Mazda Problems

Fuel consumption is a difficult subject because there are a number of things that affect it that relate to you and the sort of driving you do, but the official fuel consumption figures come down on the side of the Mazda, 7.4 L/100 km compared to 7.7 L/100 km average for similar vehicles. Either one would be a good choice, but if fuel consumption is your determining feature then go for the CX-5.

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

Could be a fault with the display. The only way to find out is to have it checked, so I would recommend you take it to a Mazda dealer.

Without knowing what you mean by casual weekend drives, I will assume they’re not off-road, so either one would be a good choice.

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.

When buying a used car no matter the make or model the most important things are condition and service history. Buy the best car you can afford within your budget, one with a full and creditable service history. The Toyota Camry and Mazda6 are good reliable vehicles.

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 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.