Mazda 2.2 skyactiv 6 Tourer - Whether to replace Mazda 6, with what? - pembsflyer

Our Mazda 6 tourer 14 plate has 78k miles and thinking might it be time to get rid. We've had a couple of low pressure warnings where the oil level has risen and the oil thinned by diesel dilution. Conscious there may be bigger problems to come. The car suits our needs; comfortable, responsive driving, spacious, and economical purchase price and on road.

We will continue to drive 20k/yr mainly driving 12 miles into town and also long journeys with 'A' roads and motorway. We have a rural location but do not require 4x4, if push comes to shove we can use farm truck.

Open to any suggestions of any mark including another Mazda 6, my wife will not be persuaded to Mondeo (however hard i try) and is the main driver.

Please specify brand, model and spec! I find it so confusing!!

Mazda 2.2 skyactiv 6 Tourer - Whether to replace Mazda 6, with what? - pembsflyer

trim level SE-L Nav D

Mazda 2.2 skyactiv 6 Tourer - Whether to replace Mazda 6, with what? - Falkirk Bairn

What's the budget?

Does it have to be Mazda6 size estate?

Mazda 2.2 skyactiv 6 Tourer - Whether to replace Mazda 6, with what? - SLO76
This engine has a rather nasty history of problems so I’d definitely be getting rid but I get the appeal, the current 6 is a great car in every way. If you like it and intend on only keeping until the warranty is up then another may be an option or possibly the latest CX-5. The petrols are bulletproof but slow by comparison but I’d go for the petrol over diesel personally here due to reliability issues but then I’d buy used and keep it longterm which doesn’t seem to be your intention.

Other options

Skoda Superb 1.4 TSi Estate. Vast, well made, pulls like a diesel but no DPF related reliability issues to worry about. Well liked by the trade but shop around as prices vary dramatically with smaller family run dealers unable to compete with larger firms and brokers. Avoid DSG auto which is prone to premature failure.

Used Mercedes C220/250d Estate. Great car but dealers are extortionate for servicing so bag a service pre-pay package if you can.

Used Audi A4 2.0 TDi or 1.4 TSi Avant. Again well made and great to drive but as with the big Skoda I’d avoid the autos. I recently helped someone buy one of these with the 1.4 TSi petrol engine and it was a fantastic car in every way. Plenty of poke for me, quiet and it managed a fairly easy 50mpg.
Mazda 2.2 skyactiv 6 Tourer - Whether to replace Mazda 6, with what? - Avant

You'll get a Skoda of similar vintage to an Audi for less money. As well as the Superb, there's the Octavia estate - smaller, but as roomy as your Mazda. As SLO says, the petrol 1.4 TSI is the one to go for: it'll give you over 50 mpg on a long run, low to mid-40s in town.

Mazda 2.2 skyactiv 6 Tourer - Whether to replace Mazda 6, with what? - sandy56

Honda CRV, diesel or petrol. Ideal for you useage and no bigger than a large estate car, like the Mazda.

Edited by sandy56 on 30/09/2018 at 09:10

Mazda 2.2 skyactiv 6 Tourer - Whether to replace Mazda 6, with what? - pembsflyer

Defo buy second hand we bought this at year old from Motorpoint.

Would keep right car for the long term, only getting rid because of possible problems.

Budget up to 20k reluctantly! I view cars as a means , O/H does have a style and driving experience requirement.

In laws had a Skoda octavia that was very noisy on the road.

Happy with estate, not tempted by the current SUV trend thinkin we might bag a better deal

Mazda 2.2 skyactiv 6 Tourer - Whether to replace Mazda 6, with what? - pembsflyer

Given this a bit of thought now; compare and contrast:

2nd hand 17 plate Mazda 6 D still in the frame approx £20k with a view to changing in 3/4yrs before getting over 80k miles

Or (bit off the wall) MB CLS shooting brake 2.2 AMG line premium 16 plate keep for long term £26k

MB would cost more to buy, service and tax but hold value and not need to be replaced.

I know i've blown the budget but interest rates are low and maybe a cheaper option long term

any thoughts?

Mazda 2.2 skyactiv 6 Tourer - Whether to replace Mazda 6, with what? - Avant

There's no evidence that a Mercedes would be more reliable than a Mazda - it could well be less so, at least in the case of a petrol Mazda. But you or your wife may prefer it as a car and think the extra cost worthwhile.

If she as the main driver likes the Mazda, then your first option looks good, provided you delete the letter D and go for a petrol.

Some others have complained about tyre noise with the Skoda Octavia, which seems to be sensitive to the brand of tyre fitted: the three Octavias I had were fine. The problem doesn't seem to happen with the Superb.

Mazda 2.2 skyactiv 6 Tourer - Whether to replace Mazda 6, with what? - SLO76
“There's no evidence that a Mercedes would be more reliable than a Mazda - it could well be less so, at least in the case of a petrol Mazda.”

Agree against the petrol but the diesels are a world apart. I’ve seen taxis with that 4cyl Merc motor with half a million miles up and running fine. Dealers are an utter disgrace for servicing costs but I’d buy one without hesitation if there’s a good prepay service deal on the table and/or a good genuine Merc specialist nearby. It’s a lovely big car and yes it’ll be an easy sell when you’re done with it.
Mazda 2.2 skyactiv 6 Tourer - Whether to replace Mazda 6, with what? - pembsflyer

If only Mazda did a petrol with a bit more performance we would defo go for that, we do like a drive and the Mazda D gives that.

Our local mechanic is very experienced I'll ask his opinion and specifically Merc experience.

If we did the Merc it would be for a long term, we live in an exposed location with salt water spray how are they for rusting these days?