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Showing 131 - 140 results (out of a total of 231) found for "Mazda" in Ask Us Anything

Will I replace my Mazda3 with a Nissan Qashqai+2?

Which would you reccomend for a high mileage driver with two small children? I wish to trade in a 2007 Mazda3 1.6 petrol for a diesel. Cars I was looking at include the Volkswagen Jetta, Ford Focus saloon, Toyota Corolla and Nissan Qashqai +2. I like the look of the Nissan Qashqai + 2 and I think the two extra seats may be useful for kids' friends etc, but are running costs high?

In general are MPVs less fuel efficient? Would the Toyota 1.4 diesel be a lower powered car then the one I currently have? How reliable are Volkwagen Jettas? I was hoping to go for something one or two years old with low mileage as I will be doing a lot of miles. I have had quotes of €3,500-4,500 for my own on trade-in as there are 175,000km on the clock.

What would you reccomend?

Alanna Mangan (Newbridge)

Mar 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Alanna,

I reckon the Qashqai +2 might be the best one to go for. The extra seats are pretty small but the boot on the +2 is simply massive when they're folded flat, so that's helpful when you're lugging around two small ones and their various chattels. Don't worry about running costs too much - the Qashqai looks like an SUV but it's really a hatchback with attitude and the 1.5 diesel engine is reliable, economical and has reasonably low emissions too.

That Toyota 1.4 diesel you mentioned would indeed be much less powerful than your Mazda's engine - it's about 20hp down and noticeably so. Volkswagen Jettas are indeed reliable, but I reckon that the Nissan would be slightly more so, so make that your first choice.

Let us know how you get on


Which diesel saloon to go for with €3,000?

Hi lads.. I'm looking for safety, diesel, reliability and spaciousness in a saloon car. Max to spend is €3,000. What do you recommend?

Thanks

Justin McElwee (Galway)

Mar 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Justin,

Two best choices here would be a Mazda6 2.0 TD from around 2003 or a Ford Mondeo Zetec diesel of similar vintage. As long as they're in decent nick, reliability shouldn't be a problem (the Mazda will do better than the Ford but not perhaps by the margin you might be expecting) and both are safe and spacious.

What do you think?


Why is my Mazda losing so much coolant?

Hello,

My 1998 Mazda 323 F 1.5 petrol is using lots of coolant. Would be grateful for any help to what is causing this to happen.

Thanks! Gerry

Gerry Naughton (Galway)

Mar 2014 Filed under: fault

Expert answer

Hi Gerry,

There are so many things that could cause this we'd recommend you bring the car to a qualified mechanic - and soon before damage is done to the engine. Coolant puddles under the car after it has been idle for a while point to a leak in the cooling system (pipework, radiator, etc.) and white smoke coming out of the exhaust suggests something more serious.

Either way, get it looked at without delay and let us know how you get on.


Is the Mazda RX-8 suitable for a learner driver?

Hi, I am about to buy my first car and I have my eye on a Mazda RX-8 that my neighbour is selling, but I'm not sure if I should make an offer because I hear insurance is going to be an issue and I'm not sure if they're suitable for learner drivers.

What do you think?

Matthew Okpo (Dublin)

Mar 2014 Filed under: learner

Expert answer

Hi Matthew,

Wow, that's a brave decision. First off, the RX-8 is and always will be one of our favourite cars - light, agile, fun and with that screaming rotary engine up front. It's a gem of a car, and pretty reliable too.

Now the bad news. It's going to cost you a fortune to insure. You say you're starting to learn driving, but you don't specify your age. If you're under 25 you may well find it impossible to get any cover, but if you still live at home you may be able to do the old named-driver-on-your-parents-insurance trick. Even if you're over 25, as a first time driver your insurance is going to be well and truly loaded - the RX-8 is a proper sports car (and occasionally tricky in the wet) and most insurers will not be keen on insuring a novice on such a car.

Assuming though that you can sidestep those hurdles, go for it! If you start your driving career with an RX-8 you'll be getting off to a terrific start. One word of advice - invest in a high performance tuition course to help you better understand the ins and outs of driving a fast, rear-drive car. It'll make you a better driver anyway and it could save your life.

Let us know how you get on


Is it worth going for this high mileage Mazda6?

I'm thinking of buying a 2008 Mazda6 2.0-litre Sport with 232,000km on the clock. Is it worth going for?

John Walsh (Dublin)

Feb 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi John,

Great car, the Mazda6, and lovely to drive. Two things though: you may well find that 2.0-litre petrol to be both a touch thirsty and, consequently, very hard to move on again come resale time. And at that mileage it's imperative to make sure that the car has a full service history and that major maintenance work such as timing belt replacements and oil changes have been done.


What car should I go for with a €3,000 budget?

My €3,000 budget would be best spent on a 04/05/06 (1.4-litre/five-door) Toyota Corolla, Opel Astra, Mazda3 or what other model?

P Dempsey (Dublin)

Feb 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi there,

Both Corolla and Mazda3 would be good choices, but it's worth having a good look for a Honda Civic too. Best to max out the reliability factor when buying on a budget...


How do you rate the Mazda6?

How do you rate the Mazda6?

Tony Ellis (Dublin)

Feb 2014 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Tony,

New or old? Frankly, they're all good. The current car is slick, massively spacious, lovely to drive and, aside from occasionally poor fuel economy, terrific ownership prospects. 

The previous generation is all of that with slightly less slick styling inside and out. Make sure you go for the later, post-facelift model that uses Mazda's own 129- or 180hp 2.2 diesel engine.

Finally the original - made from 2002 - it's a landmark car. Reliable, fabulous to drive and quietly handsome. They're super-cheap now and a perfect low-budget purchase.


Should I go for this Mazda6 I've found?

Hi, I am looking at purchasing an 08 Mazda6 2.0 diesel. I did a history check and I can see it appears to have a full service record. It is originally a UK import. There is about 85,000 miles on the car. I am now deciding between a Mondeo, Volvo S40 and this Mazda6. I still have to find a Volvo in the same price range of the Mazda. Is it worth paying out on average €1,000 more for an S40 or is the Mazda6 just as reliable and considered a good purchase? Any particular known issues with this car?

Mike

Michael Campion (Tipperary)

Feb 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

I'd go for the Mazda above the Volvo every time in this case. The old S40 is much smaller and less spacious than the Mazda6 and the Japanese car is also excellent to drive. 

Mazdas are generally exceptionally reliable, but on the 2.0 diesel just watch for low oil pressure and a sticky manual gearshift. Both can be fixed but they are recurring problems. Check the air conditioning system for leaks too.


With up to €5,000 what will we replace our two cars with?

Hi, me and my girlfriend have a car each; mine is a 2003 Mazda6 and hers is a 2000 Audi A3. We no longer need both cars and were thinking of changing. What car would you recommend? We have a six-month old baby and only want to spend about €4-5k on a car.

Thanks

David O Sullivan (Wexford)

Feb 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi David,

I'd suggest flogging both cars and getting yourself into a newer Audi A3. They're comfy, sweet to drive, reliable and easy to sell on again eventually. Hard to go wrong with it, really. Lots to choose from so be fussy and make sure yours has a full service history and reasonably low mileage.


Do you agree the new Mazda3 is a good replacement for my BMW?

I am changing car; I have a BMW 318 at present but the new one is quite pricey! I have test driven the BMW 1 Series, an Audi A3, Volkswagen Golf Highline and a Mazda3. Whilst they are all fine cars I found the Mazda very good value and an excellent drive. Can you comnent?

Brendan from Dublin

Brendan Foley (Dublin)

Jan 2014 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Brendan,

Good choices, all of those, if you're looking for a more affordable 3 Series alternative. The new-shape Mazda3 (the one that's only just been launched) seem to be especially excellent, and with Mazda's reliability you won't be spending too much on repairs or maintenance down the line. The Golf is always a safe bet too, although if you're used to the saloon shape it may be worth having a look at the little-seen Jetta - an underrated gem, that car. Or, alternatively, you could try the Audi A3 Saloon, which I reckon is the best compact sports saloon around at the moment.

See how you get on and let us know which one you go for.


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