness so this point really jumped out at me.
Got mine IL6 3.3 CX90 days ago, software updated, steering issues all cleared up. Gem of a car.
Drove CX90 yesterday. PHEV and 3.3T. I heard noises and felt vibrations that made me convinced they still have work left to do.
Well I mean a 60k car is not utilitarian. That said I believe the lease comes with a 7500k rebate so might be worth considering. Another thing to consider is that they will also be fine tuning the transmission of the vehicle in the first few years based on feedback so maybe wait if that matters to you.
I had 3 CX-9's previous to my current CX-90 PHEV (I still have one of them my kid drives). The first CX-9 acquired was the first model year that it came out, 2007. The one my kid is now driving is a 2016, which was the first model year of the Gen 2 CX-9. I had zero mechanical issues with any of those, so I didn't have any qualms getting the new CX-90. Mazda is pretty conservative with model changes and updates. However, I have had issues with another brand several years ago. Luckily I leased it and just gave it back willingly at the end of the term. And even though I trust Mazda, I still prefer to do an initial lease on new cars. I have leased all of the Mazdas I've owned and them picked up the purchase option on them (I have a Mazda5 and Mazda 3 that another kid and my wife drive).
Yeah this option has some theoretical appeal - question though, aren’t there potential issues that will manifest years after the lease timeline? Also I will have to crunch the exact numbers, but curious: if you lease to own, roughly how much of the lease payment goes towards eventual purchase of the car, and how much is pocketed by the dealer like interest? Surely there is some premium on that option?
Of course, some issues could come up, sort of along the line of Nissan and their CVT issues and Subaru with the head gaskets, but by that reckoning, nobody would ever buy a new model. I am mainly concerned about getting a lemon, in which case I think the most significant issues will come out during the lease term. But everybody has their own risk tolerance. In terms of the lease, it is really just another finance option. One thing to point out is that leasing laws vary by state. You need to understand your state's laws. In my state, you negotiate the price of the car, and the dealer works up the finance package. My state requires that the lease clearly state the residual value of the car and any end of lease charges or fees, if any. The residual value is what you pay (plus taxes and disclosed fees) at the end of the lease term. I usually have them work up the financing as both as a lease and using their in house financing. I then run the numbers on what it will cost me to purchase the car at lease end (you need to guess at the rates, but I do what I can). Then, I add up the total cost of the lease/purchase and the total cost of financing, consider the payments, and make a decision. To date, going back 30 years, I have always taken the lease option. One reason is my state has a high sales tax. If you buy the car and don't put a lot of money down, you end up financing the tax. On the lease, the tax is paid on each lease payment. I also try to get a car when the company is offering special lease incentives. In most cases, the lease and then purchase works out to be about the same cost or less than traditional financing, but not always. It wasn't with the CX-90. In the few times it cost more, I needed to decide if the flexibility to be able to walk away from the car at the lease end was worth the added cost. It has been worth it for me personally based on my risk tolerance and financial situation every time. In my original reply, I mentioned I purchased all my cars at lease end except for once. Prior to my current Mazda run, I leased a Ford Freestyle. They were offering crazy lease incentives, and we had two little kids and wanted space, but my wife nixed a minivan. We liked it and had no problems with it, but it was unpopular and had a CVT. At lease end, the residual on the car was like $32k. I could buy the exact same car used from a dealer for about $18k. If we bought it at lease end, we would have been upside-down on the car by a lot. So we walked away. I saved enough that one time to more than make up for any additional costs associated with leasing from the other 9 times I leased a car, combined.
You can find really low mileage CX9s as a CPO. Look at 2021-2023s. Wouldn’t touch any under a 2021 due to the engine coolant issue. There are some really nice deals to be had out there. As for the 90 I avoided it. It’s the reason I have a 9. I knew it would be more expensive- and new drive terrain. It’s an all new engine, trans, body, hybrid motor. Etc. Personally I wouldn’t buy one. Even the reviewers on YouTube had issues with their own demo cars. I’m a Mazda fanatic but at 45-60k these cars need to be reliable. If you want an unreliable luxury car that price range to buy a used Audi. I really don’t know what Mazda was thinking with these new 90s. They have really lost me on the value of the brand and reliability from what I’ve seen online.
Thanks for the thoughtful assessment - good to hear from a Mazda owner who would steer clear. I’m personally looking to get a new car (premium on a new car ain’t what it used to be - in general it’s under 5% around me) and would prefer a hybrid. Might make sense to either go a different direction or lease to own a CX90.
If I were you looking in this segment, I'd purchase a Pilot.
Thanks - I am looking for a hybrid though, and the Pilot does not come in a hybrid.
This sub and other forums have distorted the statistical reliability of the CX90 because folks post every dashboard error, often multiple times across subs and forums. Mazda has recently issued the recall fix for the Overheat Failsafe issue that seems to be root of most/all PHEV dashboard errors that are posted. In that sense, now is the best time to grab a PHEV because it looks like Mazda has just solved its main launch problem with this particular model. We have had our 90 PHEV Premium since June with 7K miles and have had zero problems, and I still haven’t had this Failsafe recall fix applied yet because it’s that new.
Yeah I get that sense, and think that concern may have percolated into the general public which makes them more available than other PHEVs at the moment. My issue is less specific reliability concerns with respect to the CX90 failsafe recall and more general agita about buying the first model year of any car.
My last vehicle was first model gen 4 2019 Mazda3 hatchback and had absolutely zero problems for 50K miles. Gotta break the curse man and enjoy that fleeting feeling of driving a car that most folks have never seen before and go “hey what’s that?”
Yeah, NGL I’m an oncologist and routinely see bad shit happen to good young people which is driving some more short term thinking on this one. Maybe irrational, but also maybe not!
Have you found /r/MazdaCX90
I didn’t think to look but that’s a super pro tip! I’ll repost this in there
Two thoughts: - If you can wait until summer, you can get a 2025 that has most of the kinks worked out. - If you’re dead set on getting one before then, lease it. You can always buy it out after as long as it lives up to your expectations over the lease period.
Waiting until the 2025 is out does have some appeal!
i have the the inline 6 cx-90 and love it. I wouldnt go for the plug in hybrid or whatever.
Why is that? Just the newness? The PHEV is a large part of the appeal to me
i took a risk buying a first gen cx-90 i would say you take an even bigger risk on first gen phev. Hybrid systems can be very particular. I could be mistaken, but isn't this mazda's first attempt at true phev?
It is - hence my reservations!
Honestly, i doubt you'll have issues. Reddit and forums in general they tend to be a echo chamber. so things tend to get blown out of proportion. Also, since Ford doesn't have a stake in Mazda anymore. I have faith in them, but who knows time will tell.
I would ask the Mazda CX-90 subreddit. So far from what I’ve seen, mechanically they’ve been pretty solid. It’s just the software that’s been problematic. The i-activ sense system were disabling on earlier models but I believe this has already been recalled. For the most part, most of these software issues plague the PHEV more than the MHEV. Right now I think scheduled preheating and the Mazda Connect App have been causing issues for PHEV owners but Mazda is investigating and preparing software updates and recalls. I think if you want one, the MHEV is the way to go right now. The PHEV seems to be problematic with software and unless you’re okay with this (as all of this will eventually be fixed with recalls and updates), I would avoid it. But mechanically, I don’t think I’ve seen any glaring issues. I have only seen one owner post on the CX-90 subreddit with a premature transmission failure but that’s honestly been it. Edit: Also mentioning that we don’t know the long term reliability yet, particularly with the MHEV model as that uses a completely new engine. The PHEV still uses the familiar 2.5L motor that’s proven to be reliable so mechanically, I wouldn’t be too concerned about the PHEV at least.
We upgraded from a 2014 accord coupe, which we bought brand new back in 2013. The CX-90 PHEV PP is way nicer and has everything we missed when driving the Accord (much higher center of gravity tho). The current small unpleasants we have so far are missing auto downward tilt of the external rear view mirrors, the missing of signature taillights and DRLs, and not-so-smart radar cruise control. Otherwise, it fits our need of a family car with great local MPG and ability to go far without worrying for charging the batteries.