USED Mazda 5 MPV (05 - 11)

My car

We bought the Mazda 5 2.0D TS2 over a month ago. It was a replacement for the Seat Alhambra.

Inside, the car is great and there is ample room for out two adults and three children. The drive on long distance is very comfortable and smooth ,but I wish I could say the same about city driving.

Similar to other car reviewers, we have experienced the problem that has already been highlighted of going over speed bumps. The car makes a loud clanking noise when going over speed bumps but only on one side - the front passenger side.

We have taken it to the dealer, who told us that just that morning someone else had brought theirs in complaining about the same problem. Despite that, the response I got from the dealer was that this is how the car is, and it is just the 'suspension adjusting itself after going over bumps'! No-one could tell me though why it was only doing it on one side.

I then heard another dealer, who has been driving one of these cars, saying that the Mazda 5 is very noisy over speed bumps. When we took it for a test drive and asked the necessary questions, we were told that there were no issues with the car. Obviously that is not the case, having read other reviews.

I have also had intermittent smell of burning rubber from the front passenger wheel. Again, the Mazda dealership were not concerned and told me it was not a safety issue.

My car

First, it seems to me that those who write these reviews are often upset about their vehicle or have just spent a fair amount of their earnings and are unlikely to admit any failings, so I hope this is a fair review.

I was looking for an MPV to replace my four-year-old old Renault Scenic. I ruled out the Vauxhall Zafira for its poor safety, and its middle bench is a pain. The Volkswagen Touran was too functional, and not fun at all. Toyota's Verso was noisy at motorway speed, and there were fewer deals available. Finally, the new Scenic had poor build quality and little space in the rear.

So that left the Mazda 5. Externally, I like the sloping rear roof - it makes the MPV seem more car-like. The rear door has dual height adjustment - why? Now I have to remember to push the hatch up further to avoid banging my head every time. Just use a toggle for short people. The privacy glass is nice - for now.

Internally, it suffers from some low quality materials. The rear cover is annoying and fiddly. The middle jump seat is best left as an armrest. And why is the trip button in front of the passenger? The centre dash display is odd. The sliding doors are very good and light to use.

As for the engine - well, it makes lots of noise but has not got much go - this was very disappointing. So would I buy one? Well, maybe, but not the 2.0-litre petrol version - I might go for the 2.0D turbo, which might overcome its shortcomings.

My car

We didn't want a 7 seater bus to replace the Mondeo, so the choice was basically down to the Zafira, Touran, Verso or Mazda.

The Zafira was the first to fall (poor std safety spec)followed by the Verso (3rd row is only big enough for toddlers)

The choice in my male view was between the Touran and Mazda, but Mrs J went with me on the Mazda test drive and the female logic quickly kicked in pointing out that the sliding doors were a car parking dream, along with the fact that you can walk inbetween the 2nd row seats to the rear if the middle seat is stored away...

The temporary nature of this seat had put me off initially, but she sensibly pointed out that if kids 1 & 2 car seats are fitted in their 2nd row place in a Touran, how can you get other kids in and out of the third row without removing a child seat to tumble the seat forward?

The fact that the Mazda drove as well as her Mondeo also appealed to her sportier side... although the downside of this is a rather firm ride, but that compromise always exists.

The 1.8 litre engine is also a bit slow with a full load but at the end of the day this is a family car, and I think the 1.8 will loosen up with more miles.

The clincher for me was that I found a pre-registered car (8 miles on the clock) for £3000 below list price at a Midlands dealership, and considering you can't get a 18 month old Touran with 12k on the clock for that, the deal was done!

My car

I have the Mazda5 And since buying this car it has been in the garage more than once. I have had the drivers window switch and the motor changed.I have an ongoing problem with a rasping or squicking sound comming from the front end every time i go over speed bumps.My car pulls to the left and both these problems i am told these are characteristics of the Mazda5 yeh right as if (now lets make a amazing car and make it rasp or squick every time it moves )i think not.

My dealer says its safe well uhhuh it doesnt sound it.I also have a vibration going around corners.And for myself but not the wife as she has small feet i get a popping sound comming from just below the accelerater where my heal sits.It also doesn't always catch when starting, and when you change to second on occasions it seems to act like there is a fuel shortage if anyone else has these problems mail me please Antfraser3@aol.com