Hello,

I am looking at a new CX-50 or CX-5 and I have a few questions and the dealers are no help...

#1 - MAZDA Connected Services - they say this is satellite-based and costs $10/month for Remote Start/Remote Tracking and Vehicle Disabling - is this true - I have a friend who has a recent CX-5 and he doesn't pay for anything and the Mazda APP on his phone and it works for remote start and remote lock and unlock - not sure if he has the tracking or other functions. What's the deal?

#2 - Mazda Extended Warranty - I had my last vehicle (2015 Jeep Renegade) for 10-years and I got the Jeep Unlimited Lifetime Extended Warranty - from a different dealer in another state and saved a TON... is there any deal to be had on an extended warranty? Is Mazda the best for an extended warranty or should I go with CarShield?

#3 - The 2026 CX-5 can be had with a BIG TOUCHSCREEN - what does everyone think of this new screen?

#4 - I am looking for a vehicle that can easily haul a washer or dryer - and I have heard the CX-50 was a bit taller, but now the new CX-5 is even bigger - I would like that, but I also have not seen too much of a comparison of the interiors - any thoughts?

Thanks for any pointers!
PAT.

 

Welcome to the forum

 

#1 can't help...the app was free for a year and then there is a subscription fee...i never used it other than the day i picked the car up and let it lapse...can't miss what i never used

#2 can't help either...i never get extended warranties...i just try to buy as reliable a car i can buy that will fit my needs

#3 overall screens are cheaper than buttons to build...i like buttons better...if the screen has issues you lose a lot of functions

#4 i thought the cx50 was shorter and a little wider...if i had to move appliances i would just buy one with a hitch installed and rent a trailer or rent a home depot truck...if you really want to move appliances i think a trip to the dealer with a tape measure would be in order

if you go to the thread about my car in my signature below you will see what variables i used in making my decision to buy the cx5...i looked at the cx50 as well but i found it claustrophobic inside for headroom and i'm just shy of 6'...cargo area was similar to cx5 (did not compare to '26 cx5)...cx5 still made in japan while cx50 made in us...good luck!

 

Most of what you have asked has been discussed ad nauseam in other threads. Searching will help. Good luck with your car search. As for your last question, I don't think either will handle a washer/dryer. I would suggest renting/borrowing a pickup for that type of work.

 

Your friend is probably still on the free trial period for the phone app features. You'd probably also get a trial period, the dealer might not have been clear that the $10/mo cost kicks in later.

 

I'm with others here who say no on an extended warranty, especially a new vehicle.
A good full warranty will cost you at least $3,000 a year.
Just put $3K a year in the bank and you will have enough for any major repair plus you can invest and collect interest on it.

 

That's how I'd look at it as well. Typically these cars only need minor repairs from typical wear and tear. I've had good luck with contacting Mazda HQ on a large repair and they covered almost all of it.

 

The extended warranty companies spend a lot more time figuring out how to DENY coverage than helping customers out.