Buying my first car...turning radius?

[oscdude]

I am looking into buying a car and I came across the Mazda6. I have come across a couple of reviews online and it says it has a large turning radius (38.7)...Is that something I should worry about? Is a large turning radius bad or a problem when driving? Thanks.

[Chris Chappell]

Large turning radius is a good thing -

Enjoy your new wheels and continued independence -

[carl]

Originally Posted by oscdude

I am looking into buying a car and I came across the Mazda6. I have come across a couple of reviews online and it says it has a large turning radius (38.7)...Is that something I should worry about? Is a large turning radius bad or a problem when driving? Thanks.

I believe that a large turning radius indicates that a car would be less maneuverable in tight spaces like turning in parking lots and making a "U" turn on a narrow street. Going hand-in-hand with the turning radius would be the number of turns stop-to-stop (lock-to-lock) of the steering wheel which is also an indication of a car's maneuverability. I wouldn't consider it a good thing, but it's not a deal killer either. The bottom line is to go out for a test drive or two with a relative or friend and give it a try.
I think that this car is pretty well thought of even though it does have stiff competition (Camry, Accord). Edmunds (Edmunds.com) likes it : "Tired of the dull, sensible, vanilla-flavored family car? If you're willing to give up some passenger room, the Mazda 6 promises to add a dash of zing to your daily commute whether you're looking for a sedan, hatchback or wagon."
Carl

[McDuff]

Turning radius is a combo of the length of the wheelbase(center of front to center of rear tires) and the degree of wheel cut(how sharp the front tires will turn). I am sure the "big" radius they mentioned is in relation to other cars in the same category. This is not necessarily a "true big" in real world application. That size of car will out-turn my van by a large margin and my van doesn't cause me any problems.

As was said, give it a test drive, if you like it, go for it.

[oscdude]

I took the car for a test drive last night and fell inlove with it. I have sat on other sedans (Corolla & Matrix) and they dont give me enough leg room (I'm 6'2). I even got on a Toyota 4Runner and I was shocked as to how small the intetior was, I couldn't fit. I want to sit in a car and not look like I forced myself in there. When I sat on the Mazda6 I had plenty of leg room and it was much roomier than the other cars. Of course I always opt for a SUV but I don't have the money and I just think the Mazda6 was a good choice. Not only do I like the look of it but it also feels great when driving it. But I was concerned about the turning radius (which I didnt know anything about until I read it).

[CapnGimp]

What McDuff said.
Until the 80s almost EVERY car had a turning radius that would make the Mazda's seem like a bug in comparison.
If it is really a problem, do like I always do when needing to decrease turning radius... STOMP IT, it'll spin right on around, and let up just before pointing in the desired direction so the rear wheels can grab again. lol
now this won't work with a front wheel drive, nor an anemic, 3 legged squirrel type motor

by the way, enjoy your soon to be, new found freedom!

[Hunker]

I like this Jeep http://impact.pri.ee/var/Jeep.Hurric...onttop_360.gif

[-scott-]

That is a somewhat large turning radius for a sedan, but I don't foresee it being a problem. My minivan has a huge radius... not sure what it is, but it's ridiculous how much space I need for a U-turn vs. what my old VW (pre-injury) needed. Is it a problem? Nope. Just know what to expect & you'll be fine. I have a Jeep now & the turning radius on its stock steering (since replaced w/ some HD stuff) is 36.0.

If you like the Mazda6 & it works well for you, as Ben Stiller in the recent Starsky & Hutch would say... DO IT.

[oscdude]

I just bought my car.
I bought the Mazda6. I bought the i4 engine instead of the v6 engine. A lot of people say a v6 engine is faster and powerful. I just hope I did the right thing in buying the i4 engine, of course it saved me money too. :|

[CapnGimp]

Congrats buddy, it doesn't matter, you are now MOBILE! Happiness begins here. Drive careful.