2002 Mazda 6 1.8 petrol from Finland

Summary:

Masterpiece but with one flaw

Faults:

Well rust. Rust, rust, rust. That's it. The car ran well and didn't fail me once. The only repair I made to it is a front right brake caliper change due old brake fluid which corroded the cylinder.

General Comments:

One of my best cars so far, and it makes me cry why Mazda spared costs on rust protection. However I read that models from 2006 onward are improved, but I don't know if it's true.

Responsive, reliable, comfy and a practical car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th September, 2018

5th Sep 2018, 21:16

These are good cars; unfortunately as you mentioned this car rusts earlier than your average car. Things did not improve after 2005 - I had a 2007 facelift model company car and it started to rust at only 5 years old. Awful for such a young car.

Privately I've since had a Ford Mondeo and a Volvo S60, both have been older cars, and even at 10 years old they had no rust. Go figure. The Mazda 6 2002 - 2007 had rust issues no doubt. The 2008 onwards model is an all new car and seems to be holding up a bit better from the older ones I've seen about.

21st Apr 2022, 17:43

I'm still wondering what car I should hunt down for my very first car LOL! I'm 17 right now and have my "L". I'm practising on my dad's 2003 Chevy TrailBlazer, but I will need to have my own car one day, so... is this a good car for me? If not can you tell me the best car under the age of 2005? Just something with pep and cheap on gas, thanks!

In reply to 21st Apr 2022, 17:43

22nd Apr 2022, 21:43

That depends on where you are (which country, and area within), because besides finding something you would like, it needs to be fairly dependable, and easy or inexpensive enough to fix. That would therefore mean you would need a car whose parts (original and good quality OEM aftermarket) are readily available, with mechanics who are familiar with the car - or the car not too complicated. One you're 25, not anymore of an issue, but below that age, insurance will also be very expensive.

2002 Mazda 6 TS 2.0 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Good looking practical car

Faults:

Rear exhaust bracket snapped due to rust, but it is the original exhaust.

Rear handbrake needs adjusted/tightened.

General Comments:

Comfortable, economical for its size. Very practical and good looking for a family car.

Plenty toys and great fun to drive.

I would highly recommend one to anyone.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th February, 2009

2002 Mazda 6 2.0 Station Wagon 2.0 16v petrol from Sweden

Summary:

Mazda at their best... a true family sports car!

Faults:

Power steering fluid leaked once due to corroded piping. Was replaced with a new part which had a rubber covering, Mazda had redesigned the part so this problem will never occur again!

Something felt loose inside the driver’s seat (backrest). I could feel it when going around corners really quickly, but none of the mechanics at the dealer could ever feel it!

Had slight rust around the rear wheel arch inner and rear bumper split. This is a common problem for the station wagons sold in Sweden and Mazda fixes it under their 12 year rust warranty programme.

One of the power windows (rear left side) would not work on occasion.

Driver’s side door mirror did not heat up (at least not as fast as on the other side).

Heated seats (front) were very poor. This was rectified on later models, but we had to suffer cold leather seats during harsh Swedish winters!

General Comments:

Fantastic driver's car. It handles superbly, has well composed ride and even the 2 litre engine is very responsive. Gearbox is very good as well, with a precise, accurate feel.

Road noise was rather high, especially with winter tyres. But then again, small price to pay for such fine cornering and handling capabilities!

The station wagon is very spacious. Luggage area is huge and has a smart automatic system for folding down the rear seat backrests.

I was tempted to buy the 2.3 version with the nicer 17" wheels, Bose stereo etc. but chose the 2.0 instead as I preferred the feel and handling of this model despite the smaller engine.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th September, 2008