Mazda 6 (2008 – 2012) Review

Mazda 6 (2008 – 2012) At A Glance

4/5

+Neatly styled, entry-level models a good balance of ride and handling, excellent 2.2-litre diesel engine.

-Saloon version not popular, DPF problem with 2.0 diesels can lead to engine failure, No spare but full size spare available at £70.

Insurance Groups are between 16–28
On average it achieves 91% of the official MPG figure

This is a tale of two cars. On the one hand we have the entry level Mazda 6 1.8S, coming in at a very reasonable £15,100 on the road. On the other, we have the BOSE audio, leather-trimmed 2.5SL at a considerably heavier £20,680.

Actually "heavier" is the wrong word. Because all new bigger, better Mazda 6s weigh in at an average 35 kilos lighter than the old car. As with the new Mazda 2, the company has stopped eating all the pies and is thinking along the same lines as a supermodel.

As well as more car at less weight it's also more streamlined. Little touches, including a gizmo that looks like a horses hoof in front of each of the front wheels, cut drag down to a very impressive Cd 0.27.

That makes it quieter and more fuel-efficient which in turn means it emits less CO2 so you pay less tax, whether you're a private motorist or a company driver. One of the factoids Mazda was keen to impress on us was that whereas the previous 1.8i meant you were taxed on a BIK of 24% of the car's list price, the new 1.8 comes in at 19%. And, though prices are slightly up (balanced by a lot more kit on each model), they reckon the average company driver will pay £20 a month less for more car, whether they go for the 1.8i or the 2.0 litre diesel.

Mazda 6 2008 Model Road Test

Mazda 6 2008 Wagon Road Test 

Mazda 6 2.2 Diesel 2008 Road Test and Video

Mazda 6 2010 Facelift Road Test and Video

Real MPG average for a Mazda 6 (2008 – 2012)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

91%

Real MPG

19–56 mpg

MPGs submitted

891

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

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Ask Honest John

Should I trade-in my car while used prices are inflated?

"After putting my 2019 Mazda 6 Sport in for its latest service, the dealership indicated they were very keen to get it as a trade-in due to its condition and low mileage. So, the equity available is higher than normal, in part due to the current shortages. With that in mind, it seemed daft to go for another 6, and maybe I should look a little upmarket. However, I'm struggling to come up with a decent alternative! I've looked at the Octavia vRS, BMW 2 Series GC, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Mazda CX-5 Sport, the new Kia Sportage. Do you have any recommendations or general pointers? I'm on the lookout for a sporty looking family car that isn't going to break the bank, reasonably well specced that isn't costing an absolute fortune to get to the same equipment levels I'm spoiled with in the 6. Appreciate any thoughts or help you can give - I love my 6, she's an absolute joy to drive and truthfully I wouldn't even be looking if the trade in offers weren't so good!"
It's a dilemma many people are facing at the moment – a shortage of new cars means used prices are inflated so there's a temptation to cash in by selling your car. But that car will need replacing, though, and you might find it difficult to get a good deal on a new car. We'd recommend keeping your Mazda – you clearly like it and it's still a modern, reliable car with many years of life left in it. If you do wish to sell, a Mazda CX-5 could be a worthy replacement. It's just been updated and remains one of our favourite SUVs on the market. Alternatively, take a look at the new Hyundai Tucson or consider whether to make the switch to an electric vehicle with a Hyundai Ioniq 5.
Answered by Andrew Brady

I only do short drives - can I take precautions to stop DPF issues with my Mazda 6?

"I've been reading some of the problems Mazda 6 owners have with DPFs. My Mazda 6 now has 93,000 miles on the clock, it had 90,000 when I bought it. I mostly do short runs (less than 15 miles). What should I look out for? Is there anything I can do before switching my engine off to stop DPF trouble in future?"
This is far from ideal use of a diesel with a DPF. Precautions you can take are to change the engine oil and filter every 7000 miles. Take the car on as many distance runs as you possibly can. Whenever you stop the car, open the driver's door. If you are aware of heat under the car, that is the DPF actively regenerating and you need to drive the car for another 5 - 10 miles to ensure regeneration is completed. if you don't, fuel injected into the engine to promote regeneration will sink into the sump oil, contaminating it. Check the cold engine oil level regularly, at least every week, and if you notice it starting to rise you need to get the oil and filter changed.
Answered by Honest John

The DPF warning light is flashing on my Mazda 6 - does the particulate filter need cleaned or replaced?

"My Mazda 6 has a particulate filter warning light flashing, despite two hours on the motorway. The car has never done this in four years of ownership. It's done 99,000 miles. Does the DPF need cleaned or replaced?"
In that case, the likelihood is that the DPF has filled up with ash from burning off all the soot it has been burning for 99,000 miles. Two options. One is to have the DPF sent away to be chemically cleaned by the Ceramex process, which costs about £400 all-in. The other is to replace the DPF, which costs about £1,000.
Answered by Honest John

Is the shift from diesel pushing up the price of petrol cars?

"I have seen two 2010 Mazda 6 Estate 2.0 petrol for sale for £9500 - £9750, with 19,000 and 29,000 miles. One is a private sale and the other is from a dealer. Most price guides give prices of around £7000. These models do not seem to come up for sale often. Is the price the beginning of a shift from diesel that might be pushing up prices? "
Possibly. There was a lot of trouble with DPF on this generation of Mazda 6 diesel, so the 2.0 litre petrol is the more reliable car.
Answered by Honest John
More Questions

What does a Mazda 6 (2008 – 2012) cost?