2013 Mazda 6 SKYACTIVE D Sport Nav 2.2 diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Disaster of a car!

Faults:

Turbo, oil pump, oil dilation, timing chain, injectors, DPF, electrics, the list goes on. And on. And on.

General Comments:

Avoid diesel Mazda 6's like the plague if you value your sanity. I have had this car a few years and it is time for it to go, many amounts of money later, things still are not right with it!

Simply not worth it, I bought a looked after low mileage example, thinking I would fix a few things and it would be fine, but no - it was one thing after another.

Used dealer I bought the car from would not help as it was out of warranty when things started to go south. Main Mazda dealer didn't want to know either and I struggled to find any other independent garages or mechanics willing to work on this car. The engines still smokes and stinks of oil after all the work I have done! It does not compare to my old 2006 VW Passat which saw 200,000 miles before any major issues. Well this 2013 (first of the new shape) Mazda 6 only has about 90,000 miles on it now and it feels worthless.

Speaking of which, I have tried to sell it very cheap for spares and repairs and still no one wants it; all I have had is enquirers asking if I will break it up and sell it part by part. Someone really wants its nice alloy wheels! Speaking of which, that is the only good thing about this car - for a Japanese family car, it is very nice looking inside and out.

Performance and economy were actually good as well (when it was running right initially) and I enjoyed driving it. Shame really, could have been a nice car, so if you really want a Mazda 6 of this generation and are taken with its looks as I was, get a petrol one. Avoid the diesels. Avoid AVOID!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 20th May, 2026

7th Oct 2026, 12:09

Mostly short journeys really kill modern diesels. You need to get the engine temp up and cruise on the motorway for the DPF to re-generate. The oil dilution is because when cold, fuel remains in combustion chamber and leaks down into the sump.

This Mazda diesel isn't the best engine to be fair, but I always recommend people stay away from diesel unless you are doing long drives and covering at least 20,000 - 25,000 miles per year, otherwise stick to petrol.

2013 Mazda 6 SKYACTIV-G SE-L 2.0 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Good looking and nice to drive

Faults:

Other than the wear and tear expected of age and miles, basically nothing serious.

ABS sensor.

The climate control is a little hesitant to work.

Tiny rust patch on rear wheel arch; I am going to repair it before it gets worse.

General Comments:

"New" model for 2013 Mazda 6 is a very stylish and comfortable car. Mine is bright red.

I went for the 2.0 petrol engine which I was a little unsure of at first as most are diesel. But I am glad I did go for this - it is very smooth and refined and still manages around 40 mpg or more pretty easily. Good power also.

Very nice to be in, dark grey/black cloth interior has sporty seats and a comfortable position. Controls are nicely laid out, long motorway journeys are a pleasure. The SE-L model has plenty of equipment and nice alloy wheels.

Handles very well, gear-change is slick, interior is spacious.

Getting on a bit in age and miles, but still feels solid and modern, hope to keep it a long time. As with any car it should last if looked after.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th March, 2024

20th May 2026, 13:59

Trust me mate, you made the right choice with that 2.0 petrol engine ;)

A simple Japanese 2.0 petrol, they are very good at that, and have been for decades, but cannot do diesels with any reliability it seems. Just do an internet search for the 2.2 diesel engine in this car to see what I mean!

In reply to 20th May 2026, 13:59

25th May 2026, 07:14

For reasons unknown, the Japanese manufacturers seem to be unable to build good and reliable diesels. The Mazda 2.2D must be one of the worst out there. Early Subaru 2.0D are a complete disaster. Even the Toyota small diesels aren't especially good, the 2.2D the least reliable while the 2.0D and 1.4D a bit better but not great. Nissan used PSA based units, Mitsubishi early ones are from VW and then they made their own diesels that are OK, but not great.

In reply to 25th May 2026, 07:14

25th May 2026, 22:17

Just about the best Japanese diesels are not in cars though - Isuzu. In the '70s and '80s, they used to supply smaller diesels (I think 1.7 or 1.8L) to other manufacturers especially as part of the GM group at the time. They also had the Gemini sedan based on the Kadett, which had that engine.