Opinions of Mazda - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JWJ · #1 07-12-2012, 07:49 AM

Hi all,

My wife wants a minivan. She will consider a used Mazda5.

I understand Mazda is similar to Ford.

If you have Mazda experience, can you provide some insight into reliability, ease of maintenance, etc.

TIA,

Air&Road · #2 07-12-2012, 08:03 AM

You did not say HOW old. Almost any of the vehicles made by all manufacturers in the last ten years or so are really reliable and durable. That said, there are some that have achilles heels such as the electronic gremlins in the firs W203 C Class MB's.

You need to determine the exact year and model and do some searching for a Mazda discussion forum and find out the extent of the achilles heels for that car.

Good luck with it.

Skippy · #3 07-12-2012, 08:06 AM

I have a standing request with several friends to shoot me dead if I ever buy a minivan.

Mazda MX-5 (aka Miata) is a fun car and basically an MGB only reliable and dependable. Other Mazdas hold little appeal for me. There is a Mazda pickup that is the same thing as a Ranger. A co-worker has one and has no complaints about it that I've heard.

engatwork · #4 07-12-2012, 08:10 AM

We owned a 91 Mazda MPV minivan one time and it was a neat vehicle. Four cyl, rear wheel drive, automatic and the back seats would lay down and make a bed

. Easy vehicle to work on too.

I can't speak for later models.

t walgamuth · #5 07-12-2012, 08:30 AM

The mazda five is a pretty handy looking very small mini van. It is a car that I probably would have bought for the mrs if she liked it. We ended up buying a Honda Fit which is basically a very very small mini van too. I like the quality of the Honda and the simplicity of the controls and overall design.

I don't think the Mazda quality is as good as Honda but would expect it to be better than the chevys and such.

Air&Road · #6 07-12-2012, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

The mazda five is a pretty handy looking very small mini van. It is a car that I probably would have bought for the mrs if she liked it. We ended up buying a Honda Fit which is basically a very very small mini van too. I like the quality of the Honda and the simplicity of the controls and overall design.

I don't think the Mazda quality is as good as Honda but would expect it to be better than the chevys and such.

My wife also drives a Fit now. It's the only Fit that I like to see her have.

E150GT · #7 07-12-2012, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

\

I don't think the Mazda quality is as good as Honda but would expect it to be better than the chevys and such.

Thats probably true but they are very close. I think the Mazda fit and finish is above honda at least in the econo car segment.

My 2010 Mazda 3 has been reliable since new and now has 64k.

tbomachines · #8 07-12-2012, 02:27 PM

I almost got myself into a Mazda 3 last year. Very good car but could not get over the goofy styling of the 3, the other cars seem to be OK on that regard for the most part with the exception of the smiling miata. They make very good cars, that are indeed fun to drive. I could see myself trading in the GTI for one of their new skyactiv engined cars (depending on which ones they bring into the U.S.). Many of my friends have Mazdas and I have to say they couldn't be happier.

Stretch · #9 07-12-2012, 02:29 PM

Yep as the advert said (or says?) you'll be amazed at a Mazda.

Spares can be pricey but like a Honda they go on and on and on... they tend to be pretty boring vehicles though and don't carry much street cred (here in Europe) - they are functional and reliable - if that's what you want I'd go for it.

The Swede · #10 07-12-2012, 02:38 PM

Having driven a hundreds of both Mazdas and Hondas, I have to say the Honda has superior build quality. Fit and finish are top notch for their respective price points, quality of interior materials are excellent, wind noise and road noise is much better than the Mazdas. I like Mazdas ok and they are reliable, but from my experience they aren't as well made as the Honda.

TX76513 · #11 07-12-2012, 03:57 PM

Don't have a bad opionion of Mazda, only bought 1, new in 2002. My middle kid and I ran accross it a few weeks back when looking for something in the back garages. It was almost like the forgotten toy. I can't recall doing anything major to it. Kept up with the maintenance, tires, etc. It was the chariot of three teenagers from 2002 - 2009. It had not been driven since around the holidays, but it did fire right up. I can throw any dirt on Mazda even if its not my cup of tea. Appear to be prettly straightforward reliable cars.

JWJ · #12 07-12-2012, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Air&Road

You need to determine the exact year and model and do some searching for a Mazda discussion forum and find out the extent of the achilles heels for that car.

Yes, I looked, but there is no Mazda forum similar to the knowledgeable MB forums.

There appear to be far fewer Mazda enthusiasts.

Not too many owners get excited about their mini-vans...

Thanks

tbomachines · #13 07-12-2012, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JWJ

Yes, I looked, but there is no Mazda forum similar to the knowledgeable MB forums.

There appear to be far fewer Mazda enthusiasts.

Not too many owners get excited about their mini-vans...

Thanks

Miata, mazdaspeed and rotary forums are far more fanatical than we are with our mbs hah, not sure about the minivans though. I'm sure you could pose a question to any of the above and you'll find people who have them. Mazda has very good brand loyalty for a Japanese marque.

Ara T. · #14 07-12-2012, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JWJ

Hi all,

My wife wants a minivan.

my condolences

The Clk Man · #15 07-12-2012, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbomachines

I almost got myself into a Mazda 3 last year. Very good car but could not get over the goofy styling of the 3, the other cars seem to be OK on that regard for the most part with the exception of the smiling miata. They make very good cars, that are indeed fun to drive. I could see myself trading in the GTI for one of their new skyactiv engined cars (depending on which ones they bring into the U.S.). Many of my friends have Mazdas and I have to say they couldn't be happier.

DUDE!!!!! tell the truth. The reason you didn't buy the Mazda, is because when you sneezed during the test drive, your pork chop side burns stuck to the velcro that was holding the sun visor in place. Admit it. NOW!!!