Owner Review: Minimal maintenance and satisfactory price - My 2013 Mazda 8 2.3 NA 5AT (LY3P) CBU

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Basic information  

2013 Mazda 8 2.3 NA 5AT (LY3P) CBU. Bought in 2018 as a used car.

Reasons why I bought this car

Family got bigger as my wife was pregnant in the 4th year. The rusty old Proton Perdana V6 had given up the space for another monster. Back then, the condition of the Perdana was not so healthy and always broke down. And we always rented a Proton Exora from a trusted member when going back to kampung during the festive season. So the time is perfect for a size upgrade from 5 seater to 7 seater but not another Proton as I own Proton Satria GTi for my first car. The car that had gone in 60 second by the car thief. And my wife requested a car so that our children can sleep comfortably during long distance (and I am the only one waking up along the way).

Car selection process

I had a budget of RM: Up to RM120000 as long I can pay the monthly

Models that I have considered include: Mitsubishi Grandis, Toyota Estima (ACR50), Honda Odyssey (RB3/RB4), Toyota Vellfire, Mazda 5, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan X-Trail, Volvo XC90 Honda Elysion, Mercedes R280L, Toyota Innova, Honda Stream and last but not least - Proton Exora.

Doing the homework car sale website online. Comparing the price and specs. Then ask my fellow friends and mechanics for the user experience but not going to test myself. As I was keen to get the 7-seater SUV like Outlander & X-Trail or else, Volvo XC90, one of my friends reminded me that not a driver experience is the most important but the passenger comfort will play the major role. And he recommended Toyota Estima or Honda Stream. Meanwhile, my trusted mechanic also narrowed down the selection to Toyota and Honda but never ever any Mazda. Only one guy that I know owns Mazda 8 and he recommended this car over other cars, especially the SUV.

After all the homeworks done and my trip to the used car to see the Mercedes R280L fail, I found an advertisement in Mudah.my without disclosing the plate number - 688. My rusty Perdana V6 number is 4688 and my long lost Gti was 608. So without delay, together with two friends went to the used car in Seri Kembangan and had the car visit. The car parked at the back of a few cars and the raining cats and dogs made the salesman a bit reluctant to remove the other car. So can only conduct the static inspection but not the test drive. The odometer matched the service booklet and I agreed to book the car without any test drive done. Phew...

The reason why I choose this car

• The 688 number on the car - obviously
• Low mileage (matched to service booklet)
• MPV 7-seater (of course)
• Leather seat
• Captain seat
• LCD monitor at headrest
• Keyless engine start
• Sliding Door!!!
• Power Door
• A same full spec car like Toyota Estima (same manufacturing year) with less RM60k price tag

User experience

I have already done about 75,000 km.

Very comfortable ride and thank god less headache on the car maintenance. Handling is on-point, the sound proof very good - as I cannot hear the cricket sound from the exhaust joints (the common Mazda 8 problem) from the cabin. But the main good point to have this car is the sliding door. As I can control the door from the driver seat and make it very easy controlling my children in and out the car.

Spacious but my wife still complains about the third row and luggage area so maybe we should consider a minibus later. The captain seats are very comfy as I always have a good nap before entering the office. Sometimes I slept longer from permissible time and I punched a red at the office.

The in-car entertainments are good with the two LCD behind the headrest for my children to watch the Didi & Friends. The sound systems are also very nice as my co-worker always enjoys his hip-hop song during our lunch trip.

Already replaced the original 16 inch sport rim to 17 inch Mitsubishi Grandis with lower profile tyre. Made the ride a bit lowered but more stable. Never underestimate this bulky MPV speeding spree. Had done a few car chases with other sportier cars although a bit lagging to start but never short of fun for the top speed (but only at 170kmh).

Ratings

Total Score: 4.7
Performance: 4
Quality & Features: 5
Space: 5
Ride Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 4
Price & Cost: 5

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Value for money (bargain for used car)
• Comfortable
• Easy access - Sliding Door
• Nice and easy ride
• Keyless & thin car remote
• A very good support from Mazda 8 Community (Family)
• Minimal maintenance

Cons

• A bit petrol guzzler
• No auto cruise
• Bulky
• Lack of engine power

Summary

Underrated and under power but a very comfortable, under value and good handling people carrier. Always a pleasant and fun ride for a daily commute car. Minimal maintenance makes the car very reliable. 

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