Thursday, March 29, 2007. Mazda CX-9 $377 a month, zero down!!! Today is a great opportunity to introduce our readers to the idea of "segment value" as opposed to "general value" with our second Lease Line review. The other day we reviewed the Mazda5 a very intriguing $17,000-$23,000 vehicle. Today we introduce you to the latest offering in the Mazda renewal, the CX-9. The CX-9 competes in the large SUV segment offering three rows of seats with a roomy interior that rivals much larger trucks such as the Chevy Tahoe. The CX-9 is a contemporary blend of style that takes many of it's cues from it's smaller brother the CX-7 which is also a great smallish mid sized SUV, {we will be reviewing the CX-7 soon}. The 5 represented a better purchase opportunity than a lease opportunity. This time around the CX-9 which starts at around $30,000 and can climb to the high $30,ooo range represents a better lease deal. The CX-9 is without doubt one of the best melanges of ingredients in the SUV market. This melange creates an appetising dish that is worthy of a win on "Battle of the chefs". The most endearing quality about the CX-9 is that it handles with the precision one would expect from a Porsche Cayenne not a humble family hauler. The interior is a wonderful use of space just like the Mazda5 we reviewed. Automotive Declassified is not the only outlet that has seen the "9"'s greatness. The cost structure is a little high ,at first, but when compared to it's "perceived" competition as well as it's "accidental competition" of ultra-high- line SUV's ,for which it can hold it's own, the "9" falls into a good price category. Currently the Sport model is leasing for $299 a month for 39 months with $3000 down at CT's Own Mazda-Volvo in Milford Ct. . Now for our uses if you use the formula that we outlined in our introduction to LeaseLine we divide 1000/39 = 26. The 26 is multiplied by 3 providing us with an additional $78 a month added to the $299 to create our figure for a zero down lease. The new price would be $377 a month. When we crossed referenced the deal with the Mazda web-site we found that the amount increases only slightly for the lease to $399 a month. Interestingly the finance rate was significantly higher at $518 a month. What a different situation from our last Mazda the "5"where the buy and the lease values were very close to each other. The only instance that would make the buy advantageous would be if you planned to put high miles on the "9". Even in that instance you could always refinance the "9" or purchase it at the end of the lease to avoid penalties for the overage. Now this represents an incredible deal in this market place which leads us to our next topic the difference between "segment value" and " general value". "Segment value" refers to a comparison of price values between a particular "segment". In the case of the "9" it represents a great value among it's peers. Now the "5" we reviewed the other day is nearly the same price per month even though it costs thousands less. Now this is where "general value" takes over. You must decide what genre of vehicle best fits your needs and compare costs between those cohorts. The "9" represents a better ratio of overall cost to monthly price creating the better value, but then again if you don't need the size and utility of the "9" then the "5" represents the better value to you. The "5" also represents a "buy" which means fewer overall payments over the long run. The bottom line is that you must always remember to look to your needs first before comparing costs, don't be swayed by good deals that will not really provide you with what you want. Automotive Declassified isn't the only outlet that has been signing the praises of the "9".The USA Today gave the "9" a glowing review that is completely justified. Mazda's only real threat of supremacy in this market currently is the unknown. Toyota has taken the wraps off their new Highlander that is set to debut later this year. Honda will also be introducing a new Pilot in the near future. Time will tell if the Mazda will become eclipsed by those titans of this field. For the moment Mazda has the stage and is an example of tremendously good thinking in the Ford camp, if only Ford had saved some of these offerings for their showrooms. So take a bow CX-9, you deserve it, and from now now on we are going to call you the CX-"10", for your perfect recipe that is truly satisfying.
