After going through several different cars, it was not until Mr. Nguyen Anh Vu took the wheel of the Mazda CX-9 that he found the right car for his needs. When it came time to switch cars, Mr. Vu remained loyal to the Mazda brand and purchased a used 2021 CX-8.
The Mazda CX-8 is the largest 7-seater SUV from the Japanese brand in Vietnam. It competes with many rivals in the market such as the Hyundai SantaFe, Kia Sorento… Not as famous as its sibling, the Mazda CX-5, the CX-8 quietly attracts consumers.
We had a conversation with Mr. Nguyen Anh Vu, the owner of a Mazda CX-8, to learn more about his passion and love for Mazda’s SUVs.
Hello Mr. Vu! Please share a few words about the Mazda CX-8 that you currently own.
Hello, everyone. I am Nguyen Anh Vu and I currently work in journalism. I just bought the Mazda CX-8 this year, in 2023. Unlike most people, I bought a used CX-8. I purchased this car through a used car dealership, and including the cost of the car and additional accessories I bought, the total cost was less than 900 million.
At the time of purchase, the car had already traveled 17,000 km. The previous owner didn’t drive much, partly due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, so the car was mostly kept at home and its condition was almost like new. Compared to the price of 1.4 billion for a new car, the amount I spent on the used car can be considered quite a good deal.
Mr. Vu with his Mazda CX8, the highest-end Premium 2.5L, AWD
Apart from the low cost compared to buying new cars, what other reasons led you to choose the Mazda CX-8?
The Mazda CX-8 is a flagship SUV, so it has a full range of advanced technologies and amenities. It is easy to drive in urban areas and comfortable for long journeys. The 2.5L engine is powerful enough for the weight of the car and suitable for long trips.
The car also has automatic driving assistance systems, making it comfortable to drive on long trips. My family often goes on long trips, so I looked for a car with 3 criteria: 7 seats, four-wheel drive, and full amenities. The 7-seater configuration provides comfort for passengers, and the four-wheel drive helps the car handle well in all terrains.
Considering the criteria of a 7-seater car, four-wheel drive, and ample amenities, there are many different models on the market for you to choose from, such as the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest… And the prices of used cars are quite reasonable. Why didn’t you choose these two models?
Initially, I had two options: the 2018-2019 Ford Explorer and the Mazda CX-8. Both cars were within the same price range. Personally, I also liked the Ford Explorer because of its beautiful, large, and masculine design, but it didn’t meet with my wife’s approval. My wife wanted to be able to drive the car herself on occasion, so we needed a more suitable car for her. At that time, the Mazda CX-8 met this criterion.
The Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest were not suitable for the needs of my wife and me. These two cars are more suitable for construction sites and off-road driving rather than for family use.
The Mazda CX-8 has 3 rows of seats, and when not needed, the third row can be folded down, providing ample space for luggage.
So what do you think of the Hyundai SantaFe and Kia Sorento?
I think these two models are inferior to the CX-9. As a 7-seater car, it should be long and spacious, at least in my opinion.
You have mentioned many advantages of the car, so in your experience, what aspects of the Mazda CX-8 do you think could be improved?
Many people complain about the noise in the CX-8, but I have added tire and floor insulation, so it has reduced the noise to some extent. However, in terms of my current usage needs, mainly for long trips, the external noise is not unbearable. Another aspect is that the car lacks mirror heating, which I am not satisfied with.
What about your previous Mazda CX-9, the 2015 model? It still has the old design and a large 3.7 liter V6 petrol engine, so isn’t fuel efficiency its weakness?
Actually, it depends on each person’s perspective. I don’t consider it a weakness. When I had the CX-9, I rarely used the car for city driving. I primarily used a motorcycle for city commuting. The car was mainly used for long trips, sometimes covering thousands of kilometers, but there were also times when I rarely used the car.
In terms of fuel consumption, my car typically consumes around 12-13 liters per 100 km, and in heavy traffic it can be around 14-15 liters per 100 km. In my opinion, a car is for serving one’s life and personal needs. If someone is buying a car for commercial purposes, then maintenance costs and fuel consumption are the two most important factors to consider.
Can you share more about your experience in buying used cars?
The first car I bought was a 2009 Toyota Altis, and since then I have always bought used cars. After the Altis, I switched to the Ford Laser and Honda Accord. Then when I wanted a car with higher ground clearance, I had the Toyota Highlander, Mazda CX-9, and now the Mazda CX-8.
After experiencing different types and models of cars, I have gained knowledge and experience in using and maintaining cars. However, to ensure the quality of a used car, I still hire a third party to thoroughly inspect the car before buying. It’s important to find a reputable used car dealership. Additionally, it’s worth spending some money on a thorough inspection before buying. If possible, take the car to the brand’s service center to check its maintenance history. If that’s not an option, you can use the services of an independent car inspection company.
Specializing in used cars, Mr. Vu remains confident in his choices thanks to careful inspection before buying and selecting reputable showrooms
You mentioned that you previously owned a Mazda CX-9. Now you have a CX-8. What makes you stay loyal to the Mazda brand with two different generations of cars?
The reason is probably because I had the opportunity to drive a Mazda CX-9 in 2011. At that time, I was very impressed with its performance. I could drive hundreds of kilometers in a day and not feel tired. The car was solid, with a strong engine and comfortable seats. Since then, I had a desire to own a CX-9.
It wasn’t until 2019 that I officially bought a Mazda CX-9 from a previous owner for about 800 million. The car was registered in 2015.
The Mazda CX-9 is the largest SUV from Mazda, so it is fully equipped with advanced features and driving assist technologies. As I mentioned before, I chose the car based on 3 criteria: a 7-seater SUV, four-wheel drive, and full amenities. The CX-9 is the largest SUV from Mazda, so it has all the necessary driving assist systems.
When I bought the Mazda CX-9, there were no other notable options in the price range of 800-900 million. The engine is durable and reliable with low maintenance and repair costs. The only downside is that the brand’s influence in the 7-seater SUV segment has not really gained attention. The car has depreciated quite quickly, and now it is worth less than 500 million.
Because I enjoyed driving it so much and it also met my requirements, I decided to stick with the Mazda brand once again.
Thank you for participating in this interview!!!
