Faults:

The central door lock doesn't function as well as it should.

The handbrake doesn't release since 175000km. Needs replacement of complete disk brake unit on the left.

The hydraulic valves produce a strange tapping noise from 115000 km when I bought it. Said to be caused by clogged oil canals. Problem can be solved by replacing engine oil every 6000 km. Which I do.

Heater capacity is too low for a cold winter morning.

The clutch had to be replaced for the first time at 185000 km.

General Comments:

Car has unusual light steering, making it ideal for less muscular individuals.

The engine performs well and is smooth.

The average fuel usage has been constant over the time I owned it: 1 liter of EuroSuper95 for every 14,7 kilometers.

There is sufficient space for rear passenger as long as they're under 1,70 meters tall.

Up front abundantly spacious.

Faults:

Brake Pads went, cost E40 each plus costs.

General Comments:

Great if a bit on the big side engine wise for my first car.

Great power, not bad on petrol considering I was doing up to 450 miles per week and driving it quite hard.

Very robust. It was great value though.

Faults:

Power steering unit went bad at around 120,000 miles. Car would shake at highway speeds until it was replaced.

Heater doesn't work very well. I replaced the thermostat and cleaned out the heater core, which helped some, but it's still only enough to defrost the windows when the temperature is below freezing.

Driver's power window mechanism broke (probably from trying to open the window when it was frozen shut).

The front suspension has rubber and metal caps over the springs that wear out over time. When they break, the car makes a clunking sound when turning.

The air hose between the filter and the fuel injector wore out and cracked, causing the engine to sputter or quit when idling in gear.

Power antenna broke loose from its motor, and now stays in the up position.

No rust, but some of the paint has started to wear off.

General Comments:

Better acceleration than I expected from a 4-cylinder. It's a light car, which also helps the handling.

Not especially surefooted in heavy rain or snow. Anti-lock brakes would have helped.

Reliability has been good enough. Most of the repairs have been standard maintenance (brakes, tires, etc.). Parts tend to be a bit more pricey than domestic cars, but not too bad. Mazda uses unique engine layouts which may be confusing for the novice attempting do-it-yourself repairs.

After 150,000 miles and 5+ years without seeing the inside of a garage, it is showing its age.

Faults:

The only problems I've had with the car was I had to have the brake discs skimmed, although now my problem is more serious as the head gasket has gone and I get silly quotations off garages to fix the problem.

Body wise, the good point is the only rust is from vandal damage, front wing and estate rear door, shame.

General Comments:

For an estate it's quite understated and performance-wise it's pretty quick off the mark, cruise control is a bonus, especially on motorway journeys.

The fact that it is also a 7-seater is useful as I have three growing boys.