Mazda Problems

The Mazda2 is rated to tow 500kg unbraked or 900kg braked, which would seem sufficient to handle your box trailer, but it depends on the weight of the trailer. Other cars of a similar size are similarly rated, so if you want to tow more than the Mazda2 is rated for you would need a larger car.

The CX-5 is the sales favourite with people buying mid-range SUVs. It seems I’m recommending it every week but that’s because it is a great car that gets The Tick.

Your engine will not fail if you use the correct specification of oil, even if it's not synthetic, but Mazda spokesman Tony Mee has the company line: "The specification does not indicate that the oil must be a 'synthetic' product, however . . . the Mazda recommended engine oil for BT-50 is a high quality 'synthetic' product that supports long-term engine durability and performance. The service schedule has been developed to ensure the long term durability and performance of the vehicle including all systems".

There's nothing to worry about with start-stop technology. It's been around for years and everybody has it. As for your choices, I'd put the CX-3 well ahead of the ASX and just in front of the HR-V but I wouldn't buy either. For me, a mid-level Mazda3 is bigger than the CX-3, has more power, more room and is better to drive.

For your needs, I would recommend the Subaru Forester. It is a great country drive, comfortable and safe, and gets The Tick. The Koleos is getting very dated.

You’re right to challenge the charges dealer claim, and good on you for getting them to drop those charges that are clearly unwarranted. First, dealers should get the permission of owners before going ahead and doing work on their cars, something your dealer didn’t do when using the so-called “premium” oil. So too when they balanced the tyres when doing the rotation. Both were unnecessary, and certainly not acceptable when they haven’t got the go-ahead from the owner. Your advice to others to check the charges when having their cars serviced is good.

I have seen reports of the system not working as expected, but no real explanations yet. It could simply be that people are not up to speed on the system, and what parameters it uses to activate. It doesn't necessarily operate in every situation, and the engine can restart if, for instance, you slightly release the brakes or turn the steering wheel.

The Sorento has just been voted the 2015 Car of the Year so it gets The Tick from me. There is an all-new CX-9 next year and a Santa Fe update soon. Today, the order is Sorento, Outback, Santa Fe and CX-9.

Cynics might say that carmakers using the shorter intervals are simply gouging customers; others might say it’s prudent to service your car more often to keep them ticking over in tip-top shape. Mazda recommends servicing its cars, including the CX-3 every 10,000 km or 12 month, whichever occurs first. I’m inclined to err on the conservative side and service more frequently.