Mazda 3/Mazda6 Question

[ee904age]

After writing off our Commodore Wagon a couple of weeks ago, we are after a new car. Both the better half and me like the look of the newer shape Mazda3/Axela and Mazda6/Atenza. Does anyone have any experience with either of these? We want either a 2L or 2.3L pref in manual up to around $10k.

Anything to look out for when looking at them? Most seem to be in Auckland, but we have a credit owing from AirNZ so travelling is no problem but would like to know what to ask before making a trip.

Also I know it's been asked hundreds of times lately but any suggestions on similar cars would be good. Criteria are: At least 2L, pref manual, big enough for a family of 4 to go away with luggage, better fuel economy than the Commodores ~6km/L. Not keen on Subarus mainly due to the bad rep of the earlier TT's but maybe they've improved?

[Dell'Orto]

Do not get the 2 litre, always go 2.3. Much much better motors.

[mint_86]

Ive got a 2.3 manual axela sedan. Goes pretty well. Had it for the last four years. Only things i can think of are i had to do the water pump at around 75k cos it was leaking, and it always chews out the rear tyres from too much camber when its got some weight in the back plus im too useless to get a rear camber kit.

[Stu-]

Yeah the 2.3L is the way to go - try to get a 23S and look for one with the Bose stereo

[Toby]

Ours was the slightly older shape I think?

I didn't have a problem with the power delivery of the 2l, towed well and the auto gearbox was still very responsive and... smooth when I last drove it. Alternators have a stupid clutch system that fails every so often (approx 200 000kms before our one did) but otherwise pretty solid.

The chassis itself is good, huge and comfy for decent trips but the sportier 2.3 based version is probably a little better sorted and alloys with decent tyres will always make a difference.

I hated auto trans...
Hated Mazda (bad turbo 323 memories)...

...Mazda 6 changed my mind, Possibly one of the better daily drudgery cars I've driven - not that exciting but competent and our one was very low maintenance.

Non Bose stereo sucks overall... that's a definite consideration if you enjoy a good singalong.

In fact... lol: http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-ca ... 112954.htm Check out those hubcaps!

[AE82 FXGT]

Do not get the 2 litre, always go 2.3. Much much better motors.

This, the 2.0 LF motors are average, alright around town if your a nana, but as your after a manual I would say your not (they even seem average when in an MX5)

The 2.3s are a nice motor, if you want room for a fam then a 6 would be logical, but do look around locally and size up the boot of a 3, some people think it's good enough.

If you get a 6 import, try to get one with a service history or failing that (as most imports don't have one), try to get NZ new as for some reason I have seen about 5 or 6 Mazda Atenza imports that have run bearings due to bad servicing (It is possible to do the main bearings with out taking off the head but would be easier to not do them at all.)

All of the above from being at a Mazda dealer for 5 years.