Used Mazda 6 Estate 2002 - 2007 review

The Mazda is a good-looking family estate that delivers on all fronts. But, perhaps most imoprtantly, the load area is usefully shaped, easy to get at, and, when you need more room, the rear seats drop easily and quickly, with no need to remove the headrests first. To cap it all, the cabin is roomy enough for five, and the driver's seat suits all shapes and sizes, with a good view out.

Then, of course, because it's a Mazda, it promises to stay super-reliable provided you service it properly. And, where older Mazdas hid their talents beneath dull bodies and yawn-some cabins, this one is handsome. The quality of the materials is good, too, and the workmanship looks top-notch.

Best of all, its quality goes more than skin-deep. The range gained four stars out of five from Euro NCAP for occupant crash protection, but only one star out of four for protecting pedestrians.

It's every bit as good to drive, too - the estate has direct steering and handles tidily. The ride's generally comfortable, too - although it's definitely on the firm side at low speeds, it settles nicely once you reach out-of-town speeds. Even on the motorway, the cabin is refined, although, whatever engine you choose, you will hear some engine noise if you work it hard.

Mazda dealers charge plenty for servicing and repairs, although most, at least, will treat you politely and fairly. During the car's early years, it is probably worth staying with them to get a set of Mazda stamps on the service records.

Because Mazdas are so dependable, you shouldn't see many unexpected bills until well into the 6's life. Switching to an independent garage should cut your costs, but it may not be as easy to find a specialist as if you owned a Ford or Vauxhall. On the other hand, it keeps a bigger chunk of its value over time than a Mondeo or Vectra.

Insurance groups are low for a big estate: group 7 for 119bhp 2.0 diesel, and group 9 for the 2.0 petrol and 140bhp 2.0 diesel.

As you'd guess, the diesels travel furthest per gallon, the 140bhp returning up to 46mpg overall and the 119bhp 43mpg. The 2.0 petrol manages 35mpg.

The smallest petrol engine in the estate is a 128bhp 2.0, and it's capable enough, but not the best choice. Instead, try to find one of the two 2.0 diesels, with either 119bhp or 140bhp, which have just the kind of strong low-rev pull that you need in a hard-working estate. Preferably, go for the 140bhp version because, besides its extra power, it also covers a few more miles per gallon.

Whatever engine you go for, you'll find plenty of equipment. Even the cheapest S models have standard air-con and a CD player.

TS trim is the top-seller, which is handy, as it's the best trim to go for. It's got everything you'd want, including alloy wheels and climate control. There's also the dearer TS2, which adds an electric sunroof, traction control and a CD multichanger, but the TS suits us just fine.