Just got home about an hour ago after an interesting experience to get my 21 CX-9. I owned a 17 Mazda 3 GT manual that I bought new. I ended up trading in after a year for an 18 Honda Pilot EX-L, then for about 18 months, very much enjoyed a 20 Tundra Platinum. I moved back to SLC,UT and the Tundra was very much out of place. Too big to park, can't see the smaller vehicles on the highway etc. I also moved into a smaller house with a garage that I could barely get the truck into.
So today was the day I really decided to make a move to get a vehicle more suitable for what I need here. I found an 19 Outback 3.6r with only 2k miles. I was ready to pull the trigger but it had a recall on the fuel pump and they did not have it ready when they told me they would. Also they were reluctant to let me test drive it before I buy it, super weird to me. Around 4 pm, I contact my salesman at the Mazda dealership and told him I was ready to buy a cx-9(I had stopped by about a month ago for a test drive and loved the CX-9 but still needed my truck for my move back here). The GT that I wanted was at their other dealership. So he drove me in his personal Mazda 3 turbo, which by the way may be my next car if I decide to give the CX-9 to my wife. Anyway, we took the GT out for a short drive, then he attempted to take the CX-9 to his dealership but the manager was too busy to grant authorization. Long story short, we go back to the dealership and start running numbers. They offered me very close to what I wanted for my truck. Super easy transaction, I ended up getting a couple of grand cash, got a three year maintenance package and was overall very happy with the deal.
I will miss my truck a lot but very pleased with my purchase. I will be ordering weathertech mats as I do with all my new cars, cross bars for my ski rack, and a winter tire/wheel package for my daily trips to the mountains in the winter, and a tow hitch from E Trailer to haul my bikes on a platform rack.
So far, very pleased with the overall driving experience. Very comfortable seats, and feels a lot like my 17 Mazda3 just bigger and much stronger acceleration. I can't wait to put some miles on it tomorrow. It actually fits in the garage and the cameras are such a treat.
I will get some pics of the Soul Red Crystal Metallic exterior once I get some ceramic wax on it, but it looks gorgeous as is.
Take care!

 

Congrats and thanks for the writeup......surprised no responses from the forum but I've noticed quite a bit less responses here than on BMW forums for whatever reason. I'd be interested in your opinion on the infotainment system.....clarity of cameras and ease of use with the **** controller. It just seems to be a weak spot when reading reviews. Feedback appreciated.

 

The cameras are pretty good, the front camera is great for pulling into my small garage spot and for drive thru's. But they are not high definition, probably a few years behind. But after driving a 20 Tundra for a couple of years, it's very easy to park the CX-9. The **** controller is something I really love, so much less distracting than the touch screen in most cars today. I use to own a 17 Mazda 3 GT so the **** was pretty intuitive. The HUD is pretty nice too, I like it when I carving a corner in the mountains, keeps my eyes on the road, not looking down at the instrument panel.

Let me know if you have any other questions, the CX-9 conversations are virtually non-existent.

Take care