DrDiaboloco

My gf and I are kinda-sorta shopping for a new vehicle for her use, and she's really hot for the CX-7. I like it, too, but I'm pushing more for the 6cyl RAV4 because it'll pretty well hang with the CX-7 handling-wise (close enough) and whallop it in acceleration, all with better fuel economy on 87oct gas... And are pretty much the same size and price with similar options (+ or - a couple hundred, depending).

But I digress...

My real question is directed at any owners or anyone here who knows someone who owns one. I'm a little concerned that the CX-7 might have power loss problems similar to the MS6, since they have nearly the same engine. Anyone have any experiences, either of their own or anecdotal?

dtorre

http://www.mcx7.com/

DrDiaboloco

Thanks torre, didn't know that site existed.

zoom44

diaboloc- it wont have the same issue that MS6 had because its tuned differently

zoom44

unless you use the cheap stuff there is a chance knock will reduce timing and throttle- causing you to not have as much power. so if you want to only use 87 ..... cx-7 requires premium. at least mid. you might get away with 87 in the winter.

DrDiaboloco

I know it requires prem. fuel, that's one of the reasons I'm wary of it... And of course I know it is tuned differently from the MS6, just hope that the same "power loss" issues don't affect it, since it's only barely got enough hp right now to be exciting (for an SUV that is).

zoom44

wont have the same issue the ms6 recall is for. the software doesnt have the same problem

Zoom49

We own both a CX-7 as well as the 8, which I drive. We bought it when they came out the end of May. Have 3,000 mile on it now and the wife really likes it.
Ours is GT FWD and we have been getting about 21 MPG in mixed driving with
Premimum (91) here in Calif. with no power issues. I usually drive it on the weekends when we do our shopping. We were also considering the RAV for the same issues you brought up. Styling on the CX-7 both inside and out is much nicer on the CX-7 IMO. V6 in RAV was smoother and quicker. Ride and handling were much better in the Mazda in our opinion. We drove both the Limited and Sport versions of the Toyota. The Sport was better than the Limited (Mushy handling) but you couldnt get any interior color options. We would buy it again in an instant. Too many RAV's here in So Cal makes the CX-7 much more unique.

Ike

You should also add the Forester XT to your list. Take a day and go testdrive a few of the cars you're considering and that'll tell you everything you need to know.

BlueSky

Forester 2.5XT is damn quick.

DrDiaboloco

I know the Forester turbo is quick... Damn quick, even. But the prospective buyer/driver thinks they're hideous, and I can't say that I disagree. The Forester isn't even in contention. The Legacy GT and GT wagon were considered for a moment (by ME, mostly), but they're a few thousand dollars more expensive than the other vehicles considered, and therefore out of contention as well.

As for the RAV4 Sport, another problem with that model is that it doesn't offer some of the options that the Limited does... I don't have the info in front of me, but I think it was heated seats and some other stuff that my gf considers to be essential. 'Fraid that the Sport model is out... Probably the Limited or nothing.

I don't disagree that the CX-7 looks better than the RAV4 inside and out, and may drive better too, just that the gasoline requirement is a bit more of a hurdle for a high-annual-mileage daily driver than one that is driven less often like my RX8, and the extra grunt of the Toyota can't be ignored.

Ike, since my original question was about power loss, how would driving it for an afternoon tell me "all I need to know"?

Ike

Well, test driving will simply tell you which you like better, it was a figure of speech. Sadly driving them won't give you the meaning of life or the secret to perfect abs. As far as the CX-7 experiencing power loss issues I haven't heard of it yet. Mazda has had some awful tunes and powerbands on their 4 cylinder turbos in recent years so I'd be skeptical.

kartweb

I've had my CX-7 for almost 2 months now. AWD model.

Very nice to drive. I thought the Murano was nice but now it's definately 2nd rate.

Most of my driving is highway. I get 24 MPG on most fill ups and drive a steady 75 MPH. It feels like a small V8, having power from idle all the way up. You would never know its an itty bitty turbo 4.

Transmission gets confused when nailing it. Too many gears to choose from. I'm still getting used to the slap shift which works pretty well.

I've towed a 2000 lb trailer with it. It will tow, but the transmission has fits. Fortunately I don't tow much.

Ride is a bit stiff, but then again it's kind of corvette like. Unlike the Murano I have no fear that it will ever turn over.

For the money you can't even come close for any other SUV.

It does like premo gas and knocks on 87. So does the RAV4 and the Murano. The RAV4 has more HP but a different transmission. The RAV4 is a little more like a truck where the CX-7 is more like a sports car. The Murano is a little more like a cadillac. The CVT in the murano is a really cool feature.