Item: Used Mazda Demio Hatchback 1998 - 2001
Author: What Car? Team

What is it like?

Ownership cost

Advice for buyers

Our recommendations

Alternatives

Estate

Mazda can be summed up in a single word: bold. Not only do its cars generally look like nothing else on the market, but it’s also invested heavily in innovative engine technology.

So, while many car makers have moved to smaller turbocharged engines, Mazda instead offers larger motors that are still efficient. For example, the entry-level petrol option in the Mazda 3 is a 2.0-litre unit –&nbsp;far larger than what you’ll find in most rivals – but it remains very clean.

Highlights of Mazda’s line-up include the MX-5 sports car, which has won our Convertible of the Year Award multiple times, and the CX-5 large SUV, which was named as our inaugural best car for dog owners.

MAZDA

DEMIO

Useful space, but the Demio is a poor drive

Used Mazda Demio Hatchback 1998 - 2001

Considering how big the Demio was in comparison with other superminis, it was never a very expensive new car. And, now that you can take advantage of the distinctly unspectacular residual values, used prices are extremely keen, to say the least. We recommend the older versions that can be picked up for a fraction of what buyers of the new car would have paid.

Running costs aren't bad, but they're not quite as spectacularlylow. The 1.3 will return an average of 40.3mpg, but the 1.5 will manage only 38.7mpg. That's not great for the class.

Insurance costs fall into the same category. Buying the 1.3 will earn you a group 3 classification, while the 1.5 is in group 4. Again, this isn't outrageous, but considering the limited power of the two engines, it isn't terrific, either.

We don't expect owners to do particularly high mileages, so the service intervals of 9000 miles are reasonably palatable, and should help to keep maintenance costs down.

Useful space, but the Demio is a poor drive

There's a simple choice of two engines: a 63bhp 1.3-litre petrol engine or a 1.5-litre petrol that knocks out a slightly healthier 74bhp. As you'd expect, the 1.5 is a little quicker, shaving a second off the smaller engine's 0-60mph sprint time. However, both feel too sluggish in just about any situation, so save your money and stick with the cheaper 1.3.

The 1.3 comes in three trims - Standard, LXi and GXi. All cars made before 2000 were in Standard trim and came with power steering, alloys, electric windows, driver's airbag and electric sunroof. After 2000, LXi became the base, with power steering and a height-adjustable driving seat. GXi models added central locking, an alarm and electric windows, but for our money, LXi is the best combination of kit and cost.

The 1.5 comes only in GSi form. You'll get an electric sunroof, remote central locking and anti-lock brakes but, as we say, it's not worth the expense.

However, the latest 2001 models all came with remote central locking, twin front and side airbags and anti-lock brakes as standard, so they're worth looking out.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Spacious enough for four adults to sit comfortably</li> <li>Logically laid-out interior that doesn’t</li> <li>feel too cheap</li> <li>Mature driving manners </li> <li>Decent-sized boot</li> <li>Competitive buying and running costs</li></ul>

Small cars, or superminis as they’re also known, used to be bought by single people or couples with no children – but the likes of the Ford Fiesta, Seat Ibiza and Volkswagen&nbsp;Polo have grown to the point where they can be considered all-round family transport, albeit with the odd compromise.

The Fiesta remains a star of the class, thanks to its strong Ecoboost petrol engines and suspension settings that are beautifully judged for British roads. However, the latest Volkswagen offers even more practicality, decent performance and a classy interior that has the edge on the Ford’s for quality.

Any of these models will be a competent commuter car – especially if fitted with one of the increasingly popular small turbocharged petrol engines – but just remember that while you’ll be able to carry two adults and two children, it might still be a struggle to get all of their luggage into the boot.

Small

One look at our regular reliability surveys will show you that, when it comes to mechanical dependability, Mazda is tough to beat. And, the Demio has done nothing to harm this excellent reputation: it's one of Mazda's most reliable cars of this age, so buyers can rely on bullet-proof dependability.

However, there are a couple of things to watch out for. If the car has only been used for short trips, look at the exhaust carefully, as it can rust through in as little as two years. Some owners have also reported a rattling sunroof, so keep an eye out for that on your test drive.

Finally, bear in mind that the cambelt needs to be changed after 60,000 miles or five years. So, if the car is older than that, check that the work has been done. And, if the car you're looking at is coming up to that mileage, remember to include the cost of the work in your budget.

Lots of superminis built from the late-90s ownwards, even those with a tall, MPV-like design like the Demio's, were good fun to drive. This model, however, falls woefully short of the standards set by some of its rivals.

The handling is poor because the body leans too much in corners, the steering is stodgy, and the ride is just as bad. Bumps of all sizes jolt into the cabin and the lumpy motorway ride is accompanied by excessive amounts of noise.

That's all pretty damning, but the truth is, apart from that, the Demio isn't too bad. There's lots of head-, leg- and shoulder room in any seat and the interior quality is pretty good.

Although the boot isn't class-leading, you can increase its capacity by folding the split rear seat. But, unlike the Toyota Yaris's, those rear seats can't be lifted out completely.

Used Mazda Demio Hatchback 1998 - 2001 review

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Alternatives

What alternatives should I consider to a used Mazda Demio estate?