MAZDA6 2.0 Katano or not that is the question

[alexhart]

HI all,

looking at getting a Mazda 6

i have found two but don't know which if either is right for me.

My commute to work is only 5 miles (which i cycle half the days) and have 40mile trips a couple times a week taking some mates to golf so not that many miles at all. I have a budget of 2k max

i have found a MAZDA6 2.0 Katano petrol 56 plate with just over 100k on the clock for 2k + needing tax and is 200 miles away.

However i just read on here that the Katano may be a cam belt not a chain belt as would want can anyone confirm?

The second Mazda 6 i found is very locally to me which is a diesel 2.0 ts 2003 with 80k on the clock for 1.5k

with the miles that i do is it worth going for the petrol or the cheaper diesel?

Also any pointers on what to look out for, from what i have read check for rust and alloys degrading .

Thanks

Alex 

[alexhart]

Also i will prob want to mod the car after i get it to make it look abit meaner but need to get one first +)

[Farnsworth28]

Hello Alex,

Based on what you said, I would go for the petrol. The older diesels were good units but there have been well documented problems.....SCV failure, oil strainer pick up, injector failure.

I can't advise on the petrol models as I have owned two 6 diesels.

Based on your mileage and the amount of dollar you are prepared to pay, I am struggling to find a reason to go for the diesel. Even performance should be similar. Maybe if you went for an earlier diesel model such as a 2003 TS2 or Sport, you would get the Bose sound system.

Not sure about making it look meaner mate......the 6 is still a nice looking motor without the Chav accessories

Farnsy

[bazzamf]

I think you will find that the 2L petrol engine has a chain cam belt and does not require changing. I would go for the petrol option if I was you as the servicing is simpler and cheaper.

[alexhart]

Thanks guys I will go for the petrol then, I called up Mazda and got them to double check and it is a chain not a cam belt so that is good.

I allways like to mod the car in one way or another as makes it yours, I've seen some nice placing out the front logo which might be worth looking at.

I will post some pics when I get the car

Cheers

Alex

[alexhart]

Forgot to ask will this model have folding wing mirrors when the car is locked?

Cheers

[bazzamf]

I don't think any cars in the earlier ranges have electric folding mirrors when you lock the car. My Sport has electric folding mirrors controlled from a button on the drivers door.

[alexhart]

Ok thanks Bazzamf,

booked in the car inspection today so fingers crossed it will come back clean