Expert answer

Hi Caroline,

As discussed via email, the new Auris is more refined and a little more economical than the Mazda, as it has a 1.4-litre diesel engine to the Mazda's 1.6-litre unit.

However, as you've discovered, you're likely to get a better deal on trade-in with a Mazda dealer and that is likely to decide things.

By all means test drive both and shop around with different Toyota and Mazda dealers. By any normal measure both cars are incredibly fuel efficient.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Mairead,

That’s the 1.6 diesel that’s in almost everything; from Citroens and Peugeots to MINIs, Fords, Volvos and Mazdas. As such, it’s a pretty reliable engine, as long as it’s been properly serviced and fed a regular diet of high-grade synthetic oil. Keep an eye on the fragile water pumps and exhaust gas recirculation valves, though.

As for the rest of the car, tread carefully. That was the last Citroen to come with the legendary Hydragas suspension system as standard, and while that’s terrific from a point of view of comfort, it is a complex and often fragile system. Ditto the C5’s complex electrical system. Make sure it has a full and complete service history and, if there are any gaps or if the overall condition is anything less than excellent, walk away.

Expert answer

Hi Maggie,

We do love a good rotary engine, and the RX-8 was one of Mazda’s best spinny-spinny efforts. Good looking, surprisingly practical and great to drive. The first thing to look for is a full service history, and preferably one from a Mazda main dealer or specialist. If it doesn’t have a full history, don’t buy it. The next thing to look for is excessive smoke on start-up — that means the rotor seals are knackered. Then check carefully for accident damage — they’re tail-happy in the wet and plenty have been binned by less-than-skilled owners. 

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Hi Ollie,

Generally speaking, you should be OK, as that 30-min run each day should be enough to keep a DPF hot enough to clean it out, but that’s if and only if that 30 mins is all run at high-ish speeds, say above 80km/h most of the time and in a lower gear. If you’re spending a lot of time in stop-start traffic, I think a petrol option might still be the better one. Mazda’s 2.0-litre petrol engine can be a bit thirsty, but the 1.4 TSI option in the Passat and A4 is a very frugal engine, and still has peppy performance.

Expert answer

Hi Fuad,

Hellish in both respects. The RX-8 is a terrific car, and was always one of our favourites, but they do suck fuel pretty badly. If you’re able to keep it above 25mpg on average, you’ll be doing well. Insurance is pricey because, even though the engine has a swept capacity of just 1.3 litres, it’s still a 190-230hp rear-drive sports car, and no insurer is going to be fooled by the engine capacity in this case. 

Expert answer

Hi David,

In general that's a good car to drive, well-equipped and highly reliable and economical. We found the 1.6-diesel engine a little loud and the car itself to emit a lot of road noise on the motorway, but they're not bad enough to be deal-breakers.

It's still too new for there to be meaningful reliability data, but in general Mazdas have a good reliability record. Ensure that it has been serviced according to the schedule and take it for as long a drive as you can.

Best of luck

Expert answer

Hi Lins,

We're big fans of the Mazda5 in general. That model is well-equipped and lovely to drive. Make sure you go for a 2.0-litre diesel instead of the 1.8-litre petrol to keep your running costs down.

Hope that helps.

Expert answer

Hi Bilal,

There's a lot of choice at that price, but scouring Carzone.ie we came up with a few options:

• Alfa Romeo 156
• BMW 3 Series Coupé
• Hyundai Coupé
• Mazda MX-5
• MG ZR
• Peugeot 205 GTi
• Renault Clio Williams
• Subaru Impreza
• Toyota Celica

Let us know your preferences if you'd like help narrowing down the search.

Expert answer

Hi Trish,

We don't know your budget or the year of car you're looking at, but assuming it's a 2009 model and that you're looking at diesel versions for better economy, the Toyota and Mazda both have better reliability records and decent economy, though the Opel has higher economy figures - especially if you can find a 1.7 CDTi diesel for your budget. Unfortunately, the diesel Zafiras can be problematic.

Come back to us with more details if you'd like advice on a specific car.

Expert answer

Hi Eamonn,

The launch date has yet to be announced, though it will be 2013. Mazda has confirmed that the new 6 will be unveiled in production-ready format at the Paris Motor Show this September.

Let's hope it looks half as good as the Takeri concept car!