Used 2005 Mazda MAZDA6 for Sale near Chicago, IL

An outstanding car, but not without a few weak points (transmission, visibility, warranty, fuel economy ... see pros/cons). Just be sure to carefully verify, if you get the 3.0L V6 from 2005 to 2006 whether your transmission is from the factory, and if so, is it suspectible to service bulletin TSB 05-016/06. On the upside: It has good power, outstanding handling particularly for a FWD car of its size, tremendous cargo capacity and flexibility due to the hatchback, reasonably priced, aggressive and rugged good looks. It is just all around versatile, flexible, reliable, and fun to drive. It encourages you to misbehave when you drive it... and I like that. On the downside: If you have the 3.0L V6, and it is original from the factory from 2005 until early 2006 ... be warned. You have a $5,000 timebomb in your drivetrain. Google search for Mazda Service Bulletin "TSB 05-016/06". Basically there is a defect in the transmission they did not fix in mass manufacturing until early 2006. When it rears its ugly head, it will cause the car to slip out of 4th/5th/6th and in general not want to change between them at all. The defect is in the valve body. A valve body alone is $1,500. A remanufactured transmission is $2,500 with another $2,000 in labor to install it. It is truly horrible that Mazda admits there was a defect but chose to issue a service bulletin instead of a recall. The transmission only appears in the 3.0L V6 model, and only the one using the Aisin made 6-speed automatic. Next time Mazda ... make the transmission yourself instead of getting a junk company nobody has ever heard of to do it. Also, the warranty was only 6 years, 60,000 miles. There is a fair bit of road noise at high interstate speed. And you must check your blind spot *WELL* as the rear pillars basically extend your blind spot. I'd recommend aftermarket side mirror bubble mirrors. You'll struggle to do much better than 25mpg.

Performance: Handles very well, good grip and steering feel. Accelerates with more of a kick than you'd expect from its 4 cylinder engine. Handles great, its got a good steering feel and lots of grip. Build Quality: Decent Appearance: Great looking car for it's price. Very Fun to drive.

The Mazda6 is an exceptional midsize sports saloon. It is fun to drive and has a comfortable non-abusive yet communicative ride. The handling is superb for a FWD car of this size. The hatchback adds a flair of uniqueness which is missing in many of today's midsize family cars. It also greatly improves cargo handling flexibility. And of course mine features my favorite option: the manual transmission! I would love for it to have a 6th gear like the automatic, but there is no way I would give it up for the slush box.

The car has great handling but has no power. Has average room for a 4dr sedan. Leather was comfortable. Bose sound system was good for a stock system. Overall the car has no power which is why it is not worth the money.

My whole family loves this car for it's reliability and endurance. It has great gas milage on Highway AND in town (stop and go) and a smooth ride to boot.