I'm sick of auto trans and need a family car. Does the Mazda5 manual trans suck? I've searched here and read of premature clutch wear. I don't want to deal with that. Are there any other competing 3rd row manual trans family cars out there?

 

As I understand it, the Mazda5 has the same manual gearbox as the Mazda3, and there are no known clutch issues with the Mazda3.

 

How common are manual transmission cars? I've been searching the used ones today and found not a single one!

 

We bought a manual, and we LOVE it... no problems at all ... i think the clutch issues are rare - and honestly, I bet you could find some people with that clutch issue for any make or model with a manual transmission - take what you read in the forums with a grain of salt, cause the select few who have weird problems will almost always complain in the forums (I know I would) but those who are totally happy and problem free don't go out looking to post: "My clutch is awesome" messages.

I would not buy this car in an automatic... but in a manual I love it

 

Right, I wouldn't either. I'll keep looking.

 

Not sure if you are looking for new or used - in our case, we were buying new, and we told the dealer what we wanted, and they searched and found it. Our car was destined for another dealership, and was also still on the boat in Vancouver (BC). They negotiated with the other dealer and made a trade or something to get us what we wanted. If you buy new, they will search high and low to find what you want.

In our case, there was were only two cars in western Canada that were exactly what we wanted. One in Alberta, and the one on the boat in Vancouver. In the end, it took us only a week to get our car, so it wasn't too bad.

 

These are MAZDAS we're talking about here. Zoom-Zoom and all that? Get the manual. The autos suck. The "Sport Shift" feature is a joke. Nothing more than another way of shifting the same old autotragic... and the reaction from the trans is just as slow.

Nuff said.

 

Yes, I'd just buy one of the big bloated v6 suvs/vans if I was going to go auto. I want a daily commuter I can rev the snot out of. Not that I expect it to be fast. Quite the opposite, I enjoy the satisfaction of rowing the gears of a little four banger to wring every last drop of power out of.. Not losing my license in the process is a bonus.

 

With an engine size that of the Mazda I wouldn't have an automatic change, manual would always be my preference. As another member has already said clutch problems can be encountered on any model of vehicle. I wouldn't ever consider an auto on anything less than a 2.5 engine.

 

Here is another thought...

If the clutch issue from a couple users is scaring you towards an automatic, consider the following:

Clutch replacement approximately: $1400
Upgrade to automatic transmission: $1200ish I think

So if you really want the manual, chances are your clutch will be fine (at least if you know how to drive) And in the off chance that you have to replace it, you will be in the same financial boat as if you bought the automatic in the first place. BUT If the clutch lasts as it should, and most likely will, you'd still be ahead.

ALSO, if you plan on keeping hte car for a very long time, should the unfortunate day ever come that you need to replace the transmission, a manual tranny is much cheaper to replace! (not sure on the actual cost). BUT Also, the manual transmision is also more likely to last much longer than an automatic.

I have heard of MANY people who have had to replace automatic transmissions for a variety of vehicles (including a 2003? MPV) - but in my life I have NEVER heard of a single person having to replace a manual transmission... I am sure it happens, just far less common.... so super long term, the manual is probably financially beneficial that way too