Used Mazda 6 Estate 2002 - 2007 reliability

Although Mazdas are renowned as reliable pieces of engineering, clutches can be a problem on the 6.

Some diesel cars suffer from a vibrating clutch, but this can easily be cured by dealers, who will fit a modified part, and usually free of charge. Worse still, a few owners (of petrols and diesels) have reported total clutch failure with fewer than 30,000 miles on the clock, which is premature. However, when this does happen, the dealers have picked up the bill for a replacement.

There have been several recalls for the estate, most affecting cars built during 2003 and 2004. The most serious is to fix possible fuel leaks, but others cover a stalling glitch, a duff brake warning light, an oil seal and a loose foglamp. So, if you're looking at an affected car, check the logbook to make sure the work was done.

Otherwise, Mazdas always rate well in the What Car? Reliability Index and the JD Power customer satisfaction surveys, so you shouldn't experience many problems provided that you keep that service book stamped and up to date - and the previous owner did the same.