Faults:

So far nothing.

General Comments:

So far I'm extremely impressed and happy with my Mazda Demio. This one is fitted with the CVT transmission which took a bit of getting used to, but now I'm fine with it. I travel approximately 110km per day (5 days a week) for work, and I'm amazed at just how comfortable and economical this wee car is. It easily cruises along at 100-110kph and fuel consumption averages around 5 litres/100km, which is great considering the price of gas here in NZ.

Overall I'm really glad I bought this car, and have no doubt it will continue to impress!

Faults:

- Cambelt replacement plus auxiliary belts - due to mileage.

- 6 tyres (front) - due to alignment going out easily.

- Disc pads & brakes resurfaced.

- Rust on the chassis (front) in a hard to get to place. The high front had to be dismantled to get to it (high labour hours, small rust repair) .

- Rear shocks. This model has ABS, so shocks cost 2 times more than regular shocks.

- Clutch replacement & adjustment.

- Battery replacement.

General Comments:

Honestly, this is a great car, I bought it at high Km's, so expected many of these problems. But if you aren't mechanically minded, beware of cars with high KMs. But they are still not excessive in repair costs.

Very little body damage, still looks good (no paint fade), very little paint chip damage, some surface rust on the roof due to small scratches. But seems to wear well, inside & out.

I am 6 foot tall, this car has plenty of room, adults can still sit behind my seat comfortably, as well as comfortable seats on long trips. Easy to get in and out of.

I have the 1.5lt manual, I find it not as economical as my previous 1991 1.5lt Toyota Cynos (Paseo) or even my old 1987 1.6lt Mitsubishi Mirage Starwagon, all of which are manual & I ran without using air-con.. This is disappointing, but not excessive... N.B. there is no low fuel light on my Demio, & only 5km from quarter empty to empty (so keep your eye on the petrol gauge).

Good pick up on power, great on hills & in stop start traffic.. Gets tinny when pushed too much, better with smooth driving. Handles well on corners, not too much roll for such a high car.

Faults:

Brake master cylinder issue, which was reconditioned by a local garage for me, then received a recall notice from Mazda.

Mazda were very proficient and refunded the cost of the repair, and then also replaced the repaired parts!

General Comments:

Car is very responsive, and handles well.

First time ownership of a Mazda, and I'm very pleased with the decision to purchase.

Only a 1500cc engine, and runs out of breath on long steep hills into Dunedin, so I'm glad I didn't get the 1300cc engine!

Faults:

About a month after I bought it, I had to replace the clutch, however considering the age and mileage of the vehicle, I was expecting to have to do it at some point.

I found a water leak in the boot from a loosely sealed electrical cable, which was from where the previous owner had installed a superior sound system.

General Comments:

I really love my little Demio, it drives really well and the petrol savings are astronomical at $2.10 a litre; it cost me $68 to fill the tank, and I have done 406km on the last tank (city driving).

Being a manual, it is a lot easier to cope with a 1.3l, however I would not like to drive this in an automatic transmission, solely due to the extra fuel cost (but this is personal preference)

It handles beautifully on corners.

The seat are comfortable.

It easier to get in and out of than any sedan I have ever been in.