Mazda 6 Estate (2002 - 2007) 2.0d TS2 (136ps) 5d (2005/05) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Practical family guy who still loves a bit of driving fun in this sporty car.

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

looks good, great drive and impressive spec.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes, reliability and survivability. Has 6 airbags and is good in a smash. Yes I took out left side, 2 door panels and front wing - and it still drove fine afterwards! Servicing is really good and I have a good dealer (Falkirk)

What are you likely to buy next?

Probably the same model, new style though

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£9,700

When did you buy the car?

August 2006

Did you get a good deal and why?

I got a fair deal for a high mileage car - 58,000 Miles.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

It was a diesel and it had aircon and cruise control.

What was the dealer like?

Average. It was not a Mazda dealer, but a well-known large franchise in Scotland.

What's it like to drive?

Really comfy. I do about 1500 miles a month. Its now done nearly 80,000 miles. Great fuel economy - over 45 on average, mostly motorway / A road driving. It uses standard tyres (205/16) and they keep you on the road. Its a sports car - look at the 0-60 time for a diesel. You don't need to change down to overtake. Select cruise and not loosing the bottle to brake on bends at 60mph produces an exhilarating ride and makes you realise you could probably go faster, but that would be breaking the law!

What's it like to park?

Easy. I keep meaning to buy one of those little plastic mirrors to attach to the rear window, just to help me out. But its not really necessary. Rear door mirrors don't distort - O and they defrost once the temp sensor goes below 0C.

Have you had any problems with the car?

I have had the lower power steering pipe replaced but that is on a 12 year warranty, unless you don' t have it regularly serviced. At the same time the dealer re-balanced my wheels for me as I was complaining of vibration at the rear. NOTE - the car handles like a pig if your tracking, front or rear is out. Its also worth undoing the engine panel and looking for corrosion in older models - could save you a breakdown in the future, especially if you have driven in salty conditions for a long time.

What's most practical about your car?

Rear seats. Takes a cycle rack on the back and more on the roof if you need. Its a tough old beast! Were you to get caught in bad weather you can put the rear seats down and sleep in the back - fully stretched out front to rear.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Cruise control, air-con - and that wonderful BOSE sound system with auto loading 6 CD auto changer.