About the Mazda 6
Jonesboy purchased this Mazda 6 new with additional options for $35,000 (including all on-road costs). Jonesboy would buy this car again because: “Damn right! It meets all my current motor vehicle requirements, and then some. I can sort of understand the lemming like fascination with SUVs, but have no desire to jump off that metaphorical cliff.”
How reliable has your car been? Tell us about any issues.
I have experienced two flats: a battery and a tyre. The former was no problem but the latter left me trying to source an original Bridgestone, but none were available locally in Cairns without a three day wait.
I settled for a Federal. Another character-building exercise in driving around in the wet on a space saver. There have been no other issues.
What do you think of the ownership experience with your car?
My heart goes out to those unfortunate souls who have not enjoyed the experience of travelling in a substantial mid-sized sedan. Owners of the latest Camry know that feeling. Skoda owners also seem to “get it”.
We are a privileged bunch.
How has the purchase and aftercare experience been with your car?
Purchase was fine, but I had major issues with a recent 50,000km service.
According to the service schedule, the engine air filter was due for its first replacement but cabin air filter had been replaced at the 40,000km service and was okay. For reasons unknown, the cabin filter was replaced but the engine filter was left untouched.
Trying to get an explanation for this was like pulling a tooth. I eventually did get an apology and an engine filter but only after giving them a one and a half page letter of complaint. Close attention will be paid at the next service.
I admit to being mystified by the willingness of dealers to erect huge chrome/steel/tiled/glassed edifices apparently to help separate purchasers from their cash because they are overwhelmed by the magnificence of it all. It’s sort of like selecting a dentist because you like the colour of the carpet in reception.
Are you happy with the price and features of your car?
This is where the sedan/SUV comparison gets weird as the similarly-specced SUV will cost a couple of grand more than the sedan/hatch on which it is based.
Mazda is a leader in providing safety features on all models, and the Mazda 6 is no exception. Coming from an older vehicle from another manufacturer is an eye-opening experience when you look at what comes standard.
Check out the Mazda website for details but to my mind, more expensive models arrive with features that don’t feature highly on my wish list, sunroofs for one. Price and features met my expectations.
What do you think of the performance and economy of your car?
Yeah, yeah it’s only got a 2.5 motor and six-speed torque converter gearbox but planting the right foot elicits more than adequate acceleration. Magic stuff that kick-down.
The number two trip meter is showing 7.1 L/100km over 6500km, which is fine by me.
What do you think of the technology in your car?
For Luddites, it’s a revelation. It may lack the Android stuff but this concerns me not.
Comment has been made by the smartphone generation that being unable to use the touch screen when moving is a downer. Suggestion: load details before taking off and try concentrating on the road rather entering instructions on the go.
I would truly love front parking sensors as that bonnet gently curves down into nothingness.
What do you think of the ride comfort and handling of your car?
Smooth and comfortable, and if you want to give it a hurry-up it stays nice and flat through the twisty bits.
I would love to give some insightful comment on its ride/handling characteristics but this would be beyond my skills and I would sound like a tosser (Don’t let that stop you – Ed.)
Do you have any additional comments about your car?
The Mazda 6 comes standard with a plethora of acronyms all designed to no doubt help us reach old age, but the ones that really count for me are blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
There’s nothing like backing out from between two four-wheel drive behemoths to get your heart racing.