2000's Mazda CX-7 any good?

[FergusonTO35]

Hey folks. Anybody know how good the mid 2000's Mazda CX-7's are? We are looking for a small SUV type family hauler and have been seeing some pretty good deals on them. I know some have a turbo 4 banger. Anybody know of them having major problems? I'm a former Toyota tech and can handle most issues, really wondering if they were known for engine or transmission problems.

 

[Dub11]

@Redfin don't you have one of these?

 

[Redfin]

Negative. We have a 3.7L CX-9. Other than the *s-wordty water pump/design failure the car has been great.

Regardless, I would recommend them. With snow tires on, that thing is a tank in the snow.

 

[FergusonTO35]

Awesome, thanks! Looks like the non-turbo 2.5 is the way to go. You can buy a low mileage engine and tranny for under a grand, whereas the turbo version is like 2-3k. I've read that the turbo also doesn't get very good gas mileage.

 

[Dub11]

My mom has the 2.5 in her Mazda 5 its been pretty good and gets around 28 mpg.

 

[Steve]

Awesome, thanks! Looks like the non-turbo 2.5 is the way to go. You can buy a low mileage engine and tranny for under a grand, whereas the turbo version is like 2-3k. I've read that the turbo also doesn't get very good gas mileage.

The 2.3 turbos like to drink oil and jump timing chains when ran low. They also are dogs even with 285hp.

The 2.5 is a good reliable engine. The only issue with the 5 speed AT is i have put a few TCMs in. Good thing though is they dont need to be flashed.

 

[Steve]

My mom has the 2.5 in her Mazda 5 its been pretty good and gets around 28 mpg.

I had one of those till my wife bounced it off a few other cars...

My favorite mazda without a doubt!

 

[FergusonTO35]

Thanks guys. I'm a big Mazda fan, my daily driver is a 1998 626 2.0/5 speed that has been in our family since 2001. Nice CX-7's for a few thousand are pretty common around here so we will pick out one.

 

[Steve]

Thanks guys. I'm a big Mazda fan, my daily driver is a 1998 626 2.0/5 speed that has been in our family since 2001. Nice CX-7's for a few thousand are pretty common around here so we will pick out one.

Good deal!