My first what car - Mazda 6 or other

[fatandwheezing]

Having spent the last 14 years getting to work on a bike or train, I am now in need of a commuter. Funds (max £6,500 unless it really is a great deal) mean that I'm limited to an older machine, and have been looking at the Mazda 6.

Spotted one locally, a 2008 2.0d Sport with all the kit I want on it (Bluetooth, Cruise, Air Con etc, with the added bonus of heated seats), but Honest John seems filled with horror stories of DPF build up destroying engines, and recommends the 2.2d. There is a 2010 2.2d, similar mileage, and same spec (except the heated seats).

Any experience of the 2.0d destroying itself, or is it a case of keep it serviced and it'll be fine?

Any other leftfield choices I should look at:
80 miles per day, mainly motorway, looking for comfort over power, needs to hold all the crap that the baby brings with her.

[Pappagallo]

We've got a 2 litre petrol Mazda 6 as the family car. A 2011 one, so the same shape as the one you're looking at I think.

Space and comfort wise its ideal. It's not great on fuel (35 mpg on a run) but obviously doesn't have the maintenance issues you are hearing about. We've had it a year and recently the electric power steering components needed replacing under the Mazda used car warranty. Other than that it's been faultless.

[Silverbullet767]

You could buy an Audi A6 for that sort of cash. The 3.0TDi Quattro goes nice. Just make sure it has the updated injectors if below a 2007 plate.

[fatandwheezing]

True, though not many of the A6 in the area at the moment. Have just spotted a nice auto 95, and Passat that are both a grand under the Mazda.

It really isn't exciting making the "financially sensible" decision really is it....

[amusingduck]

Comfort you say?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

[fatandwheezing]

You know what, I saw a C6 the other day, and vowed to have a look at one, but the nearest one for sale I can see is 50 miles away. I'm in Wigan, where it would appear all the Ssangyongs go to die.