Mazda Mazda5 Review (2005 to date)

Quick Summary

There will be many buyers out there seeking a pre-owned compact MPV of a certain age who haven't had the Mazda5 appear on their radar. Why should they? The model's low profile as a brand new offering has translated onto the used market and the job of choosing a compact MPV is difficult enough without expanding the hunt out of the mainstream to lesser known and harder to find alternatives. In this instance, however, a winding of your search could pay dividends. The Mazda5 is up with the best of its contemporaries thanks to six adult-sized berths plus room for a little 'un, those sliding side doors and a polished driving experience. The ride may be too firm for some tastes and the interior is a little dull in places but there's no doubt that this 5 is worthy of a high position on every buyer's list.

Overall:

Models Covered:5dr mini-MPV: 1.8, 2.0, 2.0 turbo diesel [TS, TS2, Sport, Sport Nav])

(NOT SO) FAMOUS FIVE

There are tangible rewards out there for the used car buyer willing to approach things from an alternative angle. Following the herd provides the safety of numbers and should ensure that the most precipitous pitfalls are avoided but with just a little independent thinking, you could tap in to one of the bargains that the mainstream market routinely flows past. All of which brings us to the Mazda5. With a whole gaggle of higher profile rivals competing for sales in the compact MPV sector, Mazda's offering was regularly overlooked by new car buyers and comparative rarity as well as this lowly profile has meant that it's been largely the same story in the used arena. Don't let that put you off: the 5 has plenty to recommend it.
Used Mazda Mazda5 for sale

History of the Mazda5

The explosion in the compact MPV sector around the turn of the century saw what was previously a modest niche in the market become a full-blown money-spinning sector in which no mainstream manufacturer could afford to be without representation. The Citroen Xsara Picasso, Renault Scenic and Vauxhall Zafira combined with the Ford C-MAX to form a mainstream into which most buyers were drawn. That left Volkswagen's Touran, Toyota's Corrolla Verso, Honda's FR-V, Fiat's Multipla and Mazda's 5 competing for the scraps from the top table with an underclass of tightly-priced offerings from the budget marques.The origins of the Mazda5's design can be traced through the Premacy via the MX-Flexa design study, shown at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show. Originally built to demonstrate one possible direction for future Mazda MPV vehicles, the MX-Flexa received such a warm reception that many of its design principles were incorporated virtually unchanged into the Mazda5 production car. The Mazda5 hit the streets comparatively late in the day, long after the compact MPV concept had blossomed and borne fruit. This tardy arrival came at a stage when the choicest chunks of the market had already been divvied up amongst the big boys, partly explaining the 5's failure to make a more significant impact. The range was fashioned around four engine options, two petrols and two diesels, with the diesels arriving a little later. Trim levels ran from TS through TS2 to the visually-enhanced Sport and the Sport Nav which tacks on a satellite navigation system with a 7" pop-up screen. The '5' was facelifted late in 2007 with a revised nose bringing a sportier look and improvements to economy and CO2 emissions. Electric operation for the sliding side doors became available as an option.
Used Mazda Mazda5 for sale

Mazda Mazda5 Road Test

The Mazda5 is certainly one of the better handling compact MPVs out there with the super soft suspension and sloppy body control that afflicts some rivals refreshingly absent. Of course, rounding corners at speeds that would shame a hot hatchback isn't on the agenda for most MPV buyers and the Mazda5 manages to raise a smile on the road without compromising too much on the important aspects of ride comfort and refinement.There's not a dullard amongst the engines, so don't beat yourself up if junior's insatiable appetite for cutting edge games consoles has swallowed the cash you were going to use to upgrade from the entry-level 1.8. You'll be reaching for the gearstick more regularly with this unit installed but it's lively enough, especially if your Mazda5 is likely to be living out its life scurrying between schools and supermarkets. It also returns a 36mpg combined economy figure. The 2.0-litre petrol (34mpg) is quicker and more flexible for longer trips, while the torque of the diesels, which both average close to 45mpg on the combined cycle, make for a driving experience that's more relaxed still - even if noise levels are less subdued. The range-topping diesel is a bit of an animal by compact MPV standards and would be a good choice for frustrated boy and girl racers forced out of their performance hatchbacks by an ever-expanding family.Mazda haven't skimped on safety systems either, developing a curtain airbag that covers all three rows of seats especially for the 5. Anti lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution are augmented by a manual brake assist booster. Dynamic Stability Control aims to keep things ship shape.
Used Mazda Mazda5 for sale

Buying a Mazda Mazda5

All of the engines are tough units and the diesels are especially good so no major mechanical issues there. The cabins are reasonably hardwearing too but look for damage in the rear caused by tots. The Mazda5 tends not to be driven quite as hard as more conventional models like the Mazda3 and Mazda6 but it's still worth keeping an eye out for mega mileage company hacks. Worn carpets, shiny steering wheels and scuffed trim are the usual clues.Check that all the electrical items work properly, ensure that the air conditioner delivers chilled air soon after the engine is started and remember that there's no excuse for missed servicing with a car of this age.
Used Mazda Mazda5 for sale

Mazda Mazda5 Typical Pricing

The less than spectacular sales figures achieved by the Mazda5 mean that used examples of it are less common than those of the omnipresent Picasso, Zafira and Scenic triumvirate. Buyers may have to settle for the engine/trim/colour combination that they can lay their hands on but at least they won't have the same vehicle as every third parent parked at the school gates. £10,800 should get you into an 05-plate 113bhp 1.8-litre TS model and the TS2 derivatives are around £500 more. The 143bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine kicks off in Sport trim and starts from £12,200 and you'll need £750 more for the Sport Nav. The diesels are undoubtedly the 5's most desirable engines but Mazda muddied the waters somewhat by charging substantially more for these engines from new. Fortunately for used buyers, the market refused to bear these supersize premiums and you'll now need £11,800 for a 108bhp 2.0TD Mazda5 in TS trim – that's £1,000 on top of an equivalent 1.8 which would have been £1,600 more when new. The range-topping 141bhp 2.0TD starts from £13,375 in Sport trim and you'll pay £15,600 for an 06-plate Sport Nav model. Insurance ranges from group 6E to 8E so there's nothing to be too concerned about there.
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Mazda Mazda5 Parts

(approx based on a Mazda5 1.8) As you might expect, parts are plentiful and relatively inexpensive. A clutch assembly will be around £130 and an alternator should be close to £175.Brake pads are around £40 a front set with rear shoes around £50 and a replacement headlamp is close to £140. A full exhaust is about £280 and a catalyst is about £280. Dampers are around £60 each and a radiator about £140.
Used Mazda Mazda5 for sale