Mazda 6 Questions & Answers (page 2 of 3)

Usually the oil type required is displayed on the engine cover somewhere. Otherwise it would definitely be specified in the owners manual. A quick google search points towards 5w30 but you should confirm that with a mechanic coz using the wrong type of oil can introduce problems. U should be able to call a dealership and get this info over the phone.

It depends on a few things really. Are you buying it from a first owner who has a full service history? Is it auto or manual? Auto gearboxes are usually sealed and cannot be serviced. if it has been abused it would need replacement soon and replacing an auto gearbox via a dealer would cost you about AUD $7.5k. You might be able to source a used one from a wrecker for about $1.5k + labour to put it in your car, but then you don't know the condition that's in either so it's a bit of a risk. Generally Mazda's are bullet proof. But if it gets abused and not maintained properly, that reliability goes down the drain.

The best thing to do if you are serious about this car is to get the current owners permission to get it assessed via a mechanic of your choice and get everything thoroughly checked out. Don't bother with the RACV check that they do for about $300. It's useless. Take it to a mechanic you know and get them to take it apart and give you a report and base your decision on that.

Electronics wise, things have been reliable for me. We haven't replaced a single light globe in the car since we owned it from new (2010 till now). Aircon, heating, electrick seats, wipers, headlamp washers, etc etc all have been working like a swiss watch. The only thing that stopped working was the under seat bose amp ( a few months ago) which i replaced with an alpine amp and headunit which was cheaper than replacing the original bose amp from the dealer (dealer quoted AUD $2400 to replace the bose amp). I think it can be fixed with a lifetime warranty (by a business in Dandenong) for less than $500. My car was missing the factory reverse camera and navigation so I went with an Alpine amp and head unit which has all the bells and whistles for half the cost quoted by the dealer to replace the amp. Hope this helps. All the best :)

Thanks a heap ScreenX,
I asked the owner he said he is the 2nd owner and he has all the service log book. But you are right I should bring it to a trusted mechanic. The problem is I do not know any mechanic in Sydney at all. Hence, I am thinking about using Redbook, because they sayd they have warranty on what they examine pre-purchase. Is it worth using them or any further advice? Really appreciate that.
All the best

Hi there. Ours is 190.000 kms. Ours is fine. Theres a little bit of luck involved with any car really. Even new. Get it cheap, If its an ex lease or reps car it may be fresh motorwise as hot kilometers are great. Can you afford a compression test? Cheers

With the pump you would change the fuel filter but that generally comes as a kit. The noise you described doesn't sound right. Have you got your wheel alignments checked? Do you have brake disks or drums in the back? Get a mechanic in to your car and take him for a drive. See what he says

it's got a 60 liter tank. Cost will depend on the pricing on the day you fill and how much you fill :)

No. The drivers side rear passengers usually have better leg room as the drivers side is deeper and the driver has more leg room. I've had a rearward facing baby seat for two years and now boosters for a 4 and 6 year olds. Their feet touches the front seats due to the way booster seats work. The front seats are adjusted to me the driver ( just over 6 feet tall) and my better half who is about 6 inches shorter than I am.

I may not be of assistance as I have the turbo diesel 2013 model. Paid over triple of that price though. My Mazda has no concerns.

Thanks for replying, brought car and so far very happy with it.

I found this but the seat has two settings. When it is set for me I still have to get over the side contour which holds you in the seat firmer when driving. When the wife sets the seat for her and I get into the seat, I hit my head sometimes on the door opening. I would suggest setting your seat lower if you can and remember that the seat is designed that way to keep you from sliding around like a sports seat should. Otherwise I don't mind it because I am aware a bit more effort is needed when entering the driver's seat. Hope this helps.

1. The rego check will include the condition of things like the DPF. You will be fined if it is absent.
2. There are various reasons why the DPF light will flash, but yes it could go into limp mode. Continuing to drive with it on can easily lead to damage to the engine - depending on the cause.According to Mazda, the DPF needs to be replaced at about 150,000 kms.

If you live in the country then the failure might not occur if you are doing enough driving to have the engine run warm enough for long enough to burn off the ash.

Thanks very much dadashton, really helpful.
I'll be looking around for a well-maintained earlier diesel vehicle. I have no such worries with my old Defender!

I have petrol model and mine 2010 so i have no idea about your vehicle. So sorry

Hi ishopper, a standard single mattress is usually 1800mm long. I have a 2012 Mazda wagon and with seats down and front seats in comfortable driving position (I am 5'9 in the old foot inches scale) you have 2000mm available. Width is 1140mm and height is 750mm for the rear cargo. Both rocking chair and mattress maybe a challenge, potentially doable with rocking chair flat. Hope this helps.

Thanks, Shaggy, I appreciate your help with measurements. Standard single mattress length now seems to be 1880, mine is 1910 for some reason. 2000 should be plenty even if the front seats have to be moved back a bit. Width is fine. Height will be a struggle, but I'm hoping the mattress will give enough to allow the rocking chair which is wooden, but quite narrow. At least now I can drive further afield to see a Mazda 6 wagon knowing there is potential.

No worries happy to help. I have the 2012 mazda 6 diesel touring 6 speed manual. It is a brilliant car, great driving experience with incredible fuel economy. Great family car, looking at other reviews it appears people have had some negative experiences with diesel, i have had absolutely no issues witb mine. The key is to ensure it has had regular scheduled servicing and preferably serviced at the mazda dealership. I was advised that the mazda specific oil needs to be used rather then generic diesel oil. We get on average 6.2 litres per 100km driving in Sydney traffic and have got it as low as 4.8 highway driving on holidays.

I am really sorry that I don't know the answer for the problem.
Mine is 2015 model and just done 10000 service by Mazda service center.
The service was good at fixed price which will know beforehand.

I had a similar issue with my 2009 Mazda 6 Diesel Wagon. Firstly, I must state that my last couple of services were under the fixed price servicing not full logbook. My car lasted 159k km and just wouldn't start one morning. Now I've been told it needs a replacement engine. Likely caused by a stretched timing chain. Quoted $12k to replace which is just crazy. Now my car is basically worthless.

Well, if you have just 4875kms on the clock, then maybe about $20,000 - $23,000 at the most, assuming it was about $40,000 or so brand new.
If that's a typo and it has 48,750kms, then it's worth around $17,000 or so.
Trouble is it's 6 years old, which is kind of considered a bit 'aged'. So even if it is under 10,000kms, and pretty much as new as you could get, because of its age, I don't think anyone would be willing to pay above $25,000 anyway.
A quick search of Car Sales has a 2008 Luxury Sports Auto Sedan, with 10,000kms going for $16,990 through a dealer. But then another dealer is selling a 2009 Luxury Sports Auto Hatch with 89,000kms for $21,800. Anyone in their right mind would not pay that for that 2nd car, not with lower KM cars, of the same type, going for a much lower price.
Sell privately, dealers will short you about $4000 just because of their need to mark-up.
I traded in my 2007 Mazda 6 Sports Sedan for a 2014 Mazda 6 Sports Wagon early last year. My old Mazda had 70,000km on the clock and was in excellent condition. The dealer gave me $8000 for it. They had it advertised for $14,000, I reckon they would have sold it for around $12,000. Privately I had seen them from between $11,000 to $14,000, depending on the KMs.
So maybe ask for $25,000, and don't sell it for less than $20,000.

Thanks David for your feedback, (It really is 4875 kms) Its like a new car. Think its only been out in the rain once, which sounds ridiculous.

My 2010 Mazda 6 (the model on from the your proposed was extremely expensive to maintain - I have over $12,000 in Mazda service bill across 4 years and 110,000 KM's. They are on par with a European car - I know that because I now have an Euro car.

Its amazing! In 3 years owning I have replaced nothing but break pads and usual consumables, a 65$ fill gets you at least 700km, for me currently Almost 900km.
No timing belt means for major cost blow out for a 100,000 km service, this 10 year old model still has more safety and airbags than many brand new small cars wont.

I just had my 100,000 service this week, and it actually has no timing belt, so the service was $450. my 90,000 was 200 and my 80,000 was 400

Timing chain

Thanks for the tip. So the timing chain lasts forever?

About right on the price, and the km's are better than average for the age of the car. Still worth getting it checked out by the NRMA or a trusted mechanic.

Here is the valuation

http://www.drive.com.au/car-valuations/SearchResults?make=MAZDA&model=6&year=2009&body=HATCHBACK&series=LUXURY%20SPORTS

My experience with Mazda 6 is that it is an excellent car especially for the models in the years before 2010. That's when Mazda started to outsource some of their car production in Thailand, I think.

I am personally very, very happy with my Mazda 6. Car is well made, good quality, very reliable. Excellent value for money.
Regarding the Mazda you are looking at, it sounds like a good buy at $15K with 90K on the clock. What I would look at is the log book service history if they have kept one. Mazda cars need to be maintained up to the manufacturer's specifications for scheduled maintenance to make sure the car has been well looked after.
Also, be aware that some Mazda engines require premium fuel only. It is no big deal as you will get very good fuel economy. However, if the previous owner did not feed it with premium fuel then you might have "dirty" engine parts....

Also, keep in mind that spark plugs must be changed at 100K.

Overall, I would say that, subject to a check by a good mechanic or your car club, that the Mazda you are looking at, is a very good car, very well made and good performance and good fuel economy. As mentioned above, I feel the Mazdas made before 2010 are of much better quality than the post 2010 ones. Therefore, you probably have a very good deal there for you ! Hope my observations help you. Cheers, Denys

Great feedback. Much appreciated as I've had a Toyota Corolla for many years which has served me. Once again thankyou

Hello,

I have received your request for feedback on 2012 Mazda 6, 6C.

Regarding your concerns about the timing belt, firstly I would very strongly advise you to have that specific car checked by a very good, trusted mechanic or by your automobile club ( RACV, RAC, etc... depending in which state you are).

Now, having said that, I can tell you that Madza 6 are excellent cars and I have not heard of anyone in my town having any problems at all with the timing belt. I am personally very, very happy with my Madza.... probably the best value for money car I ever had.... the Madza I have has been extremely reliable.

I must say, however, that I religiously follow the manufacturer scheduled services specifications and therefore have a full log book history compliant with Madza . If you follow Madza's service specifications, you should not have any problems at all.

I hope this feedback helps you in your decision.
Cheers
Denys Martin

Hi Denys,

Thank you for taking the time to reply.

I've been a proud Mazda owner for 21 years, but regretfully, now I need to bid farewell to my 1992 Mazda 626 7 seater Estate wagon after 14+ years! Unfortunately, she's not worth trading in, so it's off to the wreckers she'll go to offer her parts as spares. :-(
After asking a few people, the car dealer himself confirmed that older 626 models had a timing belt, which were often due to need replacement around 100,000km. The Mazda 6, however, has a timing chain, which I believe is housed inside some kind of metal casing (Sorry - I'm mechanically challenged!)
I have my heart set on this 2012 Mazda 6 so much, that I don't even want to test drive any other Mazdas. Happy to say that it has an excellent service history too. Now, all that's needed is to make her mine! :-)

Thanks again, Denys.

Cheers - Freddy.

As the 6 has a timing chain, it should last for the life of the car. Good luck with the car, you won't regret it!

Yeah go to the Mazda shop or a trustworthy honest and reliable mechanical braking and steering specialist to get the problem fixed as soon

That sounds like it could be the ball joints wrecked though it's still better to take the vehicle to a trained professional service

I have a 2008 mazda6 wagon and had no trouble at all with the steering

I have a 2010 Mazda 6 which has become heavy on the steering in the last month. I had to go overseas and did nothing about it. Called Mazda today and found that I was out of warranty a month ago. What the problem is, I don't know as yet but fear the worst. Any progress with your problem?

Yes, have just been told that the steering rack on our 2009 Mazda Wagon (5 years / 95,000kms always serviced needs to be replaced at a cost of $3500. Our mechanic said that it is a common problem with Mazdas. I would be interested to know if anyone else has had a similar issue?

Hello Ral
I have not had the issue you have spoken about, sounds a bit strange to me,so many problems for a Mazda 6 is unusual, My son bought a 3 year old Honda Civic and had no end of trouble with it, mainly electrical issues and a mechanic told him it had been flood affected, so you cant tell sometimes. I know longer have the 6, I got tired of the over hard ride and sold it,I wish you well with it and hopefully Mazda will make the effort to find it- but at your cost!, cheers

Hi James. Nothing, but nothing should be moving within any seat in the vehicle. Supplementary restraint equipment in dashes, door pillars and seats are ALL solid state equipment. No components move until they are deployed of course. It may be a broken spring within the seat that you can hear or part of the seat structure has broken and come loose. If any vehicle warrenty remains, push this issue and have it inspected, otherwise you will need to investigate this issue for yourself.

Cheers and kindest regards

Paul Harrington.

My brother in law had one of those Mazda cars and kept getting problems with the engine so he just bought another car though unfortunately some knuckle head or heads stole it.