Need help, potential Mazda 3 purchase

[Eonca]

Hi All, looking at buying the below car, is anyone aware of any known faults with this model and does this seam like a good deal?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

[Ali_T]

Not really bar the usual Mazda wheel arch corrosion. Some 56 plate Mazdas got a bad batch of steel so check for lots of little blisters, like chickenpox! Could only be on one panel as well. 3s can have soft engine mounts so make sure there's no knocking on and off throttle from up front and make sure it doesn't hesitate or feel choked up as they suffer the same DPF blockages as other diesels. Beyond that, all the usual wear and tear items.

Edited by Ali_T on Saturday 7th February 11:35

[Eonca]

Thank you

[fuzzymonkey]

All of Mazda diesels have a terrible rep for reliability...

[Eonca]

Oh no thought I had found a bargain

[Eonca]

What about this Kia Ceed?

http://www.motors.co.uk/car-36971902/0/sr

[pmanson]

I have a 2009 mazda 6 with the 2.2d. I've run it from 43k when I brought it 2 or so years ago and it will tick over to 100k early week.

I've not had any issues with it but the 75k service isn't cheap (£750)

i will probably trade into the new 6 later on in the year

Edited to add my folks have a 2005 mazda 3 currently sitting on 130k (petrol) since new and they've been very happy with it.

Alloys have corroded on both cars and my folks had an issue with paint flaking on the lower front bumper

Edited by pmanson on Saturday 7th February 11:56

Edited by pmanson on Saturday 7th February 11:57

[sorin1987]

I am also looking for a Mazda 3 to buy at the end of March, but I am looking at the 1.6 petrol engine. I have checked some reviews online and it seems that the first generation Mazda 3 (2004-2008) petrol are one of the most reliable cars.

[GTRmad]

fuzzymonkey said:

All of Mazda diesels have a terrible rep for reliability...

You now feck all about Mazda diesels.The 2.2 is one of the best about..

[Ali_T]

fuzzymonkey said:

All of Mazda diesels have a terrible rep for reliability...

We have a diesel CX7 that's had zero issues in 6 years.

[CrutyRammers]

sorin1987 said:

I am also looking for a Mazda 3 to buy at the end of March, but I am looking at the 1.6 petrol engine. I have checked some reviews online and it seems that the first generation Mazda 3 (2004-2008) petrol are one of the most reliable cars.

We had one for a few years,gave no problems at all.a decent, revvy little engine too.only thing I didn't really like was the gearstick position.

[furrywoolyhatuk]

My mum has a 3, only problem are corroded/leaky alloys otherwise her 2.0 sport petrol has been good. Bose stereo is good too if you have the opportunity.

[Trailhead]

I know someone with a 1.6 2008 Mazda 3 and the head gasket went after 20,000 miles. Otherwise it was fine, if thirsty.

[Eonca]

I have also found the below Golf but it's a cat d, garage has emailed me saying the below but how do I trust what they say, how do I validate what they are saying?

It "seems" like a good price

ONE OWNER CAR. FULL VW SERVICE HISTORY. EXCELLENT CONDITION. CAT D DUE TO PREVIOUS BUMPER DAMAGE. BODY IS MINT

http://www.mbmotorsleicester.co.uk/used-cars/volks...

[Stoatman]

Out of interest why does the advert say" never damaged" but it's a cat d ?. Cat d puts me off , but it's a bit of a physiological thing really.

[Eonca]

Yeah it's a bit strange that it says that, apparently rear bumper damage. I'm not confident about it either

[robsdesk]

My brother in law has a 1.6 Mazda 3 08 plate, not especially exciting but other than the previously mentioned alloys which leak & corrode seems to be reliable, he bought it just over 3 years old from a supermarket (ex motability car) other than servicing no unexpected costs.

[Superhoop]

fuzzymonkey said:

All of Mazda diesels have a terrible rep for reliability...

Even this one, which is actually a Peugeot engine??

The answer the that is yes by the way, I wouldn't touch one with a 40ft pole

[telecat]

We have a "06" 1.6 TS2 that has been passed down from my wife to my Son. The Alloys were replaced under warranty about 30,000 miles ago and it's at 93,000 miles but is still going strong.

[leefee]

Its maybe a Scottish roads and mazda thing, but my god they rust. Not just the arches which you cam see but the underside which is less obvious, plenty 04 05 06 and even some 07 have needed sills welding. Shame as othewise pretty good trouble free cars in petrol form., the 1.8 and 2.0 ones can like a drink of oil, see a fair few going through auctions with knocking bottom ends. Diesles = usual problems apply.