Hoping to get back into a Mazda (a 5 this time) and was wondering if there were any big differences in the first production run (which is from 2006 to 2010 I understand)?

How about the interior? I was thinking especially if I am going to buy stuff like rubber mats, if 2008 ones would fit 2007 model (which I'm looking at).

Thanks!

 

The same car apart from

For 2008, the Mazda Premacy/Mazda5 received a mid-cycle refresh with updated front bumper, wheels and rear LED lights for Touring and Grand Touring trim levels. The automatic gearbox was updated to five-speed. The interior received a few changes to the dash including luminescent gauges, an updated radio control layout with auxiliary input, a rear A/C vent, and center console, and a full set of armrests for the first and second seating rows on North American models.

 

... and updated rear lights

 

Avoid the '06 / '07 Mazda5s, they had really bad alignment issues that cannot easily be fixed. They would chew through tires with wear on the inside edge.

I have an '09 Sport manual, it is OK. If I were looking for a Mazda5 today I would take the '12 or '13 model, no question. 6-speed manual (better gas mileage) and the automatics are also improved.

 

Thanks. A new one wasn't in the budget. I ended up getting a clean 07 with black leather, which was a score. I'll watch for the alignment.

 

So I checked out the tires and there's a little bit of wear on the insides. I don't know if that would be enough to say there is a alignment problem. If the car does not pull to one side while driving, is the alignment probably okay?

 

The alignment issue was toeing and was from the factory. This issue will not cause the car to pull left or right, but will cause it to chew through tires.

Do not buy the 2007 Mazda5, especially if it has already proven to have an alignment issue. Just avoid all 2006 and 2007 Mazda5s, only consider '08 and up.

Tell you what - look up the tire size and call your local tire place and see how much new tires cost out the door (~ $225 each). Do you really want to spend an extra $900 or so every 20,000 miles or so? Avoid '06 and '07 Mazda5s. Besides, starting in '08 you get extra armrests and if I remember right a better automatic transmission (5 speed vs. 4 speed?)

 

I appreciate the input, but as I said above, I've already bought one, and it's in very good condition. The 08's that were for sale were not priced well for what they were.

Was it toe in or out problems they were having?

 

They dont all have the problem - i have an 2007 sport and its fine i get about 18k out of a set of medium price tyres (£65-£75)

 

And ours has probably got 10,000 miles on the current tires and I don't see any weird alignment related wear on them.