Madza 6 - ownership experiences please?
Discussion
I am talking previous generation model.
I am seriously considering one of these as a cheap commuter / family car while saving for a TVR S for the weekend.
I understand they have the same chassis as the Mondeo which is often praised on here for it's drive.
So, what models should I be looking at (MPS aside)?
My commute is only about 4-5000 miles a year so diesel is not a necessity.
What problems should I be looking out for?
I am seriously considering one of these as a cheap commuter / family car while saving for a TVR S for the weekend.
I understand they have the same chassis as the Mondeo which is often praised on here for it's drive.
So, what models should I be looking at (MPS aside)?
My commute is only about 4-5000 miles a year so diesel is not a necessity.
What problems should I be looking out for?
My dad has been driving a 2002 1.8 for about 2+ years now. No major problems (exhaust mount needed) and he is struggling to justify selling it on. He's thinking £1.5k (80k miles) but we know nothing would replace it for that money.
Hell of a lot of car and reliability has been excellent.
Hell of a lot of car and reliability has been excellent.
I think the floorplan is a development of the 626 rather than the mondeo, either way it handles well for a midsized family motor.
I have a diesel in sport spec so plenty of toys (xenons,climate,cruise, Bose stereo etc)
However the diesel engine isn't great for reliablity, my fuel pressure sensor went over the new year which needed a replacement commonrail! £700 pound from Mazda or £90 off eBay
Doing less miles I would go for a 1.8 in as highest spec you can find and it'll probably go on for ever and a day!
I have a diesel in sport spec so plenty of toys (xenons,climate,cruise, Bose stereo etc)
However the diesel engine isn't great for reliablity, my fuel pressure sensor went over the new year which needed a replacement commonrail! £700 pound from Mazda or £90 off eBay

Doing less miles I would go for a 1.8 in as highest spec you can find and it'll probably go on for ever and a day!
Have had a 2.0 TS for 5 years (5 speed), bought with 13k miles on the clock.
Negatives:
Likes to wheelspin in the wet, there's a lot of weight behind the front wheels, decent tyres are advisable.
Can be quite thirsty, I average 31mpg but have managed to get 43 on a long motorway run but didn't go above 60 the entire way (225miles).
Positives:
The TS has cruise control, climate control as standard and a decent sound system (not the BOSE though).
Pretty 'nippy' for a car that weighs 1400kg, acceleration in 3rd is pretty impressive.
Servicing costs are more than acceptable as long as you stay away from the stealers.
10/10 for reliability, I'm almost at 80k miles and apart from the regular servicing costs and tyres, I've spent a grand total of around £100 maintaining it; 2 sets of wiper blades, 1 headlight bulb and new pads.
By far the most reliable and cheapest to maintain vehicle I've owned, carries 5 comfortably, has a huge boot, the rear seats fold down flat and they are very cheap for what you get.
Negatives:
Likes to wheelspin in the wet, there's a lot of weight behind the front wheels, decent tyres are advisable.
Can be quite thirsty, I average 31mpg but have managed to get 43 on a long motorway run but didn't go above 60 the entire way (225miles).
Positives:
The TS has cruise control, climate control as standard and a decent sound system (not the BOSE though).
Pretty 'nippy' for a car that weighs 1400kg, acceleration in 3rd is pretty impressive.
Servicing costs are more than acceptable as long as you stay away from the stealers.
10/10 for reliability, I'm almost at 80k miles and apart from the regular servicing costs and tyres, I've spent a grand total of around £100 maintaining it; 2 sets of wiper blades, 1 headlight bulb and new pads.
By far the most reliable and cheapest to maintain vehicle I've owned, carries 5 comfortably, has a huge boot, the rear seats fold down flat and they are very cheap for what you get.
I'll put this simply.
Do not, under any circumstances, entertain the thought of getting one of these with a diesel engine.
They have well known and well documented faults which Mazda are aware of but choose to ignore.
As for the car, it is good to drive, the 6 speed 'box is sweet and the handling is good.
The petrol engines are supposed to be good.
One final thing. Don't get a diesel Mazda 6. Ever.
Do not, under any circumstances, entertain the thought of getting one of these with a diesel engine.
They have well known and well documented faults which Mazda are aware of but choose to ignore.
As for the car, it is good to drive, the 6 speed 'box is sweet and the handling is good.
The petrol engines are supposed to be good.
One final thing. Don't get a diesel Mazda 6. Ever.
Life Saab Itch said:
I'll put this simply.
Do not, under any circumstances, entertain the thought of getting one of these with a diesel engine.
They have well known and well documented faults which Mazda are aware of but choose to ignore.
As for the car, it is good to drive, the 6 speed 'box is sweet and the handling is good.
The petrol engines are supposed to be good.
One final thing. Don't get a diesel Mazda 6. Ever.
What about a diesel?Do not, under any circumstances, entertain the thought of getting one of these with a diesel engine.
They have well known and well documented faults which Mazda are aware of but choose to ignore.
As for the car, it is good to drive, the 6 speed 'box is sweet and the handling is good.
The petrol engines are supposed to be good.
One final thing. Don't get a diesel Mazda 6. Ever.

Noted.
Hi,
I've had my Mazda 6 ts2 2l petrol for over 3 years now and it's had a full on thrashing practically every day (I'll remember not to sell on here! lol) and it's only needed tyres, break pads and a new handbrake cable.. Oh and the air-con clutch fell off, but that just had to be screwed back on.
As for performance, it shifts pretty damn well for its size, 9secs 0-60. As said above the bose surround is great (sub sits inside your spare wheel)
The only down side and reason I'm going to be giving it TLC and getting rid is because I'm currently only getting 300miles to £65-£70 fuel so looking at getting diesel, a 320d or A3/4 instead.
Just my 2 pence
Liam
I've had my Mazda 6 ts2 2l petrol for over 3 years now and it's had a full on thrashing practically every day (I'll remember not to sell on here! lol) and it's only needed tyres, break pads and a new handbrake cable.. Oh and the air-con clutch fell off, but that just had to be screwed back on.
As for performance, it shifts pretty damn well for its size, 9secs 0-60. As said above the bose surround is great (sub sits inside your spare wheel)
The only down side and reason I'm going to be giving it TLC and getting rid is because I'm currently only getting 300miles to £65-£70 fuel so looking at getting diesel, a 320d or A3/4 instead.
Just my 2 pence
Liam
We have had a run out 57 plate 6 TS Estate since new, 2.0 petrol. Huge boot, fairly quick, 6 speed and doesn't cost anything to run, great car.
Downside is the trip computer reading in litres per 100miles, and a little thirsty.
Some friends of ours had the diesel, liked to throw particulate filter faults at random and go into limp mode......
Downside is the trip computer reading in litres per 100miles, and a little thirsty.
Some friends of ours had the diesel, liked to throw particulate filter faults at random and go into limp mode......
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