Great first car – I learned to drive in one of these, and only now, a couple of years of thrashing and bad changes later, is it starting to show. Clutch, though bulletproof, is definitely showing signs of abuse according to mechanic, but thats probably my fault! However, the radio, A/C, and cruise are all perfect, and engine is fine. It's little engine is… Read more
surprisingly torquey, and has no trouble shooting you off the line. It has crazy low-end shove, but more noise definitely does not mean more power. The brakes when we bought it were horrific, but changing the pads made an incredible difference.
HOWEVER, do be aware that these are very noisy cars, especially in the high revs. The build quality and features are what you would expect from a car this old and cheap, and the ride quality and suspension could definitely use some improvement, on bouncy roads it floats all over the place, and crashes and bangs whenever a crack or pothole meets it. Many spilt coffees have worked their way into the carpets. While the clutch is pretty light and does not need a lot to chane gear, the gearstick on the other hand is far too long. 1st is in the passengers lap, and you could get them to change from 1st to 2nd to keep your hands close to you. Reverse is tricky at times, and occasionally it falls out, but this may be an age-related issue. There is no overdrive, and it really does need it. Trying to keep up on motorways at 110km/h has the thing screaming like a jet engine.
Lookswise, it definitely has aged, and the plastic inside is practically impossible to clean fully with houshold materials. The interior is black as black can be, and there are hundreds of holes and gaps where things can fall. On the upside, you can fit 5 people in there semi-comfortably, and the sound system (even on one speaker) is club-worthy, with window-rattling bass if you choose the right songs. The boot is deceptively cavernous, with plenty of room in it, perfect for eskies and dog-crates.
The handling is exceptional, with incredibly light power-steering, but the turning radius is far larger than I thought it would be for such a small car.
Being front-wheel-drive, torque steer can be an issue at times, with the smooth wheel trying to wrench it's way out of your hand, particularly in cases where you need to accelerate, i.e. car parks.
In the end, it is a fantastic car, if you are looking for a little nugget to get you places when your other car has broken down. Believe me, the only thing this car will not survive is a direct hit by an atomic weapon. You could leave it for 20 years in a barn under the sea, and it will start first try.
If i was a getaway driver, this would be the car i chose.
I wish I bought one a lot sooner – Bought mine at 201000 recently using an insurance pay out and it's a daily driver only problems to date is drivers side electric window and a window seal the latter has been fixed by a proven mazda wrecker as I could not get dealer parts this week.It gets it's minor mechanical inspection next week and it's service is in September.I came from a… Read more
2017 Holden Spark(Bought used in 2018)that was written off by a truck recently.practically a daily driver except on days I opt to use the bus for work.
The biggest piece of rubbish - designed so installing a Thermostat takes 1-2 days – I have owned this piece of junk since 2013. I bought it from my sister who purchased it new from Grand Prix Mazda Aspley. It was in very good condition. I have done almost every service except for sending it to Grand Prix Caboolture where it needed a computer update and change of oil for over $300. Rip off so I have taken it too Matt at… Read more
Narangba Valley Tyre and Mechanical and Pedder's. Matt is excellent as is his garage but is so popular that you have to book over a month ahead.
I have had to put in new shocks all round at 60,000 km when they should last 80-120 k km. Fromd wish bones went at 80,000 when they should last 120kms at least. Rubbish Mazda so called genuine parts.
I change the oil and filters religiously myself. Changing the oil filter is horrible as Mazda want you to do this at their rip off garages as the filter is in a very hard to get area by hand.
The car has been running rough and I have nutted it down to the thermostat being old and affecting the ECU. No worries I thought.
I decided to order in a genuine thermo from overseas at a price a lot less than Mazda Australia rip off priced.
I also online ordered a million radiator hoses and a high quality better than Genuine Mazda water pump. The current one was still good but at 190,000 I was always going to replace it.
Mazda make the changing of the Thermostat a nightmare job as the hoses are a nightmare to get off with the Mazda clamps cheap and nasty and very very difficult to remove as there is no room to remove with the engine clutter and the radiator fan almost needing to be removed. Has to remove all of the underneath cheap plastic shroud where rusty bolts break off etc. Very low-quality bolts and fittings.
Took me over 1 1/2 days to change hoses and fit the water pump which was easy after almost removing the motor to get at it due to the design of the motor cheap plastic parts.
Did the change of the auto transmission filter and fluids. Quite easy and allowed me to settle down over Mazda design of the motor and bay causing you to always go to a garage preferably their's.
I noticed the right front CV drive shaft was leaking and therefore I needed to replace both. Not an easy job but a home handyman can do it after following Youtube ways.
I knew Mazda Caboolture price on genuine Mazda 2006 BK sedan front CVs would be expensive. I rang Mazda Caboolture and was told by a very nice sales assistant that one was $13050 approx. EACH. I kid you not. 3-year warranty and 60,000km apparently. I did ask this sales assistant why he/she would work for an unscrupulous company like Mazda. Loves cars apparently and this person is looking at his/her options. I would be too. Talk about Mazda Caboolture and Mazda Aust price gouging to the extreme.
I was able to purchase two very high quality above OEM from Repco North Lakes who can be expensive for a total of $580 for a pair. Better quality than Mazda and had them in one day.
I could not get over the low plastic quality of this Mazda 3.
Sitting next to is my original 1996 GQ Patrol that takes 20 minutes for a new thermostat and which I always buy from PartSonq overseas along with genuine water pump etc. I can still get many hundreds of genuine Patrol parts from Partsonq and have them in 3 days from Saudi by air. Genuine. The plastics are so much better than Mazda.
I was so angry with this Mazda and Mazda's attitude that I am purchasing a near new Nissan Xtrail 4 x 4 and have laid down the deposit.
I rang Mazda Australia and told them of the debacle, and they did not want to know much except the overseas assistant just wrote down my complaint.
Mazda you have lost me and any future sales for my wife and I and two daughters. I normally buy the cars, and I will never advise my daughters to even consider Mazda.
I will buy anything except Mazda and Toyota and they both have massive technical design and quality faults.
All manufactures including Nissan inbuild the design of the cars etc. to ensure that you have to go to their workshops. Imagine electric cars where only the manufacturer can deal with it not the great mechanics outside the dealers. Electric will die as the resale is pathetic, battery replacement at 4-5 years at about $20,000, insurance through the roof as repairers add on the danger and new technology and scarcity of parts and prices etc. That is why Telsa have hundreds or thousands of electric cars sitting in yards in Melbourne and Sydney. The head of the British Auto Body stated that electrics are an interim idea as hydrogen is coming on stream, is safe, very readily available and allows long distance travel. Battery cars will never take off unless you have money to throw away. Battery will be a thing of the past as will the cars be remembered as a failure of an idea. Lithium batteries have almost gone as far as they can.
Goodbye Mazda
Reviews with attachments
A car that does so well – I have taken a lot of car for my car and only twice has it stopped and required a new battery . Very minimal issues with the car. 1st the aircon vents I have had one come apart 2nd the cd player is having issues but only at 12 years of age 3rd the clip that hold the rear headrest in place has come away 4th the clear coat seal is coming away… Read more
from around the rear panel windows and along the door strips . That is the only major issue and will cost me the value of the car to replace , but for a 12 year old car that has only just done 100,000km it is very good and I have no other issues
In-depth reviews
Great run around – I've owned my Mazda 3 (2006 build) for 7 years. In that time I've managed to clock up nearly 200,000 kms. Much of the driving is on the motor way. Average fuel consumption is 7L/100km which I run on premium 95. In the time of ownership I have replaced the radiator, thermostat and and water pump. The great thing about servicing this car is that I… Read more
was able to have all this done for under $800. The thermostat on these cars is an assembled unit and adds to the cost, as opposed to the simplicity of most other manufacturers thermostats. The drivers side power window played up a couple of years ago which I fixed for $50. My base model has the 'safety pack' which includes ABS, 8 airbags and EBD. I service the car every 10,000kms which is generally just fluids and filters. I thought about upgrading but my mechanic advises me that it's a keeper. The interior is quite basic but has everything I need except for Bluetooth. They are a great second family car or a perfect first car for the P platers. I'll pass this one onto the kids and then upgrade.
Reliable, safe and great to drive but the road noise is unbearable – Our 2006 Mazda 3 Maxx Sport has been in our family since new. This Mazda 3 is mainly used for commuting and as a second car for a family of 6-8. It is also used a learn to drive vehicle and is used daily. Other than regular maintenance the issues have been limited to the following: Spark plugs last 40,000km not 120,00km as stated in the owner… Read more
manual. Boot leaks around the wiring grommet when the car is on any incline. Cabin filter can be difficult to access and change
As with all Mazda 3s until the most recent model the road noise is excessive. Mazda made no attempt to reduce the road noise in these vehicles. Additional sound proofing was installed which reduced the road noise slightly but was more effective at reducing engine noise.
Fitting Michelin Primacy 3st tyres reduced the road noise considerably.
There is no cruise control!!!!! Cruise control was introduced from June 2006 along with electronic throttle control so this Feb 2006 build vehicle missed out.
The front seats are too narrow in the shoulder area and encourage bad posture for those with taller frames.
Rear seat headroom is tight for taller teenagers and adults.
Boot hinges don’t impede on luggage space.
This vehicle still goes, handles and stops extremely well especially given its age.
Excellent crash performance for a 2006 build vehicle and no Takata airbags.
Fuel consumption is OK. The best on the highway between Melbourne and Geelong is about 7.0 l/100km. It uses less fuel and goes much better with 95 or 98 RON premium especially around town.
The orange illumination of the central controls and instrument cluster that was fashionable in the mid 2000s is not for everyone.
Overall our Mazda 3 has been extremely reliable with some limitations as stated above.
Great car, crap to work on – Haven't had any real mechnical issues with the car. The issues have arisen when doing simple tasks eg replacing the head lights. In both the left and right fender there are gaps, the other day I was changing the globes. Went to get the globe and couldn't figure out where it went until I saw it in the fender. I almost had to take the front wheel… Read more
off.
To the engineers that designed and signed this off, there is a special place in hell for you. After a lot of curing the same engineers that designed and signed off on the design I finally manger to wrangle the packet for the heal light out. There is a good hour ill never get back.
And near the front of the same quarter panel there is a gap. And you need to remove the cover for the bumper, which uses scrivets. A plastic screw rivet that was also designed by someone way over educated for common sense. So after removing 6 or so of these and curing again. I manged to remove the panel and get the screw driver that slid down. e Do not put anything on any of the covers in the engine bay as there seems to be loads of empty space where tools and globes alike will manage to get. The time to remove these will be at least an hour and you would curse every curse word under the sun to get access.
A part of me is curious to how many other wide open caverns there are that I could hide things in. And another part dreads the future when something slides into them. And another part of me would like to take a sledge hammer to the car to vent frustration.
Recent reviews
Top little car – I brought my 2007 Mazda 3 maxx sport In 2018. The car hasn’t let me down drove it to Coffs Harbour. It didn’t miss a beat I’ve only had a few little issues replaced spark plugs thermostat. And Exhaust due to Engine warning light it starts every day without a problem top little car. Can’t fault it Show details
Problem car – We bought a cheap & nasty 2007 model Mazda 3 diesel 6 months ago. We were drawn to the fuel efficiency & it was what we could afford at the time. What a piece of crap! 6 months down the track we are faced with the possibility of having to replace it & lose $4000+. It is so rattly the suspension sounds like it could fall off at any moment, the… Read more
engine shudders the whole car something chronic & it idles up & down like crazy. The airbag light has come on for no apparent reason & they need replacing at a cost of $1500 a piece for the car to be safe again, it’s not even worth fixing! The fuel economy has been fantastic, my husband drives it to work all week (240kms) and it costs about $20-$25 in diesel each week & the acceleration is fantastic. That’s about the only good things I have to say about this car.
Good small car – Fuel efficient, easy of use, this car is so much fun to drive i love every minute of it!! Mazda are a good brand so i decided to try this car and was super impressed! Show details
Such a great car – I use my car to get to and from university, its a great car and its the first car Ive bought, im glad I chose the Mazda 3 as it has everything I needed and its great on fuel which is really efficient for a student. Show details
Car has excellent driving comfort especially on long drives – When driving the car for the first time it was so smooth in driving, the cost of running is very minimal which is excellent for the budget. Excellent car that is easy to park in busy streets. Show details
Trust lost! – Bought this brand new car in2016 at west end mazda Blacktown. Serviced once a year by the sellers. This year we were notified that our brakes needs replacing, which we agreed to. Few months later we noticed thick smoke in back of the car. Car had to be towed to west end mazda but they were too busy . Our car insurance towed the car to a different… Read more
mechanic and they found that the job was shoddy and they left the hand brake too tight. This was a fire hazard, we have took the case up with west end mazda and mazda australia but no one even offered an apology. Our insurance covered all the cost but it’s is the lack of responsibility, not acknowledging the mistake and hiding behind false rhetoric that stinks. Shame on you mazda australia and west end mazda Blacktown. Outcome of this could have been grave for our family.
Find out how Mazda 3 BK compares to other Cars
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It's okay, little bit sporty – It's actually very confusing car, I hated every second when I owned this car. It's 2006 year model Mazda 3 Neo It didn't have cruise control and stereo controls Suspension is veeery stiff, too much noise Steering is way too heavy, i understand sporty handling should be heavy like bmws but engine is too slow to call this little car sporty Show details
Reliable – I use this on the highway quite abit This is my everyday car I take to work I service every 50,000 kilometers I have never had an issue with this car it runs amazing Out of a full tank I get about 550 - 700 kilometers Definitely one of the best gear boxes I have driven especially out of a car that's over 10 years old. Till this day it does not miss a beat. Show details
Very reliable car – I have had this car for 10 years and have never had any repairs done to it. It has never failed to start.it drives very well. Anyone wanting to buy a good reliable car..this is it. The Mazda is a safe reliable well built car and I have never felt the need to upgrade. Show details
Great car 350000km never had a problem – Great car hwy petrol use 6/7 lt per 100km love the car 350000 km still same parts never change anything car is very reliable lots of room for a small car. After 350000km still great to drive, no oil leaks uses 100mil of oil per 10000km service services cost very low threw local mechanic. Show details
Great car – I have just purchased a 2007 Mazda 3 sp23 for my daughters 17th birthday what a great car plenty of power nice easy steering and a great looking car although it’s over ten years old it still has a very modern look and great features but no Bluetooth it is a little noisy on the road but for a first car I highly recommend the Mazda Show details
Bullet proof, totally reliable car – I've had my Mazda 3 for nearly 2 years. It replaced a 2010 Honda civic which got written off due to someone making a right hand turn in front of me on a main road. My Mazda 3 had 138000 on the clock when I bought it, but as it was a one owner, serviced every 5000km, It was a very well looked after 10 year old car. For the past 21 months, it start… Read more
first time, never broken down, never overheated. It's just totally reliable. I've done 20000km since I've had it, no thoughts of replacing it as, I have absolute confidence in its reliability. Sure other newer cars might suck less petrol. But for problem free motoring you cant beat this model Mazda 3.
Awesome – What a fantastic car. Turns on a dime, ever-reliable. Excellent fuel economy. Comfortable ride, great driving experience, and has the guts to go when you need it. I have had mine from brand new and still love it. Cruise control is extremely easy to use. Would not hesitate to buy another Mazda!! Show details
Perfect vehicle for a family – We can't fault our Mazda in driving performance. and on road handling it can't be better. there is plenty of leg room in front back and it has a pull down arm rest in the centre that you can also pull down one or both back seats large objects, there is minimal noise, the reliability is next to none and running costs in petrol can give you up… Read more
to 500 klm . Like everything mechanical it has to be looked after and serviced regularly for best performance it can give.
Perfect – I have had my Mazda 3 sedan for 7 years now, and I can honestly say it has been my best friend! It is always very reliable and gets me where I need to go and has never broken down on me. I drive a manual and it very simple to drive Show details
Find out how Mazda 3 BK compares to other Cars
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Great Economical Car – This has been a great economical car over the years, cheap to run and absolutely no mechanical issues. I am an easy driver, but hate to admit it did not service the vehicle for 50,000 Kms, it still ran fine, and after that abuse it only needed a new fuel filter. I would prefer if newer models had under steering wheel (leg) airbag. Show details
2005 sp23 – I am currently still driving my Mazda 3 which I purchased when it was 5 years old. I have the SP23 model which is a bigger motor and speaker. I have been really happy with it as it's good on fuel and the boot space is quiet deceiving as you can fit quiet a bit in it. Great for a city driving car. I haven't had any problems with it so far. Show details
fantastic, excellent, love mazda – bought my first car mazda 3 sport version, and even it is second hand, but the performance is so excellent , nice interior decoration, all functions control wheel, sporty dash board, even the space is not that large, specially the boot is slightly small, but it has really enough for me, around 8-10 L per km petrol consumption, really good. A full tank of oil could allow me to drive 650 km ish. Show details
it was perfect ! – It was mazda 3 2005 NEO manual with bodykit and spoiler. I have bought it from a dealer month ago who has published it as Maxx Sport version. I went for a test drive and I liked it and bought it. However when it comes to put insurance on it company told me its not MAxx Sport but Neo which is way cheaper when it comes to sell. I returned the car… Read more
and got my money back after 3 days. the car drives very well, not so much noise inside. Transmission shift is very good. can be a little bit expensive when it comes to major service time so check it before buy. the biggest con is there is no aux input on radio :( apart from that hips of power with a good handling.
Buy it secondhand if its not so over priced. It will run forever with good care.
Disgusting customer service with no compassion – My husband was in an accident a few months ago because the steering wheel lost power steering therefore caused him to hit an island. The car was a right off. Mazda made excuses not to offer any compensation and whats worse didn't even ask to review the car.This should be a reason to put a recall on all Mazda 3 2008 model cars as it looks like that… Read more
Mazda is waiting for a fatal accident to occur before they take any case seriously. In America and other major countries they have put recalls on the same model because of the same reason ie loss of power steering therefore can cause loss of control especially when turning into another street. That is what happened to my husband. So as you can see, I will never ever purchase a Mazda car again as they do not show respect or compassion to every Australian driving this particular car.
Very reliable car,cheap to run & fun to drive – Having just sold my Fiat Ducaro 2 Tonne Van I just needed a small-medium sedan for my own personal use. My wife has had a Mazda 3 Neo new from 12/06. Absolutely brilliant little car! NEVER had a problem in 10 years (130K kms). Only used consumables : 1 set front disc pads, 2 batteries, 4 tyres. Annual service (every 10K). I decided to buy a 2007… Read more
Mazda SP23 sedan for $7800. 5 speed auto,heaps of power when required & only 95K kms. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Great car all rounder! – I have been using a mazda 3 sedan 2008 for the last five months. It is a very good car in all categories. Great to drive, super reliable, never had any trouble, good engine, small enough for the city and big enough to head out for a road trip. Just like any other car it needs to be cared for of course. All in all, it is the cheapest and most reliable car on the market atm. Show details
Reliable – I have owned 2 Mazda 3's. A 2004 (Auto) MaX Sport and a 2006 (Man) Max. Both cars have been excellent in performance, handling. The Interior and exterior both look great. Car has been very reliable and easy to service. Highly recommend, they are a popular car! It is great on fuel for getting around Sydney. Only problem i find is it revs quite high when doing 80plus on the highway. Show details
Love my Mazda 3 – I purchased a 2005 Mazda 3 SP23 in September and was pleasantly suprised. The car is quiet while running, has a great amount of pick up and go at the lights and is so smooth to drive. The interior is great, nice colours, durable seat coverings and the dash is well set out. For a hatch its also suprisingly roomy. This is the first Mazda I've owned and when I pass this one to my daughter next year I'll be buying a new one. Show details
11 years and 193,000km, Still Going Strong! – This was my first ever new car purchase and what a great purchase it was! 70,000 city kilometres 123,000 country kms and it is still on the original set of brake pads. Body styling is classic and stands up well against current crop of smallish vehicles, IMO, although interior features are somewhat threadbare in comparison. I stopped getting… Read more
regular services once the warranty expired, but started again when we moved bush (because of the distances now travelled).
Never been to the mechanic for anything other than servicing and a set of plugs (2015), doesn't use oil and the motor is as strong as the day it left the dealership.
Two very minor, age related, negatives:
(1) A leak has developed in the boot, which I suspect is from the rubber grommet for the wiring harness, that goes from the body in to the bootlid, shrinking. Should be an easy fix.
(2) The adjusters for both fan speed and cabin temperature no longer work on the climate control (21c it is). I have seen a fix on the web, but I am not overly concerned about it.
I am so impressed with the longevity of this Mazda, I will soon be getting another, this time the SP25 (GT maybe).
We will keep this one for towing the trailer and ferrying the dogs about.
Great car.... wish we kept it – We got this car new on a 4 year lease through my work. We liked it so much we bought out the lease at the end and kept it for another 5 years. One way to sum it up is to say it does everything well. It's not fantastic at any one thing, but given that it does a good job at everything, I would say it fits the title of "fantastic" car. Only ever… Read more
had one problem where one of the engine mounts leaked fluid out (yeah, they're oil filled engine mounts) which was a $280 fix at Mazda. Other than that, regular servicing kept it going strong for the 120,000kms we owned it. We took out a lease on a used 2011 Golf late last year and I reckon it was the worst decision I ever made. In the first six months, so far, it's needed new clutches ($2500, under warranty), and now it makes a howling noise from the engine (that is not the super- or turbo- charger) that VW say will cost $3000 to fix. That's before we get to the issue of it not starting at least once per day (just cranks and cranks, and after a few tries it will start).
But I digress. If you want a good, reliable car which is comfortable and powerful enough to keep you out of trouble, buy a Mazda3. Don't buy a Golf.....at least not a 118tsi with the twincharger engine.
Very reliable and happy used car purchase! – I purchased a 2005 model Mazda 3 neo few months back - with some 165000kms on it. Runs like a treat. I was tossing up between this and a Corolla - very happy with my choice! Daily commute to work is about 30 kilometers each way - have had no issues. My mechanic is very happy with the car too! Show details
Best car I've ever had – The build quality is great. The drive is satisfying for a quick spin or a long haul. Fuel economy is great. Ours is 7 years old now and it still feels fresh and new. Fold down the seats to move a desk or bikes. They got the body just right. It still looks modern. Show details
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