Hey, all. I'm ready to replace my current family hauler (XC90) and am leaning strongly towards a used first gen CX-9 AWD (I live in Michigan and we do a lot of winter travel for skiing). I generally like to pick up vehicles with a few years and a few miles on them, where the depreciation curve has started to flatten out, and do a lot of my own wrench work on them. As I start shopping, I have a few questions for the group.

First off, I'm wondering if there are any particular years to look for or to avoid. In particular, I've seen a lot of threads about catastrophic water pump failure, and am wondering if there was a redesign at some point to correct that (or reduce the likelihood). Any other issues to be aware of?

I would also like any input on good diagnostic packages. For the Volvo I've been using a clone of the dealer interface box and software, which has been a lifesaver (code reading and clearing, real-time monitoring of pretty much every sensor, service and maintenance manual, parts diagrams, etc ). Is something similar available for the CX-9 at a reasonable cost (a few hundred bucks or less)?

 

My 2016 CX9 has had exactly...zero problems. I've only done routine oil, filters, spark plug changes. The water pump problems were in the first generation cars with Ford engines.

The CX9 is my main way to go skiing. I put a set of Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 tires on it, and it gets me everywhere in the snow from B.C. to Utah to Montana to .... My model has the aluminum roof rails, and I bought a set of crossbars to mount a Thule box. I expect about 26 mpg on the highway without the box, and about 24.5 with the box.

 

Thanks, PTguy, but used 2nd gen models haven't dropped into the price range I'm looking at yet ($12-$15k), so if we go with a CX-9 it'll be first gen. I've read one post claiming that the water pump was redesigned in 2011 or 2012, but haven't been able to confirm.

(And yeah, the DMV2s are great snow tires. I wore a set out on the XC90....replaced them with Michelin X-ices which give up a little deep snow performance in exchange for better handling on clear pavement, and possibly longer tread life. Got Thule crossbars with universal mounts and yakima ski racks, which have been with me through four different vehicles and will soon be on their fifth)

 

07-15 had the water pump issue. 07-11 had a single lip seal on the pump, and 12-15 had a double lip seal. 12-15 is less prone to failure, but still happens, If you are looking at 16-20, I believe they have no major problems.



I have an '09 and use OBD Fusion on my iPhone and a Veepeak bluetooth dongle for daily monitoring of things.

 

I don't know if the US engine was different to the Japanese built model, but I've never seen a water pump fail in my 15yrs with Mazda.

 

The 9 was never built in North America and never sold in Japan. They (1st gen anyways) were built in Japan and shipped to the US and Canada.



Never? Come on. I've been in the automotive industry for over 30 years, and every brand has had water pump failures, because water pumps are a wearing part. As a vehicle owner, you are very lucky if you have never had to replace a water pump in any vehicle you may have owned. Before buying my CX-9, I did 10 minutes of research and learned of the water pump, PTU and transmission issues.

 

Thanks for the input, folks. Wife and kids fell hard for a well-optioned Flex, so it's all moot now. i appreciate everybody who commented, and wish you happy motoring.

 

Bronco Boy I never said the CX-9 was built in the USA, also I never said the CX-9 was sold in Japan.

Seams strange US sold CX-9s have water pump issues and in New Zealand & Australia, where I've worked for Mazda since 2005, I've never seen one fail.

And yes, I've never had a water pump fail in any of my cars, since I got my licence back in 1996.