Impressed with MAZDA

[Grass Roots Tour]

Well, it's been over 3 years and 77,000 kms since I bought my first ever "japanese" car and I thought I'd report my findings thus far.

As most of you know my ride is a black '03 Mazda 6 with the V6 option and manual 5 speed tranny. It is equiped with every factory option except leather (shoulda got leather :( ) and heated seats.

I have done absolutely no repair work to this car. I just change the oil every 8,000 (as per owners' manual) and put gas in it. The brakes are still origonal and in fine condition. :eek:

I get almost 600 kms on a tank of fuel which costs roughly $48 :mad: these days and I don't exactly drive Miss Daisy about town. In fact, I probably do get 600 but I won't let it drink from the bottom of the tank.

Good work Mazda. :D

[nearace]

Well, it's been over 3 years and 77,000 kms since I bought my first ever "japanese" car and I thought I'd report my findings thus far.

As most of you know my ride is a black '03 Mazda 6 with the V6 option and manual 5 speed tranny. It is equiped with every factory option except leather (shoulda got leather :( ) and heated seats.

I have done absolutely no repair work to this car. I just change the oil every 8,000 (as per owners' manual) and put gas in it. The brakes are still origonal and in fine condition. :eek:

I get almost 600 kms on a tank of fuel which costs roughly $48 :mad: these days and I don't exactly drive Miss Daisy about town. In fact, I probably do get 600 but I won't let it drink from the bottom of the tank.

Good work Mazda. :Ddoes that have a rotary engine they say they never die?

[Grass Roots Tour]

"The second engine offering is a higher performance 3.0L DOHC V6 engine with a maximum power output of 212 hp with 197 lb/ft of torque. It has been optimized for low-friction efficiency and high power and torque output. Both engines meet the Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle requirements (ULEV gasoline engine). The 24-valve engine also is equipped with sequential valve timing."

I thought mine had 230 ponies in the '03 version but could be wrong but it's definately V configuration and not rotary

[racmbs]

Love my M6 as well....my wife's lease is up on her 2004 Civic SI and will be taking my car over as I put too many clicks on it as it is.

I will be buying another Mazda in the spring for myself and won't lease so I can drive it into the ground.

[bigbertha]

Japanese made cars are absolutely incredible when it comes to value and reliability. However, I do think Korean cars are definitely giving the Japanese ones a run for their money with the way they price them. Personally I have driven european cars since 2000. Won't say I won't go back to Japanese but somehow I always find European cars to give a more "pleasurable" driving experience. Can't explain it, just how it is.:confused:

[ForeontheFloor]

I agree with BB the Korean guys are coming up fast. Hyundai has the best warrenty in the biz right now (5 year/100k) bumper to bumper, NOT just power train. All the other companies only do 3 year/60k b to b.
They were also number 3 on JD power last year for over all quality, passed only by Lexas and Porche.
This is a pretty cool site from Hyundai www.thinkaboutit.com

[el tigre]

I'm always leery of car companies that use long warranty periods as a marketing tool. Invariably their cars used to have a bad track record and reputation, and they want to change that perception. Maybe they really are a lot better than they used to be, but...

I've owned two Honda Accords and a Suburu Outback and I put over 200,000 km on each of them - and I've never had to make a warranty claim. To me, that's quality and reliability. I just leased a new Suburu Impreza wagon in July, and so far it's been great.

Good to hear that the Mazda is working well. We considered the Mazda 5 wagon, but they changed to sliding back doors like a van for the 2007 model and my wife can't stand those. Maybe next time...

[Feherty Fan]

I bought a 2007 Mazda 6 earlier in the year and lovin' the ride... as the commerial says... ZOOM ZOOM

[Bellyhungry]

This is an unauthorized (albeit clever, very clever) advert for Mazda. It won't surprise me one bit that GRT is compensated for his effort here.

This is the same as having commercial web page in the signature, which is a big no-no accoring to the rules of the forum.

I ask that this thread gets eradicated and GRT be banned for 25 to life :rofl:

Well, it's been over 3 years and 77,000 kms since I bought my first ever "japanese" car and I thought I'd report my findings thus far.

As most of you know my ride is a black '03 Mazda 6 with the V6 option and manual 5 speed tranny. It is equiped with every factory option except leather (shoulda got leather :( ) and heated seats.

I have done absolutely no repair work to this car. I just change the oil every 8,000 (as per owners' manual) and put gas in it. The brakes are still origonal and in fine condition. :eek:

I get almost 600 kms on a tank of fuel which costs roughly $48 :mad: these days and I don't exactly drive Miss Daisy about town. In fact, I probably do get 600 but I won't let it drink from the bottom of the tank.

Good work Mazda. :D

[The Troll]

This is an unauthorized (albeit clever, very clever) advert for Mazda.

Apparently it wasn't that clever. :rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

Seriously, I've been looking for an RX-8 for a second car but I am also aware that they have some significant faults.

[focal]

the new Mazda 6 for 2008 is quite nice...

http://www.egmcartech.com/category/mazda/

[SW20 MR2]

I've been driving my '06 Mazda3 hatch since Feb06, and it's been great.

[avidgolfer]

I read somewhere that once you start up a rotary engine, you have to keep it running for atleast 10~15 minutes or it may not restart after you shut it down.

I may be in the market for a sedan to replace my 10 year old minivan, still going strong after 252,000km. I may have to add the Mazda 6 into the list of candidates but still not decided whether the V6 is a worthwhile addition or not.

[cdnputter]

I like the look of the Mazda3 and the RX8, but the most annoying commerical "zoom-zoom-zoom".... it drives me to change the channel. :confused:

Sorry, they do make great cars, but whoever is in charge of their marketing needs to be shot. :mad:

[Grass Roots Tour]

I liked the Mazda 3 hatch-back sport as well but when I bought the 6 the interest rate on the 3 was so high the 6 cost the same $$ to drive.



I ask that this thread gets eradicated and GRT be banned for 25 to life :rofl:


You wish ! :p

[The Troll]

I read somewhere that once you start up a rotary engine, you have to keep it running for atleast 10~15 minutes or it may not restart after you shut it down.



They often flooded if you pulled out of your garage and shut it off. Low battery power, low cranking starters and continued gas flow meant that they often had to be towed to a dealer and the engine drained of gas.

[discomonkey]

I wish I could brag about the reliability of my car, but sadly... I drive a VW. This thing is in the shop more than it's in my garage (slight exaggeration, but it feels true). When it's in the shop, I live in constant fear of the phone in case it rings and I find out that I need a new $50 sparkplug :eek: ... or $500 alternator :eek:... or some random $20 plastic clip... all because replacement parts are made in Germany but c'mon... we all know the car was actually made in Mexico :rolleyes:. But... as unreliable as my car is... it (well, not this actual car, but one of its cousins) sacrificed itself to save my life in a past accident... and so I am a proud VW owner. Every time I get into my car and curse it because it doesn't start... or my windows no longer work... I have to remember (like what the cop and ambulance said) that if I wasn't driving that car and was in a Civic or Corolla (touted for their reliability), I'd have been dead.

[avidgolfer]

They often flooded if you pulled out of your garage and shut it off. Low battery power, low cranking starters and continued gas flow meant that they often had to be towed to a dealer and the engine drained of gas.

So what I read wasn't a figment of the imagination. I didn't think the old RX-7's had that problem. From what I remembered, the old RX-7's (1st and 2nd gen) were very reliable and fun to drive.

I'm just wondering what the fuel economy difference between the 4 banger and V6 Mazda 6. I have a set budget of $50 per week on gas want to see if I can wing it with the V6.

[Grass Roots Tour]

So what I read wasn't a figment of the imagination. I didn't think the old RX-7's had that problem. From what I remembered, the old RX-7's (1st and 2nd gen) were very reliable and fun to drive.

I'm just wondering what the fuel economy difference between the 4 banger and V6 Mazda 6. I have a set budget of $50 per week on gas want to see if I can wing it with the V6.


If you drive less than 600 kms per week you can meet your budget requirements with the V6.

I can not meet your budget with this car as I drive WAY TOO F'n MUCH !! :mad:

[Flog]

My son has a Mazda 626 Chronos for sale. He loves the car and it's been very reliable, but he's in school now so doesn't drive it anymore.
One of my co-workers has a Mazda 3 and it's an excellent car. He's been driving it for a while now and it hasn't given him any trouble at all-- just regular maintenance.

[Caddy27]

600 km's per tank???

I have the 04 V6 Hatchback with Manual and I have been lucky to get close to 450km a tank. It has seriously been my one issue with this car. I love everything else about it(especially the heated seats and leather.). I rev it pretty good but not insanely.

[avidgolfer]

I had a 93' 626 Chronos with the V6 and 5 spd. I loved the car but I had too much trouble fitting 3 baby seats in the back and traded to a minivan. :( I still regret that move.

I drive between 500 to 600 clicks per week. Not much traffic jams in my neck of the woods so I get decent mileage in my cars. I figure if I'm paying $50 per week now, better use for the $50 if trading to a car that will provide a little more driving enjoyment.

[Titleist75]

I love my '04 Mazda3 sedan. Gas consumption is great at about 600+kms and I love the handling. When it comes time I will look for a mazda for my wife as well.:rofl:

[Blue]

I have two GM vehicles and both get over 600k on a tank. One is a supercharged V6 and the other a V8. I don't know what the fuss is about with imports getting the great gas mileage. :confused:

[Flog]

It's a big deal for 2 reasons-- the price of gas these days, and the size of the fuel tank. I doubt your V8 (or even the V6) has a 45 liter tank, and if it does then 600 kms is very impressive and better mileage than any other GM product I've seen (or virtually any domestic for that matter).

[Blue]

The V6 does 650k on 50 liters of gas. And the V8 600k on 50 liters and have gone from the Falls to Philadelphia on one tank of 62 liters (was 800k plus driving around town) There are plenty of GM (and domestic cars) that get good mileage and are reliable. It's all about preception of quality I guess.

[Caddy27]

The 3L V6 in the Mazda 6 is a Ford Engine - the 4 Cylinder is a Mazda. I just don't under stand why some people I have heard get really good mileage from the V6 and others have trouble getting 400km's....

[wilfyu]

I owned a little 1991 Miata which has a lot of mods to it, this little baby gives me absolutely no trouble since day 1....regular oil change & tune up is all it needs. I haven't drive it for the last few years but it's stilling sitting in the garage. Will probably put it back on the road next summer.

[Grass Roots Tour]

The 3L V6 in the Mazda 6 is a Ford Engine - the 4 Cylinder is a Mazda. I just don't under stand why some people I have heard get really good mileage from the V6 and others have trouble getting 400km's....


Remember ... I DON'T live in the city. I do most of my driving on the highways between Kitchener, Hamilton, Brantford and Paris. We typically do not see traffic like you guys see. Sitting and burning fuel not moving can't be helping your situation.

[trunckslammer1]

I owned a little 1991 Miata which has a lot of mods to it, this little baby gives me absolutely no trouble since day 1....regular oil change & tune up is all it needs. I haven't drive it for the last few years but it's stilling sitting in the garage. Will probably put it back on the road next summer.

If you ever wants to sell it, PM me. My daughter is looking for one, especially if it is a convertible.:D

[Pingeye2_fan]

I wish I could brag about the reliability of my car, but sadly... I drive a VW. This thing is in the shop more than it's in my garage (slight exaggeration, but it feels true). When it's in the shop, I live in constant fear of the phone in case it rings and I find out that I need a new $50 sparkplug :eek: ... or $500 alternator :eek:... or some random $20 plastic clip... all because replacement parts are made in Germany but c'mon... we all know the car was actually made in Mexico :rolleyes:. But... as unreliable as my car is... it (well, not this actual car, but one of its cousins) sacrificed itself to save my life in a past accident... and so I am a proud VW owner. Every time I get into my car and curse it because it doesn't start... or my windows no longer work... I have to remember (like what the cop and ambulance said) that if I wasn't driving that car and was in a Civic or Corolla (touted for their reliability), I'd have been dead.
I drive a Jetta and have had my share of small to medium problems.
- AM radio works half the time
- drivers door does not lock first time, you have to lock/unlock before it locks
- trunk will not unlock via the remote or the button on the drivers door, a pain to unlock the backseat back and haul your clubs out.
- cup holders broke
- armrest is broken and shoots off when you stop

But it drives great, just lots of annoyances.

I read the Rx8 drinks gas like a private jet.
But great looking car.
Altima coupe looks pretty nice too.

[Caddy27]

Even when I am doing pure highway driving on trips I can't touch 500k. Probably impacted by how is was broken in with all the city driving I guess. I LOVE the car though - I haven't had any real prblems with it. The starter seems to over crank so it sounds like its trying to double start sometimes. I almost cried when I rubbed the pillar in the parking garage with my back fender - still need to get her fixed....

[Grass Roots Tour]

Thats Ok, my son was riding his bike in the driveway between the cars one day and handle bar with the grip worn off scraped the drivers' door of my M6. Good thing the doors are plastic cause it never rusted.

[SW20 MR2]

Yeah, my biggest gripe about my 06 Mazda3 hatch is the gas mileage. I do mostly city driving and average about 500km per tank. My old 96 Maxima with the 3.0L V6 game me the same mileage. Go figure...

I have the 04 V6 Hatchback with Manual and I have been lucky to get close to 450km a tank. It has seriously been my one issue with this car. I love everything else about it(especially the heated seats and leather.). I rev it pretty good but not insanely.

[The Troll]

Looking for a new ride for the gf so tonight I took a spin in a nearly new Mazdaspeed 6....Trollie likes, Trollie wants. :hyper:

What a sweeeeet ride.