Need OppoWisdom - Mazda6 Wagon - Input?!

"DanimalHouse" (thrillerwa09)
02/17/2015 at 13:22 • Filed to: None

Jalopponauts - I'm considering buying a used Mazda6 wagon, and I need some input from anyone who has owned a 6 in the past.

I'm in my 20s and dont need to blow my money on a new car right now, am saving for a house, but need some wheels for commuting. I.e., reliable and fun. Thus, I thought zoom-zoom wagon.

I'm wondering.....
- What were major issues you encountered
- What were minor issues you encountered
- Best part about ownership
- Your average fuel economy

From what I can tell, the 1st gen (2002-08) have pretty good reliability ratings and decent longevity. The wagon variant is a little hard to come by, but they show up on my local CraigsList from time to time. Currently, there is a !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! listed, and a !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .

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Just on price/miles alone, I'd go for the automatic, not sure a manual is worth almost $3k more and 40k miles.

Any advice / input would be great. Thanks!

DISCUSSION (26)

CB > DanimalHouse
02/17/2015 at 13:30

I drove that generation 6 hatch once and can only say it was really fun to drive, even in automatic form.

Takuro Spirit > DanimalHouse
02/17/2015 at 13:31

I work at a Mazda dealer and can give you lots of specifics and repair history if needed.

I will say the 3.0L likes to burn out coils, and when driven with a misfire it'll take out the catalytic converters. Some are known to have timing chain issues, or oil burning issues, but its not too common.

Front control arms are common to cause squeaks when the balljoints wear out.

That's all I can think of off the top of my head to look out for.... OH, make sure if it has the 6-speed auto that correct fluid was always used. They tend to not like inferior fluid.

thebigbossyboss > DanimalHouse
02/17/2015 at 13:38

The transverse mounted V6 makes it very very difficult to change the rear spark plugs. My Dad's 6 has a coil pack issue on the plugs on the back of the engine, and so this will be a costly repair, since the packs are apparently $150 each. He's planning on doing all 3 at once since it will cost him a lot to have the mechanic get to the back of the engine just to get at one.

So there's that. There is also my oppositelock review which I will post here for you.

Takuro Spirit > thebigbossyboss
02/17/2015 at 13:39

Is that WITH installation? Coils are around $100 each, less if you go aftermarket. Also, he might want to get it done ASAP before all that misfiring takes out a converter.

thebigbossyboss > Takuro Spirit
02/17/2015 at 13:40

My dad's has taken a coil out on the back.

CKeffer > DanimalHouse
02/17/2015 at 13:40

Owned and autocrossed an 05 Mazda6 S and it was a great car. I never had a single issue with it that I my self was not the cause of. The Manual one is a V6 model for sure, and has the sport body package which looks a bit nicer than the base body that is on the auto car. I'm also not sure if the auto is a v6 or one of the ones with the 2.3L I4, if it's the latter go with the manual. The I4 is fine with a stick, but absolutely gutless when paired with the automatic. On the whole the car is decently fun to drive, and can haul a bunch of stuff, I honestly don't remember what the fuel economy was like. Minor complaints I had about the car were: the brakes dust like hell, they stop awesomely, but they produce a LOT of dust....and that's about it honestly....and that's about it. No major complaints to speak of. As with any used car purchase, I'd have it inspected by an independent shop (pep boys or most any other shop will do a pre-purchase inspection for not much money, and it gives you a bunch of peace of mind).

thebigbossyboss > Takuro Spirit
02/17/2015 at 13:42

This is Canada. Ery thing more monizes. I was literally emailing him your comment right now. What title can I use to make you sound important so he believe me. Are you a master tech or something?

Takuro Spirit > thebigbossyboss
02/17/2015 at 13:44

Parts Manager with over 10 years Mazda experience, former Mitsubishi technician, drives a Camry.

thebigbossyboss > Takuro Spirit
02/17/2015 at 13:45

Thanks.

Textured Soy Protein > DanimalHouse
02/17/2015 at 13:55

I had an '06 Mazdaspeed 6. Main issues were rust and the interior was rattly as fuck.

Klaus Schmoll > DanimalHouse
02/17/2015 at 14:06

Dad and I got one for my mum a while ago. We liked it, she was a bit meh. 2.0l diesel was a nice engine (as far as diesels go). I think it never needed anything unusual, but they only had it for about two years or so.

BUT: To change a headlight bulb you have to remove the inner fender and work your way from there. Brain surgery through the ass. Fucking flaw in design!

MHunter905 > DanimalHouse
02/17/2015 at 14:26

2005 V6 Wagon AT

- Changing spark plugs is very difficult (had misfires a few times due to fouled plugs)

- Throttle sensor problems (making the engine apply WOT without my foot on the peddle was terrifying!) changed a few sensors and the throttle body and the problem went away but I found on Mazda forums that this is a common issue on the V6 engines with auto transmission.

- Was a wonderful car to drive and always made me happy. The wagon had excellent cargo space and the only black mark for me on this car was the scarey unintended acceleration problem.

Keep that throttle body cleaned and check the condition of the spark plugs once a year and you should be alright. Good Luck :)

jariten1781 > DanimalHouse
02/17/2015 at 14:37

I had an 04 5MT wagon for about ten years 100k. Had normal bolt ons (Mazda speed intake/exhaust)

Major issues: none. The mechanicals never gave me any problems. Used the factory service schedule plus or minus 500 miles and Mobil 1.

Minor issues:Driver's window motor chewed up its plastic gearing twice. Driver's door lock jammed shut once. Intake rubber hose dry rotted and cracked throwing an intake code. All fixed in the driveway.

MPG: not great. When I lived 30 some miles from my job and drove mostly highways I'd get mid to low 20s. Moved to the DC area and drive 100 percent stop and go and I was lucky to get 16.

If you're interested, I've still got some never installed Mazda speed wagon springs as well as my summer wheels/tires (some battle scars on wheels, tires RE050A have decent tread left) sitting in my garage taking up space because I'm lazy.

DanimalHouse > Takuro Spirit
02/17/2015 at 15:38

Sounds like the I4 the engine of choice then?

DanimalHouse > CKeffer
02/17/2015 at 15:40

Good insight, thanks!

Yeah, I got burned buying an E39 540iAT a couple years ago without getting a decent inspection. Put a ton of money into it, and sold it for a loss. Learned my lesson, I guess.

DanimalHouse > jariten1781
02/17/2015 at 15:42

Well, let's see if I actually get one first, but I appreciate the offer.

Right now I'm rolling in my '93 Explorer right now (which I love and hope to turn into my project rig), which gets about 14.5 mpg, and that's mostly freeway. Can only get better!

Takuro Spirit > DanimalHouse
02/17/2015 at 15:42

Early designs had keyless washer-less cam and crank pulleys. They tend to jump time and smash valves on occasion. Plus, I don't think a wagon was available with the 4. Which would be the one I would want as well.

DanimalHouse > Klaus Schmoll
02/17/2015 at 15:43

I'd be chuffed as nuts to get a diesel. Unfortunately, the USofA does not approve of such engines, thus I am subjected to mediocre petrol powerplants.

DanimalHouse > Textured Soy Protein
02/17/2015 at 15:44

Mmm, that is annoying, but probably something I could get over. I'm really looking for a champ on the road, especially mechanically. Someday, I hope to upgrade to a newer gen 6 or a 'speed3.

thebigbossyboss > Takuro Spirit
02/17/2015 at 15:49

My dad says he is picking it up today after already taking in. Looks like the cat is safe.

Takuro Spirit > thebigbossyboss
02/17/2015 at 15:50

WHEW

DanimalHouse > Takuro Spirit
02/17/2015 at 15:53

Oh darn, I think you're right.

Maybe I ought to consider the 5-door hatch....

CKeffer > DanimalHouse
02/17/2015 at 15:56

Yeah, that's all part of it. One thing I thought of that is common to break on these cars is the rear motor mount. Mazda used some really soft rubber in the mount back there so it's prone to tearing. Good news is, it's pretty easy to replace.

Takuro Spirit > DanimalHouse
02/17/2015 at 16:02

My friend's sister has one, its been pretty reliable. Just look for 2006+ or make sure the timing's been done with the addition of the anti-slip washers.

boxrocket > DanimalHouse
02/17/2015 at 21:50

My wife daily-drives a 2007 6 "SV" (I with the S's sportier front end, skirts, 17" alloys,, and spoiler) sedan with the 2.3L and the automatic.

So far it's been mechanically sound over 7ish years, but has a hunger for tires, mostly from curb rash (large wheels), potholes, and my wife's heavy right foot. It just passed 80k miles. The headliner is sagging, the fuse cover on the lower right panel in front of the driver door is taped in place ( but was likely damaged by the first owner), power port in the center storage bin refuses to work, but there's one under the HVAC controls do no biggie, it attracts parking lot dings almost monthly, and my wife absolutely loves it.

The 2.3L is plenty peppy and gets over 30mpg, but we both wish it had a sixth gear.

I wish it were the 5-door or wagon, but my wife hates wagons and hatchbacks (but likes crossovers?!), and she adores the Black Cherry Mica. I mostly want the other body styles because I like rear wiper blades, a part of why I drive a wagon myself. The added utility would just mean more room and ease for my wife to stick crap that she forgets about in the back.

Get it. The wagon is rare-ism, It's a good size, relatively economical, and shares parts with the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Lincoln MKZ/Zephyr, so cheap-ish to fix and easy to get mechanical parts.

DanimalHouse > boxrocket
02/18/2015 at 11:56

my wife hates wagons and hatchbacks (but likes crossovers?!)

I know, what the heck is up with that?!

Thanks for the input!