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.

Mazda’s second-generation KF CX-5 crossover is built around the world in Mazda facilities in Japan (Hiroshima and Hofu), Malaysia (Kulim), and China (Nanjing). As the latest CX-5 model only launched last year it is likely the next update won’t be coming out for at least five years.

There was a recall in November 2017 to fix a problem with a gearshift cable retaining clip that could cause the cable to come in contact and be damaged by the prop shaft. The result was that you couldn’t change gears and could lose drive.

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.

A new Mazda3 was hinted at in late October 2017 when Mazda showed off the new Kai concept. It is due to be released to market in early 2019 and will represent a huge leap forward in design and technology.

The Volvo XC90 is a terrific luxury SUV, one that offers plenty of high-end technology and luxury appointments, plus with enough room for seven adults if need be. It's an inescapable fact that the Volvo is on the expensive side - if you consider a petrol engine version with sporty styling - the T6 R-Design would be the go-to option - and at about $105,000 before on-road costs and options, you're likely to see a lot of value in a like-for-like comparison against the Mazda CX-9 Azami AWD (which is about $65,000 before on-road costs, and there are hardly any options to choose). 

The Volvo doesn't excite the senses as much as a Mazda CX-9, and if that's important to you, then we'd suggest the Japanese seven-seat SUV is the better option. But it is hard to argue against the Volvo's driveway cred, and if you can afford it without stretching the budget, then it's definitely worth a test drive. 

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.

While there are ways to make your Mazda 3 quite fast it is not cheap or easy, and will require extensive involvement from experts. You would be far better served to look for a second-hand factory turbocharged high-performance Mazda MPS model, or buying a Subaru WRX, or Volkswagen Golf GTI, to get your high-performance kicks.

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.