Mazda Problems

We contacted Mazda on your behalf and this is the response we received from their technical people: "It sounds like there is a bit of confusion as to what the light relates to as the vehicle is also equipped with a gauge to indicate Adblue Level. It sounds like the customer may be relating the light as a level indicator. The light can be an indication of a system malfunction of some type, this would need to be diagnosed which it sounds like may have occurred. Depending on the cause will dictate the parts required to be replaced. There are separate components and not all concerns require tank replacement. The comments suggesting there is a massive problem and the tank could go at any time are bit unfounded and sound like unfounded Internet chatter. Our recommendation would be to let the dealership perform the diagnosis and repair. If the repair is completed by a Mazda Dealer as a Retail Repair using Genuine parts the parts are covered by our Whole of Life Parts Warranty." It might not be an answer, but it does give you a guide to the cause, as the warning light might be an indicator of another problem.

Mazda spokeswoman Karla Leach might have the answer for you, as well as some good news on sun damage: “The angle of the windscreen is very similar to the previous model but in the current model car has moved 100mm rearward relative to the previous model. However, the windscreen blocks out 100 per cent of UVA and UVB rays, and 46 per cent of heat. The side windows block out 91 per cent UVA and 100 per cent of UVB rays.”

Typically you're looking at a car around 2010 vintage for that money, so it's got a few years on it and will have done a few kays. With that in mind it's best to go for a car that's going to give you a good run for your money over a few years. Steer clear of European brands, that includes Ford as its small cars come out of Europe, and go for a solid brand with a good reputation for reliability. In my view that means a Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3, Mitsubishi Lancer, Kia Rio, Hyundai i30.

The XV will be fine around town but is very small in the boot, and the same goes for the CX-3. If you want a similar cabin and boot space to the Liberty then go for the CX-5, but also have a look at the new Kia Sportage.

Mazda Australia tells me your car will arrive this week and, as a goodwill gesture after the delay, you will be getting free window tinting and three years of free roadside assist coverage.

Both the CX-5 and the Tribeca are good choices; they're capable, well built and reliable. Others to consider are the Kia Sportage and Sorento. While they are Korean like the Captiva, unlike the Captiva they're very good cars, well built and reliable.

The CX-5 is still best in class but a new Kia Sportage has just arrived and promises to be just as good. I’d steer you towards a Subaru Forester or Outback. They drive like a car, are more refined and easily handle country roads.

I've heard of this from time to time, including a BMW roof that exploded during a press preview drive. Mazda Australia will do a full assessment of you car and provide a loan vehicle for you.

Wow, that is a major change of direction. Before you make such a change I would suggest you actually test drive each of the cars you're thinking of to see if they really suit you. The Mazda MX-5 is a two-seater and not very practical for instance. It's hard to advise you because we don't anything about what you want from the car you buy. If it was me I would probably buy the MX-5, I would have no problem with a two-seater.

So many options. It's great to hear that you have had such a good run out of your Corolla, and that you would happy with another one. The Corolla is certainly a good option. So too is the Mazda 3, which would satisfy all of your needs. Both cars would be good choices. The Mazda CX-3 is a different car in that it is an SUV and gives you the advantages of a high driving position for good visibility and the flexibility of a wagon style body. It too would be good option, and I would suggest that you had a test drive of it to see if does what you want. All three are well built, reliable and I would expect them to give you many years of good service.