Brakes - There has been an issue ever since I have had this car, the record states that the pads were changed at 28000 KMs, which is pretty soon for any car and too early for a Manual Transmission, anyway, There has always been a Clunking noise in braking at slow speeds from all the 4 wheels. The Agency tries every time I complain and confirms that the sound is unusual, but the noise comes back after 500/1000 Kms of service. I was in luck to find a Mazda authorized technician from Japan to check the brakes and he confirmed the noise was unusual and was coming from the clearance between the pads and the calipers and is not a safety issue. I have been promised a fix by him personally on my next service, lets see...
Door Noise - Tick Tick door noise from right doors Front and Back when car shifts weights, fixed under warranty once and the noise is starting again, I am not too concerned about it, but I am sure it needs proper fixing.
Seats - Driver seat a bit squeaky on some particular back rest setting, can live with that, noise goes with a little back rest adjustment.
Check Engine Light - It came on at 39000, fixed under warranty. A sensor needed changing.
Excellent Improvisation from the predecessor 626.
Generally the car is Fun to drive and handle.
Very responsive even at high speeds.
Handles like a dream and runs very well.
The road holding is fantastic.
Spacious, Lot of space in front, back and boot.
Fairly new to call it reliable, I would call it one if it goes on the same way for another 4 to 5 years, I guess won't keep it that long, but anyway.
Turning radius is poor. You have to plan your parking way ahead of time with the Mazda 6. Transmission can give a bit of a clunk once in a while when slowing down quickly and then accelerating. Otherwise great pickup, traction control and braking. Better to get new tires than dealer provided. You will need the stickness.
I find it funny that you state the brakes wear quickly for a manual. I mean unless you use the engine to assist in braking, (which is just more wear and fuel costs), then it really doesn't make a difference if it's a manual.
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