Mazda Problems

It's becoming a broken record, because the CX-5 gets The Tick and is best in class. The new Vitara is roomy and well built, just flawed by an awful automatic gearbox.

The diesel is definitely the better engine choice in the Tucson, but you'll be giving up some headroom in the Highlander as — like virtually all sunroofs — it pinches a bit of roof clearance.

We haven't heard of any widespread problems with the door catch. Looking at the car now wouldn't provide anything that might indicate the cause of the door catch to fail. You would have to have been there and actually observe it fail to determine the cause. It's a pity that Mazda appears to have been uncooperative, it would have been better if they had taken the time to meet you and listen to your story.

I suspect that you are being conned. Could you hear this "groaning"? If not don't replace the brakes, but if you're not sure take the car somewhere else and have the brakes checked.

We have heard reports of problems with shift solenoids in the auto. It's not a big problem and I wouldn't be worried about the general reliability of the car once it's been fixed.

The three cars you nominate are all sound and good buying in the small to medium class. I wouldn't recommend buying European, they are generally less reliable and more costly to run than cars from Asia. You could also consider a Honda Civic or Kia Rio.

There have been reports of problems with the CX-5 and some other Mazda models of fuel contaminating the engine oil through the DPF filter. Mazda claim to have a fix for that problem. I would check with your Mazda dealer so see if your car is one of those affected.

It's a diesel, so it's not pinging. I suspect it's the injectors rattling. Have a diesel mechanic check them for you.

Definitely the Mazda6. It gets The Tick from me and wins over the SUVs on everything from fuel economy to comfort and quietness.