Mazda Problems

All of them would be good choices, but I would prefer the Mazda CX-5 or the Kia Sportage. Either would be fine.

The CX-5 and Tucson are both highly rated medium SUVs, and I’m sure both would be good choices for your needs. Both are refined and cabin noise doesn’t appear to be a problem with either of them. If I were to choose I would go for the CX-5.

The official fuel consumption (average) is 10L/100km, which is a guide to what you should get, but it will vary depending on the driving conditions, load carried etc. Yours isn't wildly out, and given that it's new and running in you could expect it to improve as it does more kilometres. I would suggest you report your concerns to the dealer and maintain a log on the consumption you get with the view of presenting it to them at the next service. If it hasn't improved by then you should have plenty of evidence to justify your claim that something is not right.

I would rule out the CX-7 on the basis of poor fuel consumption, the performance of the iX35 petrol version is a little lacking, the Tucson is a better car, but I would suggest the X-Trail is probably your best bet.

The claimed average fuel consumption of a 2010 Mazda 2 is 6.8 L/100 km for combined city and country driving. Around town the average is 8.9 L/100 km.

We understand Mazda released a revised engine oil dipstick with a higher full mark. It also released revised software for the dpf operation that changed the way the self-cleaning function took place. If you haven’t got those updates I would be approaching Mazda to get your car updated.

The range of values for your vehicle is $29,000 to $32,000 as a private sale. As a trade-in it’s worth $24,000 to $28,000. With its low kays, plus the towbar and bullbar yours is probably at the top end of that range. You don’t tell us anything about your needs and wants for the car you are looking to buy, but the Kia Sportage is a good car and worth you looking at it.

If it were my daughter I would be looking for safety and reliability as top priorities in a first car. With your budget I would be looking at a 2013/14 Mazda2, a 2014/15 Kia Rio, and a 2014 Toyota Yaris.