2002 Mazda 6 1.8 petrol

Summary:

Masterpiece but with one flaw

Faults:

Well rust. Rust, rust, rust. That's it. The car ran well and didn't fail me once. The only repair I made to it is a front right brake caliper change due old brake fluid which corroded the cylinder.

General Comments:

One of my best cars so far, and it makes me cry why Mazda spared costs on rust protection. However I read that models from 2006 onward are improved, but I don't know if it's true.

Responsive, reliable, comfy and a practical car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th September, 2018

5th Sep 2018, 21:16

These are good cars; unfortunately as you mentioned this car rusts earlier than your average car. Things did not improve after 2005 - I had a 2007 facelift model company car and it started to rust at only 5 years old. Awful for such a young car.

Privately I've since had a Ford Mondeo and a Volvo S60, both have been older cars, and even at 10 years old they had no rust. Go figure. The Mazda 6 2002 - 2007 had rust issues no doubt. The 2008 onwards model is an all new car and seems to be holding up a bit better from the older ones I've seen about.

21st Apr 2022, 17:43

I'm still wondering what car I should hunt down for my very first car LOL! I'm 17 right now and have my "L". I'm practising on my dad's 2003 Chevy TrailBlazer, but I will need to have my own car one day, so... is this a good car for me? If not can you tell me the best car under the age of 2005? Just something with pep and cheap on gas, thanks!

In reply to 21st Apr 2022, 17:43

22nd Apr 2022, 21:43

That depends on where you are (which country, and area within), because besides finding something you would like, it needs to be fairly dependable, and easy or inexpensive enough to fix. That would therefore mean you would need a car whose parts (original and good quality OEM aftermarket) are readily available, with mechanics who are familiar with the car - or the car not too complicated. One you're 25, not anymore of an issue, but below that age, insurance will also be very expensive.

2013 Mazda 6 Skyactiv 2.0 petrol 165hp

Summary:

Peerless for the money!

Faults:

Not a thing since it was delivered new in -24C at the end of this January.

General Comments:

My fourth Mazda 6 in a row from new.

This is the new generation Skyactiv petrol saloon/sedan model, and whilst I would've preferred to stay with a hatchback, Mazda only offers saloon or wagon models.

It is a wonderful car to drive; despite its size it feels agile and responsive. The gearbox is fantastic, very low noise levels indeed, the suspension is comfortable, as are the seats. Excellent lights and heating/AC system.

These days in Europe many are persuaded to want diesel, but I question this. The new Skyactiv petrol is a hugely impressive piece of engineering; very quiet, lively, and simply staggering fuel economy for a big car. On a trip with careful driving not over 80km/hr I managed 4.8 l/100! You can get 5.5l/100 no problems, and even when you drive it fast, long trips are never more than 6.0/100. This has really astounded me, but I do use 98 octane; maybe that helps?

Any downsides? You need to check the oil levels every week or so as it has some thirst for it, but not much. Some moan about lack of door pocket space, but it takes a 60cl bottle, who wants to lug around bottles of stuff? The interior lights all come on; on the previous model you could shut off the front ones and just illuminate the back, minor though.

This car looks beautiful in Pearlescent white and is a total gem to drive; I'm completely satisfied.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd September, 2014