Mazda 6 Sport - Family Car?

djliamo

Hi all,

I've been looking at a few Mazda 6 recently (2008 & 2009) and am leaning towards the Sport version. Just looking for some opinions on whether the Mazda 6 Sport is a good family car?

I've been doing a lot of reading through various forums and I see a few people saying that the ride quality can be a bit harsh and there is a good bit of road noise at higher speeds. I took one for a test drive recently and didn't notice this myself, but I guess it would to be more noticeable when you're in the back seat as regards comfort. Do the 18 inch alloys and sport suspension make a big difference to ride quality and noise?

I only do about 10,000 km per year so only looking at petrol models. My budget would be 7-9k, so if anyone has any other suggestions on a good car I'd appreciate it. Other cars I'm looking at are Toyota Avensis, Mondeo and starting to consider the Passat too. I do have a soft spot for the Mazda 6 though, so it's hard to dismiss it

I'm only really looking at buying from a main dealer at the moment just for the peace of mind with warranty and so on.

Thanks in advance for any info.

morritty

I have an 08, Not a sport model, but it a very comfortable car with tons of room. i cant comment on the 18inch wheels or sports suspention since i dont have those.

and as for a main dealer only. theres only 1 for sale in dublin ATM that i can see, it's out in sandyford motor centre, no pictreus of it yet, but its an 09 for 10k

Edit: Here's a link if you want to keep an eye out for upcoming pictures http://www.sandyfordmotorcentre.com/used-cars/Mazda/Mazda6/1.8-petrol/201314544252930570/

GustavoFring

The 18s don't make the car uncomfortable in the least little bit. The annoying thing with them is the tyres are a slightly odd size meaning sourcing them for a good price take a few phone calls.

They don't have loads of sound deadening in them but they're not overly noisy either. It's worth it for the better looks imo.

morritty

GustavoFring wrote: »

They don't have loads of sound deadening in them but they're not overly noisy either. It's worth it for the better looks imo.

Yeha, it's not like the car is loud, but you can hear the engine ticking over. and it does sounds decent for a stock family saloon if you have a preference for driving up at a slightly higher rev. :pac:

djliamo

Thanks for the info guys.That's the one I was actually looking at earlier this week. It's definitely on the pricey side but it comes with a good warranty from a reputable dealer, so I was very tempted.

The more I think about it the more I feel I should go for the standard executive model. The estate where I live has loads of speed bumps so that probably wouldn't suit the sport model. I was very impressed with the car though and it's got loads of room inside with a huge boot. Looks great too.

There are a few 2008 and 2009 executive models on carzone so might go have a look at them over the next few days. I would prefer to buy from a main dealer but they don't get many in stock so will have to go elsewhere I guess. Bit nervous about buying from lesser known dealers but I'll be getting the car checked by a mechanic before buying.

Thanks again for the replies

morritty

Well, mine's an exec, and on large ramps it would scrape if i took it slightly too fast, but i think its just the splash guard underneath, but i would take care that you don't take anything too hard and potentially damage the sump.

JohnBoy26

djliamo wrote: »

Hi all,

I've been looking at a few Mazda 6 recently (2008 & 2009) and am leaning towards the Sport version. Just looking for some opinions on whether the Mazda 6 Sport is a good family car?

I've been doing a lot of reading through various forums and I see a few people saying that the ride quality can be a bit harsh and there is a good bit of road noise at higher speeds. I took one for a test drive recently and didn't notice this myself, but I guess it would to be more noticeable when you're in the back seat as regards comfort. Do the 18 inch alloys and sport suspension make a big difference to ride quality and noise?

I only do about 10,000 km per year so only looking at petrol models. My budget would be 7-9k, so if anyone has any other suggestions on a good car I'd appreciate it. Other cars I'm looking at are Toyota Avensis, Mondeo and starting to consider the Passat too. I do have a soft spot for the Mazda 6 though, so it's hard to dismiss it

I'm only really looking at buying from a main dealer at the moment just for the peace of mind with warranty and so on.

Thanks in advance for any info.

The Avensis will be a better if you intend to keep the car a long time but petrol version are difficult to come by. It's rust I'd be most concerned about on the Mazda 6's.

djliamo

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

The Avensis will be a better if you intend to keep the car a long time but petrol version are difficult to come by. It's rust I'd be most concerned about on the Mazda 6's.

I've heard about the rust issue alright. Seems to be a big problem. One I went to see the other week had alloys that were flaking pretty badly and I just left it because I guess that's an indicator of rust elsewhere. Another dealer told me that was probably a UK car due to the salt they use on their roads in winter. He said the 2009 ones don't suffer as badly from rust. I don't know what to believe.

I am going to look at a 2007 petrol avensis from a Toyota dealer. Again you're paying a premium but the year warranty sounds good. I just wish it looked as good as the Mazda 6 but if it's a good car I'll certainly consider it.

bonkers

I'm looking at the same mazda 6s as you. Seems flooded with diesel options but i only read bad things so sticking to petrol.
Let me know how you get on.. keen on an 08/09 but reckon the sell on value is pretty low by the looks of it

just dont like the look of the avensis etc, looking at Volvo s40 also

bonkers

I'm looking at the same mazda 6s as you. Seems flooded with diesel options but i only read bad things so sticking to petrol.
Let me know how you get on.. keen on an 08/09 but reckon the sell on value is pretty low by the looks of it

just dont like the look of the avensis etc, looking at Volvo s40 also

djliamo

bonkers wrote: »

I'm looking at the same mazda 6s as you. Seems flooded with diesel options but i only read bad things so sticking to petrol.
Let me know how you get on.. keen on an 08/09 but reckon the sell on value is pretty low by the looks of it

just dont like the look of the avensis etc, looking at Volvo s40 also

I'm not mad on the looks of the avensis myself but seems to be a very reliable car judging by the amount you see on the road. I'm not familiar with the s40 so might take a look.

Have you considered any of the other petrol Mazda 6 for sale by dealers around Dublin? There's 5 or 6 there but most are high enough mileage and some from dealers which don't have great feedback from other boards users. This will only be the second car I've bought so would be nervous enough about buying from such a dealer. That's part of the risk buying a used car I suppose.

bonkers

same second car for me too.

the amount of time i have spent looking i could have got myself a second job and bought one new!

fear getting ripped off by dealers, had a great experience going private with a mechanic checking it for me before. But thats one experience.

Looking for something reliable that fits a small family that looks nice, in some way.

djliamo

The same few Mazda 6's seem to be on sale the last month or so since I started looking. Is it just the case that people aren't buying petrol cars? Or is there some other reason they're not being sold e.g. high mileage?

I wish I had started looking earlier as I kind of need to get a second car sorted by the end of the month. Took a 08 Avensis for a test drive today. Fine car but didn't really excite me all that much.