The D-segment market in Malaysia is typically represented by the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, owing to their well-established reliability. But for those who wants to stand out, the Mazda 6 could be a far better option.

A quick recap on the GJ-generation Mazda 6

The GJ-generation Mazda 6 was launched in Malaysia back in 2013. Although the model is in its eighth year of being on sale, the Mazda 6 has received numerous updates – one as recent as a few days ago.

Also Read: 2021 Mazda 6 updated in Malaysia, wireless Apple CarPlay now standard

Seeing that the model has been on sale for quite a while, you can pick up early models from as low as RM 56k. But is it worth it?

Let’s dive in.

Common issues and fixes

We referred to WH Oneplus Auto, a Mazda specialist in Bangi to find out the common issues with the GJ-generation Mazda 6.

One of the most common issue faced by owners is the “kruk kruk” noise. According to the workshop, the noise is caused by the front suspension bushing. To fix this, owners need to fork out roughly RM 2,000 to replace the bushes.

At the same time, seeing that the bushes are integrated into the lower arms, owners also need to replace the lower arms, costing RM 500 to RM 600 for each side.

The other well-known issue with the Mazda 6 is the failure of the auto start-stop system’s capacitor. Replacing with a used capacitor costs RM 2,500 (new one is RM 4,000 to RM 5,000), though this issue is only limited to the 2.5 variant of the Mazda 6, as the 2.0 variant does not have the auto start-stop feature.

What about preventive maintenance for the Mazda 6?

Like most modern-day cars, the service interval for the Mazda 6 is every 10,000 km. Compared to rivals such as the Toyota Camry or the Honda Accord, prices of spare parts for the Mazda 6 cost a tad bit more.

One such example is the battery – the Mazda 6 requires an EFB-type battery. A Q85-type battery for the Mazda 6 is priced from RM 480 to RM 580.

Being a direct-injection engine, it’s also necessary to perform a “decarbonizing” every 100,000 km.  According to WH, the decarbonizing costs RM 580.

Which model is the one to get?

As usual, we recommend getting the facelifted model as a lot of issues that affect earlier models have been rectified.

Over the lifecycle, the Mazda 6 received two facelifts. It received its first facelift in 2015, whereby the Mazda 6 received these updates:

• Revised dashboard
• Centre console with electric parking brake (EPB)
• Gunmetal rims (2.5 only)
• LED headlights and tail lights (2.5 only)
• Heads-up display (HUD, 2.5 only)

Subsequently, the Mazda 6 also received another update in 2017, which added:

• G-Vectoring Control (GVC)
• Revised steering wheel
• Full-colour heads-up display (HUD, 2.5 only)
• Full-colour multi info display (MID, 2.5 only)

A year later in 2018, the Mazda 6 was updated with these features:

• Refreshed front-end design
• New LED headlights and tail lights
• Redesigned 19-inch alloy wheels (2.5 only)
• Walk-away auto door lock (2.5 only)
• Revised dashboard and centre console
• New door trim
• Updated seat upholstery
• 360-degree view camera (2.5 only)
• 2.0 variants add 9 PS and 13 Nm
• 2.5 variants add 7 PS and 8 Nm

But the updates did not stop there, seeing that the Mazda 6 received yet another update in 2019, adding:

• GVC Plus
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

The more recent update came a few days ago, as the Mazda 6 received these enhancements:

• 19-inch Black Metallic alloy wheels (2.5 only)
• Gloss Black outer door mirrors (2.5 only)
• Burgundy Red leather upholstery (2.5 only)
• Wireless Apple CarPlay
• Walk-away auto door lock for 2.0
• Paddle shifters for 2.0

Seeing that prices of the Mazda 6 has depreciated a fair bit since its introduction, we recommend going for the 2.5-litre variant. The 2.5 variant gets a host of equipment such as adaptive LED headlights, heads-up display, auto start-stop, auto-dimming rear view mirror, sunroof, and ADAS suite.

If you want something even more stylish, you can even opt for the Mazda 6 Touring - the wagon version of the regular sedan. Being a bit more left-field than the sedan version, there are far less used units on the market too.

What about the 2.2 turbodiesel you ask?

Typically, we won’t recommend the Mazda 6 with the 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine, as the cost to maintain and spare parts are on the pricier side.

Market overview for used Mazda 6

Based on used car sites, the facelifted 2015 Mazda 6 2.5 is priced as low as RM 90,000. It is powered by a naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre petrol engine that does 185 PS and 250 Nm, mated to a six-speed automatic that sends power to the front wheels.

The GVC-equipped 2017 model is priced around RM 125,800 – a tad bit more than the 2015 model.

But if you want something even newer, a 2019 Mazda 6 can be for as low as RM 175,000.

Keep in mind that prices you see on car listing sites are not the final prices. What most used car dealers won't tell you is that the prices they advertise do not include their customary processing fees, which usually amounts to several thousand Ringgit.

If possible, we recommend potential buyers to purchase directly from owners, as this is a good method to avoid hidden charges and tampered meters. A full service record is an added bonus.

At the same time, it is a good idea to check and see if the car you're looking at has been in a flood or an accident.

Also Read: Buying used cars: 5 signs a car has been in an accident

Also Read: Buying used cars: 6 signs of flood damage

Conclusion

Although the Mazda 6 has been on the market for a while, it still remains as a very capable D-segment sedan, offering a suave-looking exterior coupled with proven Japanese reliability. It also drives better than rivals from the same era.

Given that Mazdas are known for their Jinba-Ittai and deep connection with the driver, a used Mazda 6 could end up being an emotionally-satisfying purchase for you.