I have two small children and a wife. I owned a 2018 CX-9 Signature and a 2018 Miata Club Touring. I live in Ohio and only drove the Miata in the summer. I was tired of not being able to enjoy my roadster throughout the year so I decided to trade in the Miata and CX-9 for a Mazda3 so I could have something compact and sporty throughout the year. The wife is getting a Honda Odyssey to replace the CX-9.

Am I crazy for getting rid of the CX-9 and Miata for a Mazda3? The Mazda3 handles amazing, and the backseat is large enough for car seats. I loved the CX-9 and it handled like a dream, but it is a big SUV and I wanted something compact and low to the ground. Would you have kept the CX-9?

 

From an economic perspective, the move makes a lot of sense, however, the Club Touring is something I suspect you'll miss when the warmer months roll around. I'm actually toying with the idea of buying a new ND Miata and then relegate my TL for winter only driving. Previously we've had two NA Miatas and geez do I miss those cars.

 

I have been driving Mazda3s with 2 kids through high school and my wife has been driving Foresters. The theory was that when we had the kids with us, we would take the Forester. The reality was that I drove the Mazda3 regardless of who was in the back (2 or 3 full sized kids or 2 parents to high school games an hour away.) The kids have moved on and I am still driving a Mazda3.

I suspect you will be in the same situation. Justifying driving a small car since the wife has a bigger vehicle for when you need it for the kids. The reality will likely be that except for vacations you will take the Mazda.

You may want to see if there is a way to keep the Miata. Can you make it work by buying a used Mazda3?

 

Thanks for the replies. I decided to get the Mazda3 2020 and trade in the other two vehicles. It just makes more practical sense, and the Mazda3 drives very well. Just wish Mazda would put the turbo in that car, just needs a little more power.