Mazda Problems

You shouldn’t be using Park as a brake, that’s not what it is intended for, and could damage the transmission. If you want to stop the vehicle change down through the ratios manually and apply the brakes. The problem is unlikely to be the wiring harness, it sounds like it’s deeper within the transmission. Have your dealer check it, or take it to an automatic transmission specialist.

Mazda released a second-generation CX-5 in 2017 so the next model isn't expected for at least five years.

They are of a similar age, so there shouldn’t be much between them in terms of accumulated mileage. The SP25 is better equipped and sportier model, but I would still go for the Maxx being newer and a little cheaper.

You should be running a 5W-40 oil.

Longer than an instant, less than an eternity. With proper care, including servicing, Mazda's popular Mazda3 model should last for several hundred thousand kilometres. Parts will wear out in that time, however, so don't think you won't have to get your mechanic to look after your car.

Start by using a trim removal tool to lever out the shiny black trim that runs across the dashboard. When you get to the air vents in the centre, these come out with the black trim and you can lever from the top of the air vents to make it easier to pop them out. Behind the air vents there is one bolt and three clips holding the radio unit to the dashboard, so you can push upwards and forwards at the same time and the unit will pop out of the dash. Disconnect the wiring and the radio unit is removed.

The principals of changing any fluid, including engine oil, in cars hasn't really changed in the last 70 years. Warm up engine, remove filler cap, drain old oil into a pan, swap oil filters, refill oil to recommended level using the oil grade recommended by the manufacturer. However, if you get something wrong in that process there is a real risk of injury or causing (financially) catastrophic damage to your car, so I'd suggest newbies take their cars back to the dealership, or a good independent mechanic, to have a professional do the job for you. They can also give your car a once-over to ensure nothing else needs repairing, or will wear out soon!

Without being able to see the paint problem it is difficult to be conclusive, but on the basis of what you have told us it is more likely to be the paint quality than bird droppings.

Your best course of action is to consult a paint specialist and have them make an independent assessment that you can submit to Mazda.

Yes! No! Quite possibly! The largest factor in achieving good fuel efficiency is the nut behind the wheel (the driver). If you drive with efficiency in mind you will find Mazda's sales-dominating compact car will be able to travel hundreds of kilometres between refills, averaging approximately 5.7L per-100km for the 2.0-litre engines and approximately 6.5L per-100km for the 2.5-litre engines.