Hi,

I've always been a Toyota man but am looking at getting a Mazda6/Atenza and was wondering whether people have advice as to what to go for or what to avoid?
I was hoping to steer towards a 2.3 petrol auto and given my price range it would look like a 2003-2007. I'm in New Zealand.



Thanks,
Simon

 

The only thing I would caution you on is the 2.3 liter motor; here in the U.S. at least, that engine is widely known for premature failure due to oil issues.

 

Very very few issues on the 2.3 seen in NZ, either new or Jap imports. Lack of servicing/ poor maintenance takes its toll on the engine. Seen a few run out of oil & die.

They are getting on in years & high in mileage. Go for something with a good & complete service history.

 

The issue with the 2.3 MZR engine goes way beyond normal maintenance. Over here we have meticulously maintained 2.3s going Tango Uniform every day due to the shortcomings of the oiling system. The 2.5 liter Ford Duratec engine (the younger brother of the 2.3) was significantly upgraded internally, especially regarding the oil control and distribution.

 

As Simon is in my home country, I gave my opinion of these motors from working in New Zealand.

I'm curious to know what differences there was between the US & Japan built 2.3 motors.

In the US, didn't Mazda specify a 0w20 oil? Where as in NZ it was either 5w30 or 10w30.

 

Thanks guys,

I'm particularly interested in grim_reaper's input on this as he's in NZ. The first one I tried was this:
https://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=1555949677

I could NOT BELIEVE how well it drove. Having owned only manual cars in the past I actually forgot that I was driving an auto - that's how tight and responsive the drivetrain was and how quickly it would take off. Then I drove these two and they were way sloppier. Took longer to wind up when taking off - you know how autos do that. Also, they only had 4 gears whereas the one I liked had 5.
https://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Lis...?id=1569768605
https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/use...22a2a3d5737315

So I thought I'd offer $9,500 for the first on. What do you think?


Thanks,
Simon

 

#1555949677 Looks like a good buy. Go with $9,500.

I had a 2006 Atenza Sports wagon.

Definitely go with a 5 speed.

 

Thanks for the advice. Offered 9k and They didn't negotiate. Prob could have got away with 8.5 but I'm happy. Still subject to an aa check. And I'll do a money-owed check.

 

Make sure its had its full 120,000km service.

Engine oil & filter
Air filter
Pollen filter
Brake fluid
Spark plugs.

For peace of mind, I would flush the transmission, flush the power steering & flush the coolant too.

 

Thanks.

Is 120,000 a particular number to do a service at?
I can do the engine oil, oil filter, spark plugs, coolant, air filter myself.

I've heard conflicting things about auto transmission oil. Some seem to say to not even touch it...thoughts?

Thanks,
S.