Mazda Problems

Yes, no and maybe! Mazda has sold a heap of their compact SUV in Australia and they have generally been pretty good reliability-wise, though there has been an increasing number of manual transmission failures reported at between 50,000km and 75,000km. Disturbingly, these are reported to only be fixed by replacing the entire manual gearbox. There have also been questions raised over oil consumption in the Skyactiv petrol motors, and the longevity of steering racks.

Turn the gear knob anti-clockwise, the pop the centre console out using trim removal tools. Remove two Phillips head screws holding the base of the radio trim and ashtray to the centre console support structure. Pull the ashtray and cigarette lighter assembly out. Remove the plastic trim from under the steering column, then remove the two Phillips head screws under the radio trim panel in the centre console, and one bolt tucked up the side of the radio unit which is accessed from the passenger side. The radio then pops out of its clips when lifted from the bottom of the unit..

The Mazda CX-5 is certainly a popular car for families. If you're looking for something to go fast in, do serious off-roading or tow anything more than a very large sandwich, then look elsewhere. However, as a suburban runabout the CX-5 is going to get the job done admirably.

You should be able to get an example of the current crop of large seven-seat SUVs for under $40k, and we recommend the Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-9, Toyota Kluger and Hyundai Santa Fe, in that order. 

You'll also be able to get a new mid-size SUV for well under that price, with Mitsubishi offering the base Outlander with seven seats for $29,990 drive away at the moment. 

You can also get the Honda  CR-V VTi-L for just under $40k and the Nissan X-Trail. Our pick would be the Honda, but bear in mind it lacks a lot of active safety equipment fitted standard to the other brands.

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.

Use a trim removal tool to pop the trim cover behind the door handle so you can remove the screw there. Remove the Phillips head screw from the armrest. Starting at the bottom of the door panel, gently (but firmly) pull the door trim from the bottom and pop it out of its clips, working up. Lift the door panel up as you remove it, and then unclip the wiring from behind.

While Australian-delivery Mazda BT 50 pick-ups are built in Rayong, Thailand, the platform is also made in South Africa for other markets.

It is rated to tow 750 kg if the trailer doesn’t have any brakes, or 1600 kg if it does have brakes. The Passat diesel will also tow 750 kg with an unbraked trailer, but 1500 kg when the trailer has brakes. There are no major concerns with either of them.

The current-generation Mazda CX-5 measures 4550mm in length. Other dimensions are 1675mm (height), 1840mm (width), and 1645kg (mass).

Mazda has confirmed the current BT-50 generation will not be replaced until after 2020, though it has recently received a minor facelift update.