Mazda Problems

There’s no reason to think the Hybrid will not last as long as a regular petrol vehicle.

Toyota has been making hybrids for many, many years and they have never shown any sign of being less durable or reliable then the company’s petrol models. The batteries are said to last the lifetime of the vehicle, so there’s reason to be concerned about that either. The thing with the hybrid is the higher purchase price. That’s offset by the lower fuel consumption, so the longer you keep the vehicles the greater the chance to recoup the extra initial cost.

The other thing to consider is that hybrids work at their best in stop-start city traffic, they are not so good out on country roads where the petrol engine comes into play more of the time.

There’s nothing that should be of concern to you, the Mazda diesel is quite reliable.

Check the identification plate in the engine bay. It should tell what model you have. If it doesn’t tell you directly you should be able to identify it from the VIN number.

Kia has a seven-year warranty. Holden, Ford, Hyundai and Mazda have five-year warranties. Toyota is currently three years, but is going to five. Look at the small models from those carmakers and you’ll find models to fit your budget.

The Corolla is a safe bet for anyone when recommending a car to buy. It has a good reputation for reliability, and its resale is always good. The best one to buy is the latest one that fits within your budget. Another to consider is the Mazda3.

The Mazda3 and Holden Astra are both good alternative choices, but you could also consider a Toyota Corolla or Kia Rio or Cerato.

As there are no warning lights, and it recovers if left, it doesn’t seem likely that it’s an electronic issue, rather a mechanical one. It would worth checking the turbocharger.

It doesn’t need a special battery; a good quality one will do the job.

It could be a wheel bearing, but it could also be something as simple as a stone stuck in the brakes. Best have it investigated, perhaps by a Mazda dealer.

Until you described the condition I would have said the Mazda, but if the condition were only fair I would think twice about it. On the surface it’s the better option, but I would want it checked by an expert to get a true reading on the overall condition. The Honda could be a good buy, the mileage isn’t excessive for the age, but you have to think about the future and what could happen in the next 2 to 3 years.