Should we buy the second generation Mazda 5 for my daughter's family?
Last year we bought my daughter and family a rather long-in-the-tooth Mazda 5 diesel that had done 69,000 miles. I admit it was a pig in a poke and is costing a lot in repairs, the latest being a new DPF and sensors. Quote awaited. I would like to change this for a similar size car, preferably with sliding side doors as this is really useful with the baby seat. It may be that another newer Mazda 5 would be the way to go? I would welcome your suggestions. Would be looking at nearly new, up to a year old.
Asked on 24 August 2013 by BR, Horley, Surrey.

The second generation Mazda 5 with 1.6 8v 115PS diesel engine offers a brilliant combination of space, comfort, steering, handling and ride comfort. Far better than the original Mazda 5. Prices now from about £14,000. It's essential to buy the TS2 on 205/55 R16 Toyo J48 tyres, emphatically not the Sport, or you could go for the more overtly sporty Ford S-Max. A new S-Max is coming at the end of the year.
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