Buying a used Mazda2 (2007-2013)

The last thing that most people want when buying a 'compact' car is to feel like they are being squeezed into a discarded tin can. The original BMC Mini was among the most compact cars ever made but accommodated four full-sized people in surprising comfort. When developing an all-new 2, Mazda's designers made a virtue of utilising available space in a relatively broad and tall yet conveniently compact car.

Mazda's Demio/2 was sold during the 1990s in several Northern Hemisphere markets but took until 2002 before making an Australian appearance.

Fast forward to 2007 and a brand-new DE Series was rolling off the wharves. Sitting on a platform shared with the Ford Fiesta, Mazda's new 2 was slightly shorter than the car it replaced and marginally wider. The wheelbase at 2490mm was almost identical to the previous model's but there was a weight advantage over the DY of 88 kilograms.

Lighter weight allowed performance to be maintained and fuel consumption improved even though the revamped 1.5-litre engine developed only 76kW against the preceding car's 82kW.

In five-door Neo form, a manual-transmission 2 with air-conditioning, CD player, power windows front and rear plus ABS brakes was list-priced at just $16,500. Four-speed automatic transmission added an enticingly low $1650.

Moving to the Maxx five-door cost an additional $2000. The extra outlay delivered features including alloy in place of steel wheels, an upgraded stereo with six-CD stacker and MP3 compatibility, roof spoiler, colour coding, a seating upgrade and multi-function steering wheel.

Moving to the range-topping Genki brought bigger 16-inch alloys, extra air-bags (but still a Four Star ANCAP safety rating), leather trim for the steering wheel and gear lever, front fog lamps and a deeper air-dam. Stability control was optional and not really required thanks to a design that favoured roadholding and predictable response over ride. Drum rear brakes were standard across the 2 range but it takes a lot of abuse to run one of these out of stoppers.

Chasing increased sales volume meant offering cars in a greater range of market niches. For 2008 the availability of 2 models was broadened to include a three-door which came in Neo spec at a base price of $15,750 or as a Maxx. The Genki was always sold here with five doors.

The old-style transmission was by this time starting to show its age against models with snappier five or even six-speed autos. Delivering decent acceleration from just 1.5 litres meant compromises in gearing. As a result, the auto when maintaining 100km/h needed to spin at 2700rpm.

A range upgrade in mid-2010 packed more stuff into and around local versions of the 2 without resorting to big price increases. Several versions even found themselves a little cheaper than previously however the slow-selling three-doors didn't survive.

What did appear was a four-door sedan, available only as a Maxx and most likely intended for fleet buyers who wanted a car with a conventional boot. Head, side and front air-bags plus switchable traction control were all included and the automatic sold for under $21,000.

Once stability and traction controls had been added in 2012, complimenting the six air-bags and other occupant protection features, the 2 finally qualified for a coveted Five Star ANCAP safety rating.

Here at Carsales we are often asked to suggest cars that might suit younger drivers or anyone newly licensed. Some models are more affordable than the Mazda but low price is about all they have to recommend them.

Having scored a major coup when named World Car of The Year for 2008, the 2 made friends in a lot of very different markets. A quick – and it will be – walk around one shows why. The shape is cute and distinctive, with big windows and corners that you can pretty much see all the time when sneaking through tiny gaps.

Many small cars feel and sound like a Whiskas can rolling down a concrete path when driven on rough roads or when all the doors are closed in unison. However the little Mazda produces the sold feel and door-shut 'thunk' that more usually comes from larger models.

Most people are surprised at how much space is available inside. The well-bolstered front seats can be pushed well back and tilted as well to allow drivers of most heights and shapes to find a comfortable spot. Headroom is good too.

Once cranked into life, the 2 feels eager to weave its way out of the used-car dealer's gate and mix with some traffic. The steering is electrically assisted and should respond immediately without noise or shuddering. Some steering systems have suffered problems (see Check Points) however when working as intended it is excellent.

With 6kW less than the previous model, but not as much weight to cart around, performance from the DE Series cars remains quite acceptable. Most buyers will be after the four-speed auto which manages 0-80km/h in around eight seconds and spends six seconds in the 80-110km/h overtaking segment.

Chasing down a Genki with its larger-diameter wheels and 60 Profile rubber is worthwhile. Even at suburban speeds the tyre stays more firmly in contact with the road than others with their 15-inch rubber.

Most baby Mazdas won't venture too far from places where tyre supply is available but if you do, be aware that all you have in case of a failure is the skimpy temporary spare.

Rear-seat room is a bit of a squeeze for taller people but fine if you're most usual load is smaller children. With the seat folded there's an excellent platform for bulky objects that you can wiggle through the unusually-shaped hatch aperture.

Fuel consumption is important in this segment of the market and the 2, even in automatic form, won't disappoint. Road tests where the cars are used under all conditions including spirited driving suggest 9.0L/100km but on the freeway at a steady speed that drops to around 6 litres/100km.

>> These are light, vulnerable cars and can suffer structural damage from relatively minor impacts. Check the consistency of panel gaps (bonnet, doors and rear hatch) and that the bumpers sit square and fit snugly against adjacent panels. The hatch must seal perfectly to stop exhaust gases and rain entering the cabin.

>> Reports of power steering problems date back to 2008. Steering that suddenly became heavy or assistance that didn't operate until several seconds after the engine was started were initial problems and can still manifest. A loose steering column joint can also produce a noticeable low-speed 'clunk'. Any steering issue with a used 2 is enough to send most people looking for another car.

>> Clutch shudder in the manual is usually due to owner abuse. These cars can reach 100,000km before needing a clutch change but there are instances of cars having this job done at around 30,000km. When considering a car that has undergone some major repairs early in life, consider what else might be awaiting subsequent owners.

>> At 10,000 kilometres, service intervals push the boundaries of lubricant performance and running past the kilometre limit or for more than a year between service visits can accelerate engine wear. Look at the log-book to check service frequency.

Used vehicle grading on Mazda 2 (DE Series)
Design & Function: 15/20
Safety: 13/20
Practicality: 15/20 (five-door)
Value for Money: 15/20
Wow Factor: 12/20 (Genki)
SCORE: 70/100

Also consider: Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo, Toyota Yaris