Interesting points about the Mazda 6.
My ex fleet vehicle has now been with me for 50k miles and I have learned a lot about the car and it's dealers.
The car has had 2 identical gearbox failures. 5th gear has worn to excess meaning it jumped out of gear upon acceleration. Mazda replaced the 1st one on warranty where the dealer told me the repair would have been £1300.
The same gear failed 20k later and the dealer said this time that I would be charged. After a loud 'discussion' with Mazda HQ, a neighbouring dealer was instructed to investigate and found an almost bald gear - thereby raising questions about the earlier repair.
Having said that, this car has proved reliable (even during the recent snow), has required only routine servicing and tells me it achieves 9.7 litres to 100 miles on a motorway run. (around 40mpg).
It does seat 4 easily with luggage and regularly runs into mainland Europe with neat steering and good brakes in all except very icy conditions. The sound system is outstanding, as are the display illumination and steering wheel controls.
To reduce servicing costs I would suggest that after warranty, you find a good local garage. I have found my local dealers very variable and specialists much better value.
Similarly with tyres. I have maintained Pirelli but used online quoting services who have saved me almost 50% and booked me into centres such as National Tyres.
Keep an eye on brake calipers as the can be expensive if they fail, and be aware of a soft spot on the body behind the rear quarterlight.
Overall, I will go for another later this year. I had driven Peugeot for years but the 6 has lured me away long term
