About the Mazda 6
Horsie purchased this Mazda 6 used for $4,000 (including all on-road costs) in 2021. Horsie would buy this car again because: “I wanted a cheap, reliable work car thats fun to drive, looks presentable, but doesn’t attract attention. Also had to be safe enough to put the kids in for school drop off. The Mazda 6 fits the bill for me perfectly. “
How reliable has your car been? Tell us about any issues.
I’ve only owned it for a few months. In that time its been perfectly reliable. Uses about 500ml of oil per month but I’ve done some research and that’s apparently normal.
Has a bit of axle tramp if it spins the wheels in the wet so I have ordered some new engine mounts which should solve that problem.
What do you think of the ownership experience with your car?
I wanted a cheap (very cheap) work car that is reliable and a bit of fun to drive, my SS Commodore has been relegated to weekend duties and I just want a run about that I don’t have to baby. The Mazda 6 has been exactly what I’m after.
Its a 5 Speed manual and the 120kW engine goes great and sounds pretty good with a totally stock exhaust. Although I always look after my cars. Because it was so cheap if it gets a scratch or scrape I’m not going to lose any sleep over it.
The car is comfortable to drive, has no problem keeping up with traffic and also has 6 Airbags. I am very happy with it
Are you happy with the price and features of your car?
Yes. I did fit an aftermarket head unit with Apple Car Play and reverse camera. I also fit a dash cam. Now it has all the technology I need.
The facia kit for the double din head unit was $500 but there were several relocated buttons and electronics on it.
What do you think of the performance and economy of your car?
The 2.3 litre engine claims 120kW which sounds pretty average by todays standards. But torque is available in every gear and the car is quite a hoot to drive. My previous daily driver was giving me 20L per 100 km so this thing seems like a fuel miser although it requires at least 95 RON fuel.
The gear shift action is no MX-5 though. I was actually a little surprised it doesn’t have a better feel. And the clutch is quite heavy for a modern 4 cylinder.
I suspect it may be an aftermarket heavy-duty clutch. My car also has aftermarket 18-inch alloys which I am sure improves the handling from the stock 16-inch wheels. Looks a little awkward on the stock springs with those wheels, but I am loving being able to enter any car park or driveway without worrying about bottoming out.
What do you think of the technology in your car?
I am pretty sure my car is the base model as there are no steering wheel control, no climate control, no cruise control. It does come with ABS, ESP and 6 airbags which I think is pretty good for a base model. Like I mentioned, I installed a modern head unit with Apple CarPlay and reverse camera. It now has all the tech I need. I’m not sure if the speakers in it are stock but they sound great.
What do you think of the ride comfort and handling of your car?
I am pretty impressed. it handles really well on the stock suspension and is comfortable to drive. With the 18-inch wheels it would look better on lower springs but I don’t want to mess up the comfort level.
Seats are comfortable and well bolstered, they have held up well for a car with 180,000km. The window tint is a little faded and could do with having it stripped off and replaced. That sort of reminds me I’m driving a 15 year old car.