Mazda 3 2008 Problems

Many diesel engines don't appreciate being run out of fuel and will exhibit this behaviour if you allow them to run dry. That's because a lot of diesels have a fuel system that doesn't automatically prime itself and start pumping fuel once it's run dry.

As a result, some diesel cars have a hand primer under the bonnet that allows you to prime the diesel fuel pump and get going again. But modern ones like your Mazda often don't, and priming them involves a specific procedure to get the fresh fuel from the tank to the engine. Most workshops will be able to carry out this job for you, but simply continuing to crank the engine with your fingers crossed will do nothing more than flatten the battery.

A 2008 Mazda 3 Neo would be a good choice, but I would be trying to get it for $8500-$9000, $10,000 is too much unless it is a very low mileage example. Others to consider would be the Honda Civic VTi, which would be my preference, and the Hyundai Elantra.

Do not buy a Cruze, or buy a European brand. They will prove costly. It's best to go for the cars that are well proven over many years. The Lancer is a good one, but so too is the Toyota Yaris or Corolla, Suzuki Swift, Mazda2 or 3, or Mitsubishi Colt.

Most modern cars would be perfectly fine for your country commuting, that's not really an issue like it was in the past where it was felt you needed a six-cylinder car at least to handle the long distance, higher-speed cruising. Smaller cars like the Yaris or Mazda2 are perfect for city use; they're small, manoeuvrable, easy to park, safe and cheap to run. A larger car, like the Mazda3 would be a little more comfortable for a longer journey. It would also have better performance, but being larger is a little more difficult to park, and would cost more to run. For your money you could get a 2008/2009 Mazda3, which would also be a good buy. For mine, I would go for the smaller car, the Yaris or the Mazda2.