Mazda CX-5 2014 Problems

A second-hand engine from a wreck is often a good an option, but only if you can find one that has been tested and comes with a warranty, otherwise you could be replacing your worn engine with an even more worn one. But with a diagnosis estimate of $5000 (and any actual repairs on top of that) I reckon a different workshop would be your best option. Frankly that seems (on the surface) a ridiculous figure and suggests that the workshop in question either doesn’t want your business or is assuming you’re a sucker.

Low oil pressure can be caused by various problems, and a good workshop should be able to check it out and give you a definitive answer on whether it could be fixed or the whole engine replaced. The good news is that the CX-5 is a popular model, so a replacement engine shouldn’t be too hard to track down.

The CX-5 is a well regarded vehicle in the trade with a good reputation for going the distance and remaining reliable. However, that’s a lot of kilometres for any vehicle.

Which means, you must approach this one purely on its individual merits. That starts with the service history. Unless you can find a complete, detailed record that proves the car has been absolutely maintained correctly, you could be taking a huge punt. You’d also want to learn as much as you can about who owned it and how it was driven. For instance, 300,000km of gentle highway running is a lot different to the same distance in city traffic or towing a trailer around.

Even then, it would want to be really cheap as you might easily find it’s getting very close to the end of its useful life. That said, a well maintained, carefully driven CX-5 can cover this sort of mileage, so maybe this one has some life left in it. Maybe.

It doesn’t need a special battery; a good quality one will do the job.

The two cars you’ve selected are equally sound and reliable, and there are no issues to be concerned about when buying a used example. Either one would do what you want. The best course is to test drive each and decide which one you like best.

There are locksmiths who can supply keys for the CX-5. You can find them online.

Putting ride-handling up against comfort will mean a compromise on one side, as sporty-feeling SUVs tend to be a bit harsh in the ride with tyre noise as well. The Mazda CX-5 is the benchmark in the class, but the Honda HR-V could be more comfortable and flexible in the cabin.

The best thing you can do and the cheapest solution is to change tyres, not cars. Australian roads are notorious for generating excessive tyre noise from our coarse-chip bitumen and a tyre specialist — for example, Bob Jane T-Marts — can probably advise on rubber that will reduce your problem significantly. Otherwise, wait until we see what the new Sportage is like, based on the impressive work by Kia on its latest Sorento.

We haven’t had any other reports of problems with the material. The wear is probably happening because you rub against it as you get in and out of the seat. One way of reducing that is to slide the seat back before you leave the car, that will reduce the rubbing, and you then reset the seat after you get back in. Another way to reduce it is to fit a seat cover.

A compact SUV will probably be better for her but I'd put the Mazda CX-5 - which gets The Tick - well ahead of the Qashqai.

If you like the Forester, which gets The Tick from me, there is no reason not to go again. If you want something to compare so you're sure, test drive the Mazda CX-5.