I have been researching the CX-7 for some time now. I'm considering getting one because traveling with my girlfriend and 70 lb boxer, who is only 9 months and still growing , is a pain in the ***. I'm still undecided as to whether or not I'll trade the 8 for it. So, what I'd like to know is what do you all think about its performance potential seeing as how it shares the same engine as the MS6 & MS3. I've seen some videos of a modified MS6 stomping the **** out of mustangs and WRX's. Any significant mods out for it yet?

 

I looked seriously at it but decided, in the end, to get my wife an Infiniti FX instead. Those 1st year bugs, even if they're minor, have me a little concerned. I've also heard the lag is pretty attrocious down low. It sounds like it might be a little underpowered by 2006 standards. It may be turbo-charged and, thereby, more tunable but out of the gates Toyota's new RAV4 and Honda's new CRV are as quick or quicker to 100mph. Not that my wife would ever beg me for an MBC, flash, and dyno tune but my priority for her next vehicle is to be the most complete STOCK vehicle off the showroom floor. Her priority is that it's silver. True story.

 

If you want something like that with good potential then the Forester XT is a good choice. Get a used STI turbo, top mount, exhaust, a couple supporting mods, accessport and you can push over 300whp for very little money.

 

+1, but im thinking that the cx7 does have potential. the forester already had the sti version in japan and etc, but the cx7 is still untouched unless they make a mazdaspeed version. i guess it depends on how much you're willing to spend. but i beleive there is potential plus you'll be different. there are a lot of built up foresters. sorry but i have no advice for mods.

 

Like a lot of other Mazda cars, the CX-7 will probably never have much of an aftermarket.

 

There's a dude at Gruppe-S with a really fast one. It's very clean. I actually found his cardomain page by just doing a quick google search...

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2158060

 

true, true..

 

Wow, thats nice and clean. I could pimp that!!

 

I know the potential of the Forester is amazing, but I'm not a fan of the styling. I would probably rather a used WRX or STI. How much would those go for used? I think what really has me interested in the CX-7 more than say a Murano or RAV-4 is the Adrenaline concept. I'm pretty sure some aftermarket manufacturer will produce a body kit similar to that one. I absolutely loved it. I also want all of the creature comforts available in the CX-7. While I'm pretty sure the mod potential of the CX-7 won't surpass the Forester, I think we'll see enough aftermarket support to make a big difference. All it needs is an ECU solution, downpipe, race exhaust, FMIC, bigger turbo and other turbo goodies to get the ball rolling. Thanks for all the input

 

Get a used Audi S4 avant. 2004's go for around 32-35k. The CX-7 is a fairly large and tall machine to have any real sport to it. You can also get a used SRT8 Magnum probably as well for cheap.

 

I have a copper red cx7. the potential is there, the mazdaspeed accessories have already build upgrades for the mazdaspeed 3 and they claim the cold air intake + the sport exhaust adds 30whp. Now that is the 3 and not the cx7, but same engine, different tuning.

As for me i'm to scared now to see the full potential of it, i have the 8 to mess with, i'll leave the cx7 to its suv duties.

 

Wow, 30 whp... A few questions for you if you don't mind. Are you impressed by the handling, considering its an SUV? Exactly how bad is the turbo lag, and will exhaust upgrades solve that in your opinion? Is the gas mileage better than the 8? I know I would go through withdrawal if I trade the 8. I can't own both since I'm trying to save money to buy another house for investment purposes. I'm thinking I'll get the CX7 and later on try to find a nice FD. I'll then be able to justify a 2 seater

 

Sorry but modding the CX7 is not worth it in my mind. Think power to weight ratio. If you want a "fast" SUV, look at the trailblazer SS.

 

+1, I drive the rx-8 and the wife got into the cx-7. It's a peppy SUV. We took a trip from Tampa to Miami and it handled in and out traffic pretty well I thought. But I think you'll be dissappointed if you give up the for it.