Mazda Problems

FIRST you should read your insurance policy to see exactly what you are entitled to. The insurance company must return the car to the condition it was in before the crash, and that was virtually new condition. You can't second-guess the quality of the work that will be done, so you either have to let the repairs go ahead, then address anything that isn't up to your standard. Perhaps you could negotiate to buy the damaged car and have it repaired by a repairer of your choosing.

BUYING used is not going to cost you as much as buying new, but you need to know about cars or have the help of someone who does. Otherwise, buy new and get the security of a warranty. The new car will also be safer. Generally they have more safety features built into them and will probably use less fuel than an older car. Look at the Mazda 2, Toyota Yaris, Nissan Tiida, Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Getz and VW Polo.

LIKE you, I haven't been able to find a source for a re-useable oil filter for an MX-5, but maybe a Carsguide reader could help? Another idea is to buy the filters in bulk as most suppliers offer a discount if you buy enough of them.

I WOULDN'T buy the BA Falcon with the dedicated LPG system. It's old LPG technology and suffers stalling, stumbling, surging and lack of performance unless it's well maintained. A better alternative is to buy a regular BA wagon and have it converted to dual fuel using one of the latest gas-injection systems that have no drive-ability problems. I get too many complaints about the Falcon to recommend it. The VZ wagon was available with a dual-fuel LPG system developed by IMPCO and using a gas-injection system. That is a good way to go, but I wouldn't recommend buying a VZ wagon and having it converted, because there are said to be problems with the regular Alloytec engine when running on LPG. The Mazda6 is a good car with a good reputation for reliability, as is the Corolla, and I'd be happy to buy either.

I agree with Mazda. It's a function of the high idle speed during the cold phase. I wouldn't worry about it and I wouldn't sit for two minutes on a cold morning so I can engage reverse.

I generally like the Mazda Tribute, but we have also received a lot of correspondence from owners complaining about fuel consumption, which is about 15-16 litres for 100km. When choosing a tow car you need to know the weight of the trailer, including all the gear you will carry in it. As you don't plan to do any tough four-wheel driving I suggest you go for a Subaru Outback. It will handle the sandy tracks you are likely to encounter getting to tourist attractions. The best part is that it's a decent car to drive around town.

IT'S a ``grey'' import, so you're going to have trouble finding someone. The best bet is to contact Mazda specialists until you find one.

IT DOESN'T make sense for the oil level to fluctuate if you haven't started the engine or moved the car. Perhaps you are somehow pushing the dipstick further down when you recheck the level. If you're worried about it I would have the oil drained from the engine and replaced by the correct amount of new oil as specified by Mazda, then see what level is shown on the dipstick. Remember to account for the oil in the filter when you do it.

ANY new model will be more expensive than the last. That's the way it works. As for reliability and maintenance, I think they are very similar. The Mazda is a well-built car, as is the Camry, and both drive well. I would go for the Mazda6 over the Camry for a better driving experience.

WE HAD lots of correspondence regarding the oil-level question and most were similar to yours, which is the correct explanation. It always pays to remove and wipe the dipstick before checking the oil level anyway, and that would eliminate the incorrect reading our reader was concerned about.