I bought Mazda 3 Diesel pre-registered demo from a dealer, just a few months old.
I liked the feel of the car, the shape (Saloon), the comfort and simplicity inside, albeit a bit noisy especially on motorways.
The dealer assured me that Mazda vehicles were very reliable.

PROBLEMS:
1. 20 months from registration: Turbo charger failed. It took 2 (two) months to replace it. It's a simple day job otherwise. Done under warranty
2. 4 years 5 months: Engine destruction due to timing belt failure at only 27 000 miles. If it had happened only seconds later, the car would have become a flying torpedo on the icy roads. 1 month repair. Good will contribution of 35% from Mazda Motors UK, cost over £3600.
3. 4 years 10 months: Starter Motor failed, hundreds of pounds quoted. No willingness to see that the garage might have caused the starter's failure while replacing the engine.

All those failures on a car that has a full servicing history with a franchised dealer, best possible driving and keeping.

For those who say that once warranty is over, that's it: you are on your own ( Mazda Motors UK are on this illusion too) : Consumer legislation actually states that goods have to be fit for purpose and of satisfactory quality, which includes and element of durability. It's not enough that a car lasts only 3 years, it's made to last decades if properly serviced. And what else can you do, since the manufacturer states replace timing belt at 150 000 miles, not 26 999?

I sought information from this forum as to whether other drivers had similar break downs at low mileage. Lucy from this forum was unable to understand how I would win and was rather rude in her email exchange.

I wrote on a number of occasions to the Mazda Motors UK, the dealer where I bought the car from and the garage that changed the engine.

Having exhausted all options (and patience), I commenced my claim in County court against the seller early this year. The claim concerned the broken down engine as a result of a manufacturer’s fault.

The court had no difficulties finding in my favour despite that the defendant challenged the judgement on two instances.

Still not paying up, I had to commence enforcement for the recovery of the judgment debt and made a full recovery.

The result is that the dealer has now CCJ registered against them and paid a lot more than they would have paid, had they considered my attempts to resolve the matter amicably. And also, I have deterred at least several potential buyers from buying Mazda as a consequence of my experience.

The new engine still gives a lot worse fuel economy in comparison to the original one, despite that it has been run in. I am short of about 100-150miles per tank.

Well, I got my compensation, but I truly expected more understandable approach by the dealer and Mazda Motors. It is sad that unless one goes to court, sellers take their customers for granted!

I might now seek compensation for the broken down starter, because the garage continues to defy common sense...

Good luck to everyone and if you get stuck with your Mazda 3, don’t be put off going to court!

JS