So far I've had my truck 40,000 miles and I've had no problems at all. I'll I've done is put in gas and change the oil. I've replaced the air and fuel filter once.
This has to be one of the most cost effective vehicles you can buy. After rebate I bought mine new for less than $11k (with a/c and cruise control.) Maintenance costs are virtually nil. I average 30 mpg in mixed city/highway driving (5 speed stick.)
I'm about 6'2" and this is one on the few econ. vehicles I'm comfortable in. There's a ton of head and leg room. Outward visibility is excellent.
The arm rests are in the right position
to lean on.
The stock 4 cylinder engine is fine for most driving situations, cruises comfortably at 70 mph.
Steering is light and precise, brakes are strong. Very little body roll so brisk cornering is a breeze. With the 5 speed stick it's sort of like driving a sports car (but with better visibility.)
Because of the tall seating position it's really easy to get into and out of.
Of course, it is a truck, and rides like a truck at times- a bit bumpy on some road surfaces. Doesn't bother me at all. Above 70 mph engine and wind noise can be annoying.
The only flaw I've discovered so far is that you really need to use premium fuel if you do any serious climbing, otherwise detonation (pinging) is an issue. Around town I use regular- long road trips-premium.
Mine came stock with a 48K bumper to bumper warranty. I expect that at 48K I'll have zero claims on it.
The a/c and heater are super powerful.
I wish Mazda would release a reasonably big ute over here. I'm a large guy as well, the leg room in the Mazda utes in Australia is not good. Here it's either a Holden Commodore, Ford Falcon, a van, or a Hilux. Limited for choice with good utes. The new Mazda might fix it.
The Mazda in North America is based on the Ford Ranger; the only difference is body style, standard equipment packages, and options. But the Ranger is also plenty Mazda design. The 2.3 Duratec engine and standard trans in both the Ranger and Mazda are a Mazda design, and the engine is also, in different forms/sizes, in lots of Ford cars like the Focus and Fusion.
So in Australia you get a pickup that is a complete Mazda design and even a diesel engine option, while we get a rebadged Ford Ranger with a Mazda engine and transmission. Sure ours its better for head/leg room, but I wish I could get a little less Ford and also a diesel!
Note: A Comments RSS Feed is available. New comments appear in the Members Area before the main site