Mazda5 (2005 - To Date)
BY STEVE WALKER
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, Mazdas offering was regularly overlooked by new car buyers and comparative rarity as well as this lowly profile has meant that its been largely the same story in the used arena.
Dont let that put you off: the 5 has plenty to recommend it.
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Despite its wheel at each corner stance, the turning circle of just 530cm means that even if you do need to throw a shifty three-point turn, you wont need acres of road to do so. Mazda claimed a class first for the large sliding doors on both sides. Previously restricted to seriously-sized MPV vehicles, these make good sense because they dont swing out in the manner of conventional side-hinged doors. How many times have you been forced to sheepishly apologise when the kids whack their doors into the flanks of a parked car in a supermarket car park? The Mazda5 solves that particular problem.
These doors slide backward to create an opening of fully 700mm, an aperture that should be plenty wide enough for a parent carrying an infant. The plastic tailgate is another clever touch. Mazda discovered that the tailgate mechanisms of many MPVs and 4x4 vehicles were becoming so heavy and cumbersome that they were difficult for lighter weight operators to close. With a two-step mechanism built in, the tailgate of the Mazda5 is light and smooth in its action.
The second and third rows of seats can be arranged in a number of configurations. In addition to their sliding adjustment and reclining functions, the second row also features a double-fold mechanism. Folding down the second and third row seatbacks creates a virtually flat floor for the luggage compartment. Other rivals are a little slicker in this regard, but the Mazda5 scores in terms of ease of operation.
The space between the second row of seats is given over to either a utility box or a karakuri occasional seat thats narrow and only really suitable for small children. All models feature electric windows, manual air-conditioning, power steering, tilt and height adjustment of the steering wheel and a CD stereo.
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 wont 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 youll need £750 more for the Sport Nav. The diesels are undoubtedly the 5s 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 youll now need £11,800 for a 108bhp 2.
0TD Mazda5 in TS trim thats £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 youll pay £15,600 for an 06-plate Sport Nav model.
Insurance ranges from group 6E to 8E so theres nothing to be too concerned about there.
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 its 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 theres no excuse for missed servicing with a car of this age.
(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.
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 isnt 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. Theres not a dullard amongst the engines, so dont beat yourself up if juniors insatiable appetite for cutting edge games consoles has swallowed the cash you were going to use to upgrade from the entry-level 1.8.
Youll be reaching for the gearstick more regularly with this unit installed but its 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 thats 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 havent 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.
There will be many buyers out there seeking a pre-owned compact MPV of a certain age who havent had the Mazda5 appear on their radar. Why should they? The models 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 theres no doubt that this 5 is worthy of a high position on every buyers list.
