Mazda 6 estate - opinions?

[Shad]

I have to say that's possibly one of the ugliest cars I've ever seen! Sorry

[Moby-Dick]

They look a lot nicer with the R34 body kit on them

[Lowe]

JTD remaps easily to 170 (later models up to 190bhp) though the torque will destroy the clutch.

I'm seriously considering one if I start doing mileage. They're stonking value, especially as you say the build quality is lots better these days, and if you look around they're fully loaded with leather and all the other toys. There was a stunning blue '02 Veloce up the road that went for about 6k, fully loaded with all the goodies. I'd of torn the guys arm off.

Problem is now, the same dealers had a 156 GTA in. I'm having a hard time not getting the horn looking at it.

[bigblue]

I've got a Mazda 6. 5 door though, not estate.

It's a damn good car. Not a thing has gone wrong in 3 years or so. Still looks fairly decent too. Drives well, reasonably quick, though not "hot" by any manner of means. Bit noisy though, so as someone else mentioned, see if you can get a facelift job, as they have improved insulation. Road noise on the motorway can get a bt fatiguing.

Also, they're a bit of a challenge to fit aftermarket audio units to, which is fine if you enjoy a bit of tinkering. If not, the TS2 with Bose is a good option. Still not great, but the standard spec stuff is pretty poor.

If you're thinking of a 3 series too though, I'd go for that. I remember when TG reviewed the 3 series, Clarkson said he'd rather have a Mazda6. He was talking out of his rectum though, the 3 series wees on it from a fair height IMO.

[Shad]

Thanks bigblue

Just been reading some bad things about the 2.0 BMW diesel unit; inlet manifolds cracking, plenums being sucked into the engine, turbos, injectors and fuel pumps failing... doesn't paint a picture of confidence! There also various reported failings of suspension ball joints and rear springs. I wonder what sort of warranty BMW dealers offer on used cars...

[bigblue]

If you can find something through BMW Approved Used I think you get an unlimited mileage 12 month warranty, as well as a few other benefits.

Whether or not you'll get one at a decent price through AU is another matter, though there are some good deals. I'm on it every bloomin' day, as the missus wants a 1 series. I know, I know, but there's no telling her...

[BUFF]

It's just been released in the Legacy and is supposedly brilliant.

Clarkson totally slated the boxer diesel engine in his Sunday Times column a week or 2 ago when he had 1 for test.

[Butuz]

My old man wanted an estate for lugging guitar amps around the country and he got a Passat TDI 110 and to be honest it is a fantastic car overall - if you get the 130 version (or get a lesser one chipped up) they've got plenty of poke - and they are well built overall. I find it rather boaty on the corners but it is built for comfort rather than handling - and comfortable it is! Its done him proud and would make a good tow car for my skyline - he aint to impressed with that suggestion though..

Butuz

[TangoR34]

how about Honda accord touring? got enough leather, only 2 to 2.4 litre (i think) enough gadgets and I'm sure it's cheaper than 156...

[Vimeous]

Clarkson totally slated the boxer diesel engine in his Sunday Times column a week or 2 ago when he had 1 for test.

Autocar liked it
Auto Express were middling
Clarkson hates it

Divides opinion even more than the Impreza's styling!

The Accord has 2.0 and 2.4 petrols with 2.2 diesel.
Still FWD though so not ideal for towing.

[Shad]

I might look at Accords but I don't really like the styling.

Nothing wrong with FWD for towing what I tow, in my experience. Had no problems at all with the FWD Volvo, even on steep slopes. Careful loading of the trailer and throttle and clutch control go a long way