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Showing 121 - 130 results (out of a total of 231) found for "Mazda" in Ask Us Anything

What saloon should I replace my Chevrolet Aveo with?

What is the best saloon car to drive? Thinking of purchasing a new or used car. I have a 2008 Chevrolet Aveo and would not want anything too expensive.

Richard

Richard O Leary (Cork)

Aug 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Richard,

There is lots of good choice out there in the compact saloon world, whether you're buying new or used. The Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Jetta, Skoda Octavia, Ford Focus Saloon or Mazda3 Saloon all spring to mind and all make solid purchases. Just one thing - for pity's sake, don't buy another Aveo - not only is it cheap, nasty and bad to drive, but it was one of the worst-scoring cars ever on the EuroNCAP crash test.


What alternatives are there to the Ford S-Max?

What alternatives are there to the Ford S-Max? We want to trade ours in. We want a five-seater with the option of easily converting to a seven-seater when needed.

R Maguire (Cork)

Jul 2014 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Reg,

Well, there are a couple of good options around although few of them offer quite as much space as the S-Max. The Citroen C4 Picasso, Volkswagen Touran and Toyota Verso are all smaller than the Ford, but offer plenty of space for five, with room for seven at a pinch. Or you could try the always-excellent SEAT Alhambra (sliding doors are handy in tight car parks) or even the (not very common) Mazda5.

If none of those tickle your fancy, and if you’re looking more for a proper five-seater with jump seats for another two, allow me to pull out of the hat my always-ready answer to seven-seater conundrums - a Mercedes E-Class Estate with those clever folding seats in the boot.


What newer car should I replace my Mazda3 with?

I currently have a 2005 Mazda3 saloon 1.6 petrol. Would like to get a new car to upgrade to at least 2008 and still stay with a saloon type. What would you recommend? I'm sick of paying crazy tax for the 1.6 petrol. Thanks

Annette Huggard (Kerry)

Jul 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Annette,

I think your best bet could be to upgrade to a newer Mazda3 Saloon. The second generation 3 four-door is a really nice car - spacious, comfy and reliable, and if you get a 1.6 diesel from 2008 onwards you'll be paying half nothing for your road tax. 


Evoque, GLA, 3 Series or Mazda CX-5?!

I'm driving a Audi A4 4 1.9 diesel and I will be trading in over the next few months. Mercedes-Benz has offered me best deal so far to buy a GLA 220 Urban model. I am also looking at 3 Series BMW Sport 318d, and the Range Rover Evoque and I looked at the Mazda CX5. I drove the Audi Q3 last year and I was very disappointed with the seats. Which of the above would you recommend? My heart would love the Evoque, but my head says it's not a German. I am a lady driver doing mostly motorway and around town driving. I would appreciate any opinion you may have.

Mary O Donnell (Clare )

Jul 2014 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Mary,

OK, lots of options there. The Evoque is a really lovely car to be honest, but does suffer a bit from a too-harsh ride quality. Gorgeous to look at though.
The CX-5 is the choice from the point of view of reliability - Mazdas just don't break. Really good to drive too, but surprisingly thirsty. 
The BMW is probably the best of the bunch. Smooth, fabulous to drive, comfy and hugely economical. Worth trying the more affordable 316d too - not much of a performance gap and even better economy.
The GLA I'd avoid - not a bad car per se, but basically a more expensive A-Class with SUV pretentions. If you want a proper Mercedes look instead at the gorgeous CLA or the brilliant new C-Class. 

Let us know which way you go


How reliable is a seven-year old Mazda3?

How reliable is a seven-year old Mazda3?

Christopher O' Looney (Clare )

Jun 2014 Filed under: reliability

Expert answer

Hi Christopher,

Yes, absolutely. Mazdas are renowned for their reliability, and the 3 is no different. In spite of sharing all its mechanical parts with the second generation Ford Focus, the 3 generally does a little better than the Ford in reliability and surveys. Perhaps the Mazda engineers do the bolts up a little tighter... Some early models apparently suffered from turbo failure on the 1.6 diesel engine but that seems to be the only thing, bar the usual history checks and damage inspection, to be worried about.


I'm thinking of buying a Mazda RX-8; what do you think?

I'm thinking of buying a 2004 Mazda RX-8; what do you think?

Anthony Mullally (Waterford)

May 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Anthony,

Oh heck yes! The RX-8 has always been one of our favourite cars and it mixes high-revving rotary rear-drive fun with almost-practical four-seat space. There are actually very few, indeed hardly any, reported mechanical issues, and that's in spite of the poor reputation that rotary engines have in that regard. It will burn through a lot of oil though - they genuinely all do that, sir - so keep an eye on the dipstick and don't skimp on the good quality lubricants. There were also a few recalls, for leaking fuel pipes, cracked steering joints and cracked damper heat covers. Avoid anything that's been tweaked, tuned or messed around with and watch the handling in the wet - they can be staggeringly tail-happy.


Is the Toyota Avensis as bomb proof as they say?

Hi lads,

Quick question: I'm looking for an ultra reliable car, as seem very unlucky with every car I get. Peugeot 407 at moment and all injectors to be replaced, latest drama. Looking closely at Toyota Avensis; are they as bomb proof as they say?

Michael Mulvey (Ashbourne)

Apr 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

Basically yes, it's almost impossible to kill an Avensis, but you could also consider a Skoda Superb, Honda Accord or Mazda6 as they will all be similarly reliable. The Mazda is the most fun to drive, the Accord the most luxurious (though they are pricey too) and the Superb the most spacious. The Avensis is a good mix of the three and with so many being on the road, you'll probably get the best value by shopping Toyota. Just avoid ex-taxi ones and it's worth buying an approved second hand example from a Toyota dealer to get a warranty and good after-sales care.

Let us know how you get on


What's the Mazda3 like?

Hello, I'm considering buying a 2008 Mazda3 1.6 diesel. Any drawbacks or are they a good car?

Thanks,

Val.

Valerie Swan (Dublin)

Apr 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Valerie,

Nope, they're excellent. Mazda's reputation for reliability is well earned and the 3 is a really nice car to drive. They're a little plain on the inside, but they're certainly hard-wearing so if you're a family motorist that should reassure you. The only problem to report is that some early models suffered from turbo failure, but it seems to have been an isolated problem. You will have to put up with a little more road roar and tyre noise than you might expect, though.

Go drive one for yourself to see what you think and let us know.


Are there still DPF problems with the new Mazda6

Has the new Mazda6 resolved to old diesel engine DPF problems?

David O'Keeffe (Galway)

Apr 2014 Filed under: diesel

Expert answer

Hi David,

Diesel particulate filter issues are common to all modern diesel engines and it's basically down to how the car is driven. It's part of why diesels aren't suitable for low mileage, short-hop drivers. 

The Mazda issue appears to be down to the fact that the diesel particulate filter warning light double-jobs as a warning light for other exhaust and emissions issues, meaning that fixing or replacing the filter might not be the whole story. Essentially, if you've got this problem, it's best sorted by a trained and informed Mazda mechanic, as they can interrogate the engine's computer in detail.


Toyota RAV4 or Mazda6?

I am looking at either a 2005 Toyota RAV4 or a 2006 Mazda6; how do the cars compare in terms of reliability and fuel efficiency in particular? Both are petrol models.

Emer Fennell (Dublin )

Mar 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Emer,

Both are excellent in terms of reliability (they are after all a Mazda and a Toyota), but it's the Mazda that will be more fuel efficient. Simple physics really; while there's not much difference in the overall weight, the RAV4, being an SUV, is taller and therefore less aerodynamic. Unless you need (and I mean REALLY need) the RAV's extra ground clearance and rough road abilities, then a Mazda6 (especially the estate one) should prove a reliable, spacious and enjoyable ownership prospect. 

Let us know which way you go


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