My youngest child has decided he wants a Mazda 6 for his first car. I've done the research and approve, so now we're hunting for one. Consumer Reports gives the '06 a better report than the '05, citing minor transmission, Climate Control, Paint/Trim and electrical issues with the '05. Does the '05 really have a lesser reliability reputation? I've always trusted Consumer Reports for good information, but first-hand reports from owners is usually better. Thanks.

 

I have an '05 V6 with a manual trans, about to hit 124k miles. My car has been trouble free. Only thing I have had done if the radiator cooling fan control module that was replaced under warranty by Mazda.

-Sheldon.

 

I have 06 v6 and had 04 cy. There are some common problems in 04 and 06, such as fuel system. After replacing fuel filter, there are no more check engine light on problems. 06 has better transmission systems than 05 or 04. I would recommend buy a 06 model with side airbags system, either 4 cy or V6. Safety is very important.

 

I've had my 05 v6 ATX for 4 years now, and have been beating it on the track (autox) for 3 of those years and have had no major problems over the 72000 miles I've put on the car. Only issues I've had were dead shocks at 68000, one dead coil at 78000, and a few racing related things like a broken endlink and evaporating tires....but those are my own fault.

K, the 05 ATX is the same as the 06 ATX, it was the 03 & 04 that had the weak tranny. At least this is the case for the V6, not sure about the I4.

 

Sorry, I should say I4. 06 I4 with 5 speed automatic which is an excellent choice.

The headlight on 06 is much better than 04 model. It is much brighter than 04. I am not sure 05 has same headlight unit. You could go to mazda dealers to check their used car in evening for compare 05 and 06. I don't like HID. That is a reason I bought mazda again.

For mpg, I4 is really much better. Good luck for your search.

 

05's still have the integrated fogs, but after my 55watt 4500K HID conversion light output isn't really a problem. Why do you dislike HID's? When they are done like mine they look stock, just brighter. Only time I dislike them is when morons install them in reflector housings that have really bad glare or when they get put in and some dumb kid doesn't take the time to check/fix the aiming.

 

The 06, w/I4 (2.3L) w/5-speed MANUAL transmission.
If he/she doesn't know how to drive stick, now is the perfect time to learn. Plus more available "direct" power, better mileage and fewer repair and maintenance costs. Plus the difference in the way the car will drive is like night and day.

 

Thanks for all the advice. I think he prefers the '06 but will take an '05 or '04 if it comes along at the right price. He's not interested in a stick. I have a friend in the used car business who will be looking at auctions during the summer so hopefully one comes along at a good price. I'm more concerned about safety and reliability, but after that it's his money to spend.

 

Still looking....a couple of '05s in the area, one is an S the other an I, both asking $10,900. The S has a vacuum leak in the manifold that's being fixed now. I have a carfax subscription to help me out but will otherwise depend on a mechanic to give me the final say if I buy from a private owner. Almost had an '06 but it had hail damage that needed too much attention.

 

I have an 04 V6 S wagon with just under 100k miles that has had zero mechanical issues (according to all the records I obtained when I got it at 80k). I wouldn't discount the 04s if you can get one for the right price and you can get some of the history... This could be tough if you are buying at the auctions, but also keep an eye out on the dealer lots and see if they will go thru it and "certify" its reliability.