Mazda Problems

Mazda3 spare parts are generally considered about average in terms of their expense. Regular wear items like tyres, brakes and wiper blades are often cheaper than European marques like Mercedes-Benz or Volkswagen, but not as cheap as some Korean or other Japanese brands. Because the Mazda3 has been so successful in Australia there are a lot of parts available from wrecking yards, which are cheaper than buying new parts from a dealer.

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.

This is really a job for experienced home mechanics, or the local Mazda dealer. Improperly adjusted headlights can be a major safety hazard as they can blind other drivers on the road, or not illuminate obstacles in front of you.

Among the 24 CX-5 variants sold new by Mazda in Australia only the MAXX and MAXX SPORT are available in two wheel drive formats as all other models are sold as all wheel drive models. The two wheel drive models are front wheel drive, not rear wheel drive, while the rest send their power and torque to the ground via all four wheels.

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

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.

Mazda3s are sold in sedan or hatch in Australia, and in several specification levels. Currently you have the option of six models, including the Neo Sport, Maxx Sport, Touring, SP25, SP25 GT, and SP25 Astina. The three lower-end models (Neo, Maxx and Touring) run a 2.0-litre engine, while the SP25 models get a 2.5-litre four-cylinder, as the 25 suggests in their names. If your Mazda3 has 16-inch wheels but doesn't have a touch-screen entertainment system, then you have a base-model Neo. The Maxx does get the touch-screen display, plus some leather wrapping on the steering wheel and shifter, but misses out on the electric park brake and leather seat trim of the Touring. The 2.5-litre models all score 18-inch alloy wheels, though the SP25 misses out on the Touring's leather trim, sunglass holder and a few other comfort items. The SP25 GT scores LED headlights and tail lights, leather trim (heated in the front), and BOSE audio, while the top of the range SP25 Astina gets driver's seat memory function, a sunroof and more.

Mazda's CX-5 soft-roader is a great around-town runabout but towing is not its forte. With a maximum tow rating of just 750kg unbraked and up to 1800kg with brakes you're going to have to have quite a small tinny to safely pull it reliably with a CX-5 Mazda. A BT-50 ute is an infinitely more appropriate choice for towing duties as even the big brother CX-9 SUV is only able to tow a small amount more than the CX-5.