Mazda 3 Hatchback (2004 - 2008) 1.6 TS 5d (2004/54) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

He had no pride - driving around in such a rustbucket.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Family think the rust problem is pretty outrageous in this day and age - particularly as Mazda dismissed it out of hand.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Ha ha ha not a snowballs chance in hell of buying another Mazda, atrocious bodywork - paint so thin in some place you can see the primer!. Customer service equally as bad.

What are you likely to buy next?

Anything from a manufacturer who can actually make decent cars. Never ever buying another Mazda - that's for sure.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£7,200

When did you buy the car?

January 2009

Did you get a good deal and why?

Probably overpaid but wife wanted the particular colour and the car we part exed in was on last legs.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Parents have Mazdas and I had an MX-5 - thought it would be reliable....

What was the dealer like?

Reasonable

What's it like to drive?

OK - lacks power a bit and hesitates on pickup. OK for trundling around in.

What's it like to park?

Easy enough.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Engine warning light been on with vague fault for last 4 years. Speedo intermittent, engine hesitates. Appalling rust - significant rust on just about every panel - much much worse than my 1997 celica which is almost rust free. Now getting difficult to get into reverse.

What's most practical about your car?

Boot reasonable.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

It's pretty basic.