Faults:

This is a big list…

First major problem was when I asked a tyre company to install longer valve stems, as the stupidly wide wheel trims prevented me from checking tyre pressures. After I got the car back, the ride and handling seemed markedly inferior. They of course denied this. Now the valve stems are long and floppy, and are still difficult to check.

I then had Monroe shocks put in the front. This made absolutely no difference to the appalling low speed ride, and was a waste of $600.

Then the car began misfiring, then running on only 3 cylinders. After a $300 2 year service, this was unfortunate. It cost another $300 to have a coil replaced. BTW, the fuel consumption rose dramatically when it was running poorly.

A year later, the problem cropped up again. My mechanic brother offered to change the spark plugs. Freakishly, the poor running happened when he restarted it, and he soon diagnosed another defunct ignition coil. This cost $200 at trade price to replace - labour was free (thanks, bro!).

Apparently, once the coils start to go, they all go. I can look forward to another $400 minimum on the last two coils, plus a new battery (the original one is finally showing signs of impending demise).

I am on an Invalids benefit due to multiple health problems, and I cannot find a job to pay for these repairs. I thought Japanese cars were reliable? Not in my experience.

General Comments:

I originally thought about buying a Honda Jazz (also called Fit here - not a name ever associated with me!). I was put off by tales of failed CVT transmissions, though apparently this problem is quite rare.

I tried out several cars on an open road loop, and this Mazda was the best to drive, and had a nice cheery interior (I hate all black). I subsequently found that in town it is a very jiggly, unsettled beast. The power is only at the top end, nothing down low. It is not economical. The Honda is a far more relaxing, more effective and economical town car. Pity it has electric power steering, which I loathe.

The 4 speed transmission is pathetic, jerky and always changing inappropriately.

The load area is quite spacious and well designed, but the flexibility is spoiled by the very hard seats, which prevent the folded seats being used as a bed for a roadside rest. They should at least never wear out.

Economy is around 38 MPG, around 10 MPG less than the Honda. It does cruise nicely at 100kph, but with a need to concentrate on steering that would be tiring on long journeys. I have been spoiled for life by prior ownership of a Peugeot 505 - nothing else comes remotely close for sheer comfort and drivability.

Faults:

None.

General Comments:

The car is very nippy for a diesel.

But better to use 3rd gear in town driving.

Average MPG 53 which includes a fair bit of town driving.

Worst gripe is the mirrors. The driver's wing mirror is not a "true" mirror which leaves you thinking the vehicle is miles behind when it is almost beside you. Makes motorway driving difficult.

Faults:

Only problem experienced is tappet noise when the car is first started. My brother also purchased a Mazda 2 proir to myself and also has the same problem. Is this a design fault. As the rest of the car is excellent.

General Comments:

Love driving this car. It drives as good as my work commodore. For a small car it does not have that small car feel. A bigger motor for the auto would be great in a car this size (1.8)..As with all manufactures they always leave you wanting!!

Faults:

Nil.

General Comments:

Engine is slightly lumpy between 1000 - 2000 RPM.

Clutch pedal travel is too long, causing driver to virtually lift off or slide foot on floor.

Stereo 6 stacker is terrific.

Pulling power in 5th gear is exceptional.

Faults:

It runs on premium unleaded due to it being a S-VT (sequential valve timing) engine.

General Comments:

Only picked up the car (Mazda 2 Ma xx Auto) yesterday from the dealer and it's the best car we've ever owned! Its great for city driving, fantastic interior and powerful for a small 1.5lt 4 cylinder car.

Excellent features for a $24,000 car!

Buy one if you can - the smallness and the Premium-unleaded needed seemed like a bit of a turn off, but once you get in it you'll wonder how you lived without it.