Okay I have a very crappy 01 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 AWD, and I'm very unhappy, so I hoping to find happiness with this CX-7, it's certified and has just over 20k mi. on it, what should I be checking for before I make this buy.

 

Make sure it has the new functional lower door seals
Make sure all reflashes for TCU and ECU have been performed. Lists and links to these are available.
Make sure there are no leaks from rear differential or axle boots.
Make sure all normal maintenance was done on time by dealer or equvalent mechanic.

 

Hope you don't mind 17 to 18 mpg in town

 

Have a dealer pull all of the service records on it. Make sure that all of the recalls were done. If you can't get the info from the dealer make sure that the seller gives you the written proof that the recalls were done. I believe that the dealers are required to provide such to the owners.

I have a 2007 GT model base and I hate that there is no MP3 jack. I passed on that assuming that the FM transmitter adapters would work okay, but the one I got, sucks. The cheapskates didn't provided lighted vanity mirrors and that sucks too. The bumper is soft and easily scratches from luggage. Mine was in the shop 5 times, all for emission systems software problems. Mileage can suck if you drive it hard.