Buying a car, Mazda owners chime in

[Stevepage]

I've got my Ford Focus up for sale http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/3094140.htm

I've had it since I first started driving but now I'm looking for something with a little less mileage, something a little smarter.

I've been looking at the 1st generation Mazda 6. Specifically the 1.8 TS model. I've heard of a few stories concerning rust, is rust a big problem with the older Mazdas?

Also, those of you who do own Mazdas, how do you rate the reliablity and costs for repairs/servicing etc?

I've considered other cars too like Mondeo, Toyota Avensis and maybe a sporty 1.8 Astra but the Mazda really caught my eye as a potential bargain.

[ToneMonkey]

My bro just bought one. It had about 70,000 on it but we've since found out it actually closer to 120,000. There's a website somewhere that lists the mileage of cars at the services.

He had to put a new clutch in it (£600) and a few other bits, but he absolutely loves it.

There's enough room for twin babies and all that goes with them.

[Matt77]

We are on our 3rd Mazda and my father in-law has an oldish Mazda 6 which I drove back from France.
Cost of parts is a bit high.
The alloys rust on the older models
The fuel consumption isn't great.
However, they will do a lot of miles before they fall apart and they are good to drive.
There's not a lot of difference between Mazda and Ford.
I'd buy either but Mazda edge it for me

[JDC]

There's not a lot of difference between Mazda and Ford.

Ford owns a small part of Mazda (used to be more) but the current Fiesta has the exact same chassis as the Mazda 2

[Johnny Mac]

I've had my Mazda 6 Sport 2.0 Turbo Diesel for 3.5 years. Its been a good car. It has over 170000 and it still runs fine.
I'd get another one.

[Stevepage]

I've been to a few dealers and came across a nice 2.0 2003 Mondeo LX. Very nice interior and was very comfy. Horrid gold colour though so that's off the cards.

I haven't come across any Mazda's though I've seen them around car parks and they've still got my interest. Still a bit concerned about parts being expensive which is the only thing I'm concerned with really.

[ToneMonkey]

I've got a beemer for sale. Hopefully moving house soon, so it has to go.

[Johnny Mac]

I've been to a few dealers and came across a nice 2.0 2003 Mondeo LX. Very nice interior and was very comfy. Horrid gold colour though so that's off the cards.

I haven't come across any Mazda's though I've seen them around car parks and they've still got my interest. Still a bit concerned about parts being expensive which is the only thing I'm concerned with really.

I haven't found them to be Steve.

[Stevepage]

Well after all that searching I finally got a car.

Ford Focus Zetec 1.8 with only 59,000 miles on the clock. Looks almost new and it's very nippy. Only a few niggles to sort out but nothing a quick look over won't fix. Just trying to get my insurance policy changed over but they've closed  :x