I need a new daily driver. I like the automatic V6. I want to spend between 5-7k. Is there any particular year to stay away from because of a lot of issues. I ran into a lady at a store tonight, she has an 03 she loves and said it has never given her a problem. It was the V6.

I would appreciate any insight.

Thank you.

 

I would go with an '06. While the Mazda6 has been a fairly reliable car overall, there seems to have been some issues that have been addressed and fixed (or have been less commonly experienced) starting with the '06 model year - plus you have better brakes. Starting in '05, the 5-speed JATCO transmission was replaced with the 6-speed Aisin unit. 2007 models came standard with side curtain airbags. When first introduced, the V6 had a hp rating of 220, but it later lowered t 212 at some point, but torque was increased slightly.

 

Thank you for the information.

 

I would stay away from the 2006, especially automatic Aisin. They had bad valve bodies in 2005, early 2006 in tranny (link has been recently removed).
The 2006 also had the worst crossover pipe after the pre-cats. Have a look. I have no idea how the rear one flowed properly.
Don't buy a 2003 with more than 75,000 miles. Over 100,000 pre-cats can be an issue. As long as you change spark plugs, PCV valve as soon as you get it, your chances of longevity increases. Also change tranny fluid.



Unless you have the money to change it to this:



MORE EXHAUST PICS: https://www.mazdaforum.com/forum/mem...-modified-692/

 

[QUOTE=UseYourNoggin;125499]I would stay away from the 2006, especially automatic Aisin. They had bad valve bodies in 2005, early 2006 in tranny (link has been recently removed).
The 2006 also had the worst crossover pipe after the pre-cats. Have a look. I have no idea how the rear one flowed properly.
Don't buy a 2003 with more than 75,000 miles. Over 100,000 pre-cats can be an issue. As long as you change spark plugs, PCV valve as soon as you get it, your chances of longevity increases. Also change tranny fluid.



Unless you have the money to change it to this:

[/QUOT

Great stuff, thanks guys. That is a strange set up in that picture. My hot rod is an 89 Vette with a 406 motor. Been driving it daily, it is a 6 speed. Cross 05 and 06 off of the list.

 

Well...my '06 has proven itself to be a strong reliable runner ("crap" exhaust and all :-\). YMMV I guess.

 

My 2006 ATX has been quite costly. Lucky most of the big things happened under warranty.
But I run mine HARD!

 

Thus the problem with relying solely on internet forums for advice. We have offered two opposing points of view which are absolutely true relative to our personal experiences. So I guess the best advice would be to check out a couple of cars with a good mechanic if possible and try to get as much documentation of maintenance records as you can.

 

Picked the 2008 6 TS2 , first Mazda and loving this car. My first cruise control - wow did a long journey yesterday, what a great cant live without feature Any pitfuls to cruise please let me know, amazing you can adjust/tweak the speed from the sterring wheel controller.

Comfortable although tight suspension so you feel the road but ot uncomfortably if you know what I mean. Engine runs quiet, in fact twice know had the engine running and forgot, turning the ignition 'OUCH'! Cabin a little noisy, not a killer and certainly not noticiable to any great extent. Comfortable, nice to drive, like the seats good support all round, like the arm rests and the BOSE sound system is lovely, although I do have a small 10'' Kenwood sub which will probably be loaded into the boot professionally and neat.

Be interested in views on this model.

Mate has a 2003 model and loves his with no major issues so far and he travels quite a lot. After research decided to opt for petrol rather than diesel due to the filter issue and didnt want to take the risk. Saying that diesel has just gone up and I don;t do the milage to justify diesel. Saying that loving the pull of the petrol, missed it. Could do with a few more revs on the 2.0i but no biggy.