2013 Mazda 3 Tamura 1.6 petrol

Summary:

Very good

Faults:

Not a heck of a lot. The ABS sensors need attention at my last MOT, and an exhaust bracket. Brakes have a bit of vibration and will need attention soon. Climate control is still ice cold, but was re-gassed before I bought the car.

General Comments:

A stylish family car, the Mazda 3 looks very nice for what it is. I also opted for the Tamura model as it is well equipped. The car looks very smart in red with original Mazda alloy wheels.

Good looks continue inside with stylish dashboard. Seats are very comfortable. Ride is a bit firm, but the car has a sporty feel. It's a shame the 1.6 petrol engine isn't up to much performance wise. But it is economical enough and I wanted petrol after hearing horror stories about the diesel engine reliability in these cars.

Sharp handling and good visibility, the car is good to use daily. I always get out feeling fine after short or long journeys, the car is easy to drive

Basically the Mazda 3 is a perfect all round car, reliable and economical to run with good looks and decent to drive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th March, 2023

2013 Mazda 3 Sport 1.6 turbo diesel

Summary:

Smart and economical

Faults:

Brakes and suspension seem to wear out earlier than expected, but just basic wear and tear. No major faults. Air con is not as great as it used to be. Timing belt and servicing carried out as per guide. Some small rust spots here and there.

General Comments:

Bought this as a run about for work and leisure. Good looking in white with the alloy wheels, sport model gets lots of equipment. Heated seats are a God send on winter mornings!

To drive the Mazda 3 is not the most exciting, but was surprisingly sharp in the handling department. Will not win any races, but the 1.6 turbo diesel pulled fast enough, while doing about 60 MPG. Cannot say fairer than that.

This is the last of the older shaped Mazda 3's (2009 on-wards model) before they changed to the newer shape, which is slightly better looking in my opinion.

Interior is a little cramped, but is well laid out and comfortable. Overall it is a decent modern car. My only concern is the surface rust - at only 7 years old, I find this unacceptable as I have had older cars with no rust whatsoever. Looking through the reviews on here and elsewhere, this seems to be common for Mazda unfortunately.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd July, 2020

3rd Jul 2020, 18:14

Trade it in. Surface rust means the underneath, MOT areas will be suffering also.

They do not have great rust protection as you know, and the value is about to fall off a cliff!

In reply to 3rd Jul 2020, 18:14

4th Jul 2020, 13:42

Thanks for the advice, I probably will sell it. My father advised me to do the same - he had a 2006 Mazda 6 that started to rust at only 7 years old as well, so he got rid of it. Shame really, as the 1990 Mazda 626 he had for over 10 years before that held up much better with very little rust. I guess maybe Mazda are using cheaper paint or something in more recent years :(

My comments still stand on the car in general, it is a great little runabout, as good or better than a Ford Focus or whatever, so it's a shame about the rust problems.

In reply to 4th Jul 2020, 13:42

22nd Sep 2022, 15:17

Mine was the same, early rusting but mostly cosmetic - no need to panic as long as you are passing MOT's with no advisory.