USED Mazda 6 Hatchback (02 - 07)

My car

I have had the Mazda since new December 03 and I am due to change it this year.

I have just completed 62k in it. For the amount of mileage I have done I've experienced only 1 problem, when I hit 32k it kept cutting out which apparantly was a manufacturing problem and was sorted on warranty, Mazda had collected it and replaced it with an equivelant Mazda 6 within 3 hours of the complaint and were extremely helpful and efficient, it did take a week to sort out but it came back and I have had not trouble with it since.

Overall I have thoroughly enjoyed driving it. I'm now in the process of looking for a replacement as I cannot go over 80k in it due to company car reg but I'm finding it very difficult to find anything which remotely compares to the value for money you get with the Mazda. Suprisingly quick off the mark for a diesel, lots extra internally and even after an 8 hour drive no back ache!! I had never considered a Mazda ever but this is seriously a car you should test drive and then make your decision.

My car

I owned this car for just over a year. It was an excellent drive but the fuel economy overall was poor.

A few flaws cropped up during the year of ownership. The paint on the 17" alloys started to bubble but these were quickly replaced (all four) by the dealer - only to start bubbling again less than a year later.

The driver's sun-visor wouldn't stay up and the gas struts on the hatchback door packed in - all rectified by the dealer with no quibble. Fuel economy aside, all in all, a great car.

My car

I've only had the car for two weeks but I am impressed so far. The build quality is great, it has good handling, the accomodation is generous and it is handsome where others are bland.

There's not been much of a chance to check the economy so far but it would appear to be around the 35mpg mark.

There is some road noise as speed rises but, having previously owned a Honda Civic, I can honestly say it is not as intrusive. The stereo is good and the controls are easy to master.

Overall, it's a great car and I am very happy with my choice.

My car

This car belongs to my wife.

I'll start by being picky - the boot struts do squeak. After reading the other review here mentioning this, we'll get it sorted.

The interior design and trim look great, but the silver coloured trim can mark quite easily as it is just plastic.

There is slightly more road noise and a firmer ride than other rivals. This is the price you pay for the great handling and drive. It is a price we were willing to pay and the ride is still comfortable.

We also test-drove the estate version, which seems to have a stiffer suspension set up, which in my opinion borders on being too firm for comfort.

The engine can make itself heard when worked hard, however it is a pleasingly sporty rasp.

The looks and general character are as close to a sports car as you can get at the same time as being a very practical family car.

The boot is huge, equipment generous at a very reasonable price.

If your budget stretches to the TS2, we would recommend it as this has traction control. Without this you have to be quite careful to avoid losing traction when pulling out of junctions up hill.

If your taste is more towards limousine than sports car, the Toyota Avensis is probably a better bet.

We love the Mazda 6 despite the minor niggles.