• Summary

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What does this car say about you?

    Practical, quirky, individual.

    What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

    Like it.

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    Yes. It did its job as a small cheap to run family hatch really well. Extra headroom in back good for working with child seats.

    What are you likely to buy next?

    Mazda 3 / Vauxhall Meriva.

  • Buying experience

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Franchised

    Did you buy this car new?

    Yes

    What price did you pay?

    £8,900

    When did you buy the car?

    December 2006

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    OK deal. I was looking at a Ford Fiesta in a similar spec at Main Ford dealer and got Mazda to come in £500 cheaper than Fords best offer.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    Moving to London, wanted smaller more economical but spacious.

    What was the dealer like?

    Friendly, helpful. I lost my log book for my trade in but they didn't let that delay the sale.

  • Driving it

    3 out of 5 3.0

    What's it like to drive?

    Steady. rolls a little and bounces on speed bumps, not as precise as Fiesta but not bad. Good torque and easily gains speed up a hill.

    What's it like to park?

    Flat tailgate and big rear window is a real advantage.

  • Living with it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    Aircon needed topping up every 18 months and stopped working altogether after 4 years. Diesel engine injector seals allowed fumes into cab after 4 years, cost £500 to fix at local garage. Apparently this is a known fault on this engine.

    What's most practical about your car?

    Very spacious for a small car, squared off tailgate gives a good space. Fitted an entire Ikea futon + matress in and could still close the tailgate.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    Simple, sound system with easily readable buttons and display.