Mazda 3 opinions & advice

[Number 97]

I'm looking at buying a pre reg Mazda 3 Sportnav, it seems to get very good reviews and the general consensus seems to be that it would be a good buy. Does anyone on here own one and what are their thoughts on it? How are the running costs/servicing?

[Bdevo3]

Based on a ford focus platform. Petrol ones use mazda engines. Diesel use 1.6hdi Peugeot engines turbo failure is common on the diesel due to a metal gauze in the oil feed pipe getting blocked due to incorrect oil or poor servicing. Reconditioned turbos are reasonably cheap, egr valves are a common fault also, dpf additive can be expensive. I've not heard or come across many issues on petrol ones

[Fastdruid]

New ones (2014+) are no longer based on the same platform as the Focus.

[Number 97]

Bdevo3 said:

Based on a ford focus platform. Petrol ones use mazda engines. Diesel use 1.6hdi Peugeot engines turbo failure is common on the diesel due to a metal gauze in the oil feed pipe getting blocked due to incorrect oil or poor servicing. Reconditioned turbos are reasonably cheap, egr valves are a common fault also, dpf additive can be expensive. I've not heard or come across many issues on petrol ones

its the 2ltr petrol 120 engine I'm looking at. I saw something about a recall over a fuel tank a couple of years ago but its probably safe to assume that's no longer an issue.

[Northernlights]

I may be late to the party, but... I have a 3 SE with the 120PS engine. I've had it a year and am very pleased with it. It's a strong, economical engine that can go when it needs to. Attached to a lovely, mechanical-feeling 'box too. I also think the car handles well for a family hatch, and is one of the better normal cars I've driven (I've driven a wide range). I don't have the Nav, but hear it's pretty awful, however, the rest of the infotainment is excellent. Sadly the same cannot be said for the dealer...

Hope this helps.

[i11matic1795]

I've currently got a Mazda 3 Fastback 2.2 SE-L company car, it's been a great car over the past 12 months, although it does have a problem with the inside of the windscreen freezing, I think that is more to do with the screen having been replaced the week I got the car and possibly the seal not being perfect.

I chose the 2.2L over the 2.0L because of the extra power, and I'm very glad I did as it does feel a pretty nippy car for what it is. Although I am handing mine back to get an MX5 next month.

[Number 97]

Thanks for the replies, I've had the car for about 3 weeks and 600 miles now and I feel I made the right choice, as mentioned the 2.0L 120 engine can be either very economical or quick but not both at the same time

The feels like a very solid car and well built, it handles well. I usually drive smaller cars, my last car was a DS3 and I've previously had fiesta's Corsa's and a Punto. But despite the bigger size the car doesn't feel big when driving it.

I'm a little disappointed the entertainment system doesn't have Android Auto and Apple Play? I done a quick search and it seems I'm not the only one. There seems to be a lot of unhappy people (especially in the US it seems) it's a disappointment but a very minor one.

I say well done to Mazda on this car, I never thought much about getting a Mazda before but I'm glad I gave them a chance.

[Pints]

Bdevo3 said:

Based on a ford focus platform. Petrol ones use mazda engines. Diesel use 1.6hdi Peugeot engines turbo failure is common on the diesel due to a metal gauze in the oil feed pipe getting blocked due to incorrect oil or poor servicing. Reconditioned turbos are reasonably cheap, egr valves are a common fault also, dpf additive can be expensive. I've not heard or come across many issues on petrol ones

The new Mazda 3 no longer uses the Ford platform, but now uses the SkyActiv chassis. And the diesel engines (1.5 and 2.2) are also new SkyActiv units.

i11matic1795 said:

I've currently got a Mazda 3 Fastback 2.2 SE-L company car, it's been a great car over the past 12 months, although it does have a problem with the inside of the windscreen freezing, I think that is more to do with the screen having been replaced the week I got the car and possibly the seal not being perfect.

I chose the 2.2L over the 2.0L because of the extra power, and I'm very glad I did as it does feel a pretty nippy car for what it is. Although I am handing mine back to get an MX5 next month.

I've also got the 2.2 Fastback. Have put over 20,000 miles on the clock in about 14 months and it's not put a foot wrong. No freezing issues with the windscreen, so I think you issue must have been related to your replacement windscreen.


Glad you're happy with your car, OP.