2003 Mazda 6 S

Summary:

I really do not think this car is a good investment

Faults:

The car initially had a great ride. Starting around 7,000 miles my car keep making a racket every time I turned it on. Eventually after 3 return trips to the dealer it was fixed until around 28,900. It is now in the shop for this again. I was told Mazda knows this is a problem. They are now installing a new starter.

My other problem is the automatic transmission. My first clutch went at 10,000 miles. I was just told by the service department it was a factory defect so they did replace it. Now again I need a new clutch. My auto mechanic feels this is bogus, the clutch should be holding up for at least 50,000 miles. I am really annoyed with the dealership. I would not recommend this car unless you have plenty of money for repairs.

I had purchased the sport package. The paint is peeling on all the pieces. The dealership said this is normal wear.

General Comments:

The car was very expensive for a vehicle that spends more time in the shop then on the road.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 20th May, 2005

23rd May 2005, 00:46

A clutch with an automatic transmission??

I am a little confused...

30th May 2005, 08:14

Are you sure you know what car we are talking about?

3rd Jun 2005, 12:14

Wow, this sounds like either.

A) the Dealership is a piece of (bad word goes here)

Or.

B) you don't know how to drive.

To other submitors, even the automatic tranny has a clutch pad, but of course operated by the computer rather than the driver.

Look up your local state lemon law and go from there. Definitely contact Mazda directly and bring it up to their attention!

Good luck!

26th Dec 2006, 15:11

In summary, there are similarities with manual trannies and conventional automatics. I've seen an opened Mazda automatic tranny and there were about 20 separate clutch plates. So the fact remains that both use "clutches"; just in a different way and for some different functions. Yes, the torque converter is unique to the conventional auto, but no transmission shifts gears without employing a clutch of some sort. The exception is the new rash of CVT's; Constant Velocity Transmission. "No shift shock" means power is not transmitted abruptly, be it in a planetary gear set and clutch packs or operator controlled clutch plate.

3rd Jan 2007, 08:31

I purchased a second hand 2003 Mazda 6 S in Feb of 2006. The car does have its drawbacks, but the ones you are facing are extraordinary. There are a few things which are inherent about this vehicle, like the cheap interior plastic which scuffs very easily, and the easily denting body and paint work. The dealer for mazda is excellent here, in fact, I get calls from the dealer every now and then inquiring about the vehicles condition. When and if I do take the car to the dealer, I get a a friendly, courteous, and ROYAL treatment everytime. Hope things work out for you.

2003 Mazda 6 Sport 3.0

Summary:

Great car other than the slipping feeling when releasing clutch

Faults:

Mazda 6 slipping (Shuttering) feeling when releasing clutch.

General Comments:

I purchased my Mazda 6 with 21 miles on it. The performance was great at first until I put about 3,000 miles on the engine. I began feeling a slipping in when I would accelerate from a stop when releasing the clutch. I took it to two different dealers and both replaced the clutch or so they say. It is still slipping and I noticed that after long drives of like 6-10 hours it shutters horribly. It cuts out on acceleration and gives a shuttering feeling when releasing the clutch. I don't know what to do about this. Obviously there is something wrong with the car. The dealers now think I am crazy. Could there be something else wrong with the car such as the computer? What do I do or does anyone have suggestions? Other than that the car is great!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 5th December, 2004

7th Dec 2004, 02:35

Our Mazda Premacy (UK) had similar problems, but more of a clutch judder. You just need to be persistent with the dealers, after all the customer is always right!

7th Dec 2004, 04:32

Shuddering when letting in the clutch may not be due to the clutch at all, but to weak engine mounts. Get them checked.