2004 Mazda Atenza Z Sports Wagon 2.3 from Australia and New Zealand
Summary:
Great car as a Japanese import and in good shape. Nice to drive
Faults:
So far I have only used it for 1000 km, no major issues.
Only minor issue is the automatic unlock on one of the keys does not work (this is not due to the battery). Will probably get it fixed at the next service.
The Mazda dealer said that I would need to take the other spare key and the car to the dealership, in order to fix the non working key.
As a Japanese import, this car is in very good shape.
General Comments:
This is a very comfortable car. It looks great, there were no worries in getting a tow bar fitted. The seats have half leather, half fabric trim. The vehicle has 18 inch alloys. The rear windows have a tint, which is great to have (never had this in previous cars).
This car feels great to drive, and I'm looking forward to a long haul trip.
Only thing that I won't ever use is the mini disc player. It does have a standard CD player, and I did have to put a band expander in for the radio.
I will update this post after driving for a while.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 23rd January, 2012
7th Aug 2015, 15:39
I recently purchased a Japanese assembled 2006 Mazda Atenza SE Sedan (Mazda 6). This is the top model sedan with 2.3 litre motor, Tiptronic transmission, leather seats, heated front seats, 6 CD changer, plus loads of other extras. 114,000km. In excellent condition. Paid NZ$7,500 from a wholesale dealer.
24th Jan 2012, 20:02
I'm a NZ'der who's lived in Australia for 10 years. When I was looking for another car to replace my aging 1993 626 wagon (2.2i) in 2007, I tried to bring in an Atenza wagon AKA Mazda6, as they're so much cheaper than a Australia-new Mazda6. However it's not on the government's approved list of import vehicles, as it has a direct relative, the Mazda6, and isn't classed as 'an enthusiast vehicle'. Instead I could've had a twin turbo V6 Mitsubishi Legnum wagon or a Nissan Stagea 6 cylinder turbo wagon, and watch my insurance, fuel and repair costs go rapidly skyward, none of which would happen with an Atenza/Mazda6 wagon.
I'm always amazed when I go back to NZ at the vast range of newish, cheap imports on the road there now, I wish it was the same here. When I still lived in NZ, I was dismayed by the rubbish that was coming in used from Japan (with the obligatory wound-back odometers), but it seems to be much much better now.