Mazda Mazda 6 · GH
Generation 2 2007–2012
A sharp-driving, roomy D-segment car sold as a sedan, five-door hatchback (called Sport in Germany) and Kombi estate. The 2.0 and 2.5 MZR petrols are simple and durable; the 2.2 MZR-CD diesels are strong but carry DPF, injector and oil-dilution histories. Corrosion is the generation's real weakness, rear wheel arches, sills and door bottoms, so bodywork matters more than mileage. Cheap to buy, easy to fix, and a sensible first family car when a rust-free example is found.
Photo: order_242 from Chile · CC BY-SA 2.0
Recognition
How to tell it apart
- •Pre-facelift (2007–2010): large single lower grille with a chrome bar on the upper grille, headlights with a pointed inner edge
- •Facelift (2010–2012): wider lower air intake with a body-coloured split, reshaped headlight internals, LED-look tail lamps
- •Hatchback has a full-height tailgate and a short boot lid line; Kombi has a rising rear window line and roof rails
2010 facelift
- New front bumper with larger lower grille, revised headlights and tail lights, new wheel designs
- 2.0 MZR petrol raised to 155 hp with 6-speed manual; 2.2 MZR-CD recalibrated (129/163/180 hp)
- Interior trim, steering wheel and sound insulation improved; more standard equipment
Engines
Engines
1.8 MZR · 120 hp
2007–2012
Petrol · Manual · FWD
Entry engine, manual only. Reliable and cheap to run but slow in a car this size; fine for town use and LPG conversions.
2.0 MZR · 147 hp
2007–2010
Petrol · Manual / Automatic · FWD
The sensible pre-facelift petrol: chain-driven, port-injected, happy on LPG and available with the durable 5-speed automatic. Uses more fuel than a modern turbo but has far fewer things to break.
2.0 MZR · 155 hp
2010–2012
Petrol · Manual / Automatic · FWD
Facelift version with 155 hp and a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic. The best-value GH: the same simple engine in a better-finished car.
2.5 MZR · 170 hp
2007–2012
Petrol · Manual / Automatic · FWD
Torquey big four, usually with the 5-speed automatic and Sport trim. Thirsty in town, relaxed on the motorway; VVT actuator rattle on cold start is the one thing to listen for.
2.0 MZR-CD · 140 hp
2007–2009
Diesel · Manual · FWD
Mazda's own 2.0 diesel carried over from the GG, replaced by the 2.2 in 2009. Simpler than the 2.2 but old now; DPF and injector condition decide everything.
2.2 MZR-CD · 125 hp
2009–2010
Diesel · Manual · FWD
Detuned entry version of the R2 diesel; same hardware and the same DPF / oil-dilution caveats as the stronger versions, slightly less stressed.
2.2 MZR-CD · 129 hp
2010–2012
Diesel · Manual · FWD
Facelift entry diesel. Adequate rather than quick; buy on DPF and injector history.
2.2 MZR-CD · 163 hp
2009–2012
Diesel · Manual · FWD
The mainstream diesel and the most common GH in Poland. Strong and economical on the open road; short-trip cars suffer DPF regeneration failures and diesel in the oil.
2.2 MZR-CD · 185 hp
2009–2010
Diesel · Manual · FWD
Top pre-facelift diesel with 400 Nm; quick for its day. Same engine family, same failure points, usually in Sport trim.
2.2 MZR-CD · 180 hp
2010–2012
Diesel · Manual · FWD
Facelift top diesel. The best-driving GH diesel; late cars with a documented DPF/injector history are the ones to find.
| Engine | For sale now | Years | Gearbox · drive | Sought after | Robust | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1.8 MZR · 120 hp Petrol · Mazda6 1.8 · L8-DE | 35 | 2007–2012 | Manual FWD | Entry engine, manual only. Reliable and cheap to run but slow in a car this size; fine for town use and LPG conversions. | ||
2.0 MZR · 147 hp Petrol · Mazda6 2.0 | 74 | 2007–2010 | Manual / Automatic FWD | The sensible pre-facelift petrol: chain-driven, port-injected, happy on LPG and available with the durable 5-speed automatic. Uses more fuel than a modern turbo but has far fewer things to break. | ||
2.0 MZR · 155 hp Petrol · Mazda6 2.0 (facelift) | 55 | 2010–2012 | Manual / Automatic FWD | Facelift version with 155 hp and a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic. The best-value GH: the same simple engine in a better-finished car. | ||
2.5 MZR · 170 hp Petrol · Mazda6 2.5 · L5-VE | 10 | 2007–2012 | Manual / Automatic FWD | Torquey big four, usually with the 5-speed automatic and Sport trim. Thirsty in town, relaxed on the motorway; VVT actuator rattle on cold start is the one thing to listen for. | ||
2.0 MZR-CD · 140 hp Diesel · Mazda6 2.0 CD · RF | 69 | 2007–2009 | Manual FWD | Mazda's own 2.0 diesel carried over from the GG, replaced by the 2.2 in 2009. Simpler than the 2.2 but old now; DPF and injector condition decide everything. | ||
2.2 MZR-CD · 125 hp Diesel · Mazda6 2.2 CD 125 | 4 | 2009–2010 | Manual FWD | Detuned entry version of the R2 diesel; same hardware and the same DPF / oil-dilution caveats as the stronger versions, slightly less stressed. (some details unverified) | ||
2.2 MZR-CD · 129 hp Diesel · Mazda6 2.2 CD 129 (facelift) | 4 | 2010–2012 | Manual FWD | Facelift entry diesel. Adequate rather than quick; buy on DPF and injector history. (some details unverified) | ||
2.2 MZR-CD · 163 hp Diesel · Mazda6 2.2 CD 163 · R2AA | 17 | 2009–2012 | Manual FWD | The mainstream diesel and the most common GH in Poland. Strong and economical on the open road; short-trip cars suffer DPF regeneration failures and diesel in the oil. | ||
2.2 MZR-CD · 185 hp Diesel · Mazda6 2.2 CD 185 Sport · R2AA | 5 | 2009–2010 | Manual FWD | Top pre-facelift diesel with 400 Nm; quick for its day. Same engine family, same failure points, usually in Sport trim. | ||
2.2 MZR-CD · 180 hp Diesel · Mazda6 2.2 CD 180 (facelift) · R2AA | 5 | 2010–2012 | Manual FWD | Facelift top diesel. The best-driving GH diesel; late cars with a documented DPF/injector history are the ones to find. |
Versions
What the badges mean
Comfort
commonbase
2007–2012
Entry trim: manual air conditioning or basic climate, steel or 16-inch alloys, cloth, no cruise on the earliest 1.8 cars.
Exclusive
commonequipment line
2007–2012
Mid trim with dual-zone climate, 17-inch alloys, cruise control, fog lights and better audio; the volume Polish specification.
Watch out: Sellers often upgrade a Comfort to 'Exclusive' in the title; dual-zone climate and 17-inch wheels are the quick tells.
Sport
uncommonequipment line
2007–2012
Top trim: 18-inch wheels, xenon AFS, BOSE, part-leather or leather, Advanced Keyless. Not a mechanical upgrade.
Watch out: In Germany 'Sport' is also the name of the hatchback body and 'Sport Kombi' of the estate, so an imported 'Mazda6 Sport' is not necessarily the Sport trim. Check for BOSE and xenons.
Options
Options that matter
uncommon
Bi-xenon headlights with AFS
Adaptive cornering xenons were a top-trim item; much better than the halogens most GHs have.
uncommon
BOSE audio
The one premium audio option; a marker of a Sport/Exclusive-level order.
uncommon
Leather upholstery
Rare on GH in Poland; usually paired with heated seats and a full spec.
uncommon
5-speed automatic (petrol only)
Torque-converter automatic on 2.0 and 2.5 petrol; robust and increasingly sought after by older buyers.
common
Heated front seats
Common on higher trims; expected by Polish buyers.
rare
Electric sunroof
Rare; some buyers hunt for it, some avoid the drains.
uncommon
Factory navigation (Sanyo / Alpine unit)
Dated maps but a marker of a full spec; aftermarket units are common.
uncommon
Advanced Keyless entry and start
Top-trim convenience; check the fob battery and the smart-key module.
common
Parking sensors
Practical; often retrofitted, so check for factory display integration.
common
Cruise control
Standard on most, missing on the cheapest 1.8 Comfort cars.
common
17–18 inch alloy wheels
18-inch wheels came on Sport; visual only and harder on the ride.
uncommon
Tow bar
Common on Kombi diesels; check for a factory or type-approved installation.
Before you buy
What to know
Strengths
- +Chain-driven MZR petrols (2.0 / 2.5) are simple, cheap to service and tolerate LPG well
- +Sharp steering and a well-controlled chassis for a family car of this era
- +Huge Kombi and hatchback boots; good visibility and simple electronics
- +Parts are cheap and every independent garage knows the car
Expensive when they fail
Bodywork corrosion repairDPF replacementDiesel injectorsDual-mass flywheel
Polish market
Plentiful and cheap: 2.2 CD 163 Kombis from German fleets dominate, Polish-sold 2.0 petrol sedans and hatchbacks are the safer buys. Rust-free examples command a premium of several thousand PLN over the average and are worth it; a petrol 2.0 with the automatic is the low-stress choice for a first family car.
Known weak points
- seriousCorrosion (rear wheel arches, sills, door bottoms, tailgate)The GH rusts from the rear arches outward and along the sill seams; hatch and Kombi tailgates bubble around the glass and number-plate area. Many cars have had cosmetic repairs that return within a year.Check: Inspect rear arch lips from inside the wheel well, sill seams under the plastic covers, door bottoms and the tailgate; use a paint gauge and ask for photos of the underside.
- seriousDPF regeneration and oil dilution (2.2 MZR-CD)Post-injection regeneration dilutes the oil; the level climbs above the X mark on the dipstick and in the worst cases the engine runs away on its own oil. Short-trip cars with blocked DPFs and rising oil levels are common; the fix is an open-road driving pattern and, often, a new DPF.Check: Check the dipstick level against the X mark, ask how the car has been used, and look for a DPF warning or a removed filter (illegal and a failed inspection).
- seriousInjectors and injector seals (2.2 and 2.0 MZR-CD)Leaking injector seals coke up the injector wells (the 'black death'), and worn injectors cause rough idle, smoke and DPF overloading. Around 3,000–5,000 PLN for a set.Check: Listen for a chuffing noise at the injectors on idle, look for carbon around the injector bases and ask for injector invoices.
- moderateTurbo, EGR and swirl flaps (diesels)Sticking variable-vane turbos, sooted EGR valves and intake flap wear cause limp mode and hesitation at higher mileage.Check: Drive from cold to hot; look for hesitation under boost and stored fault codes.
- moderateDual-mass flywheel and clutch (diesels)Heavy torque wears the DMF; rattle at idle and judder on take-off mean a 3,000–4,000 PLN job.Check: Listen for rattle at idle that disappears with the clutch pressed; feel for judder pulling away.
- moderateRear brake calipers and handbrakeRear calipers seize and the handbrake mechanism sticks, especially on cars that stand; discs wear unevenly and pads glaze.Check: Feel for a warm rear wheel after a drive and check disc condition through the spokes.
- noteFront suspension wearLower arm bushes, anti-roll bar links and strut top mounts knock at 150,000 km and beyond; cheap parts, common neglect.Check: Listen for knocks over broken tarmac; look at tyre wear for alignment neglect.
- noteVVT actuator rattle (2.5 MZR)The variable valve timing actuator on the L-series engine rattles for a second or two on cold start; annoying rather than fatal but the repair is labour-heavy.Check: Ask for a cold-start video.
- noteTakata airbag recallGH-era Mazda6s were included in the Takata inflator recall campaigns; many have been done, some imports have not.Check: Ask the dealer to check the VIN for open recalls.
- moderateAge, mileage and importsMost cars are now 14–19 years old with 250,000+ km; German-import diesels frequently arrive with adjusted mileage and a removed DPF.Check: Verify the VIN history, compare interior wear to mileage and ask directly whether the DPF is present.
From the market
Real cars on sale right now
From the market
Engines actually on sale
Grouped from 308 live listings: what people are selling, at what price and mileage.
| Engine | Share | Typical price | Median mileage | Gearbox · drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2.0 Petrol · 147 hp 2.0 Exclusive | 21% | 14 900 PLN | 223 591 km | Manual / Automatic · FWD / RWD |
2.0 Diesel · 140 hp 2.0 CD Comfort | 18% | 9 900 PLN | 277 000 km | Manual · FWD |
2.0 Petrol · 155 hp 2.0 Exclusive | 17% | 21 000 PLN | 203 000 km | Manual / Automatic · FWD / AWD |
1.8 Petrol · 120 hp 1.8 Comfort | 11% | 15 900 PLN | 179 784 km | Manual · FWD |
2.2 Diesel · 163 hp 2.2 CD Kirei | 5% | 12 500 PLN | 258 726 km | Manual · FWD / RWD |
2.0 LPG · 147 hp 2.0 Exclusive | 5% | 14 900 PLN | 280 000 km | Manual / Automatic · FWD |
2.5 Petrol · 170 hp Sport 2.5 Dynamic | 3% | 25 900 PLN | 197 000 km | Manual · FWD |
2.0 Diesel · 121 hp 2.0 CD Exclusive | 2% | 4 600 PLN | 280 000 km | Manual · FWD |
From the market
Price by model year
Typical price and mileage for each model year on sale.
From the market
Most common versions
- Exclusive21
- Sport Dynamic9
- CD Exclusive8
- Exclusive +8
- Sport Exclusive8
- CD Comfort7
- Active5
- CD Exclusive +5
From the market
Equipment seen most often
Radio 92%Electric rear windows 92%ESP stability control 92%Driver airbag 92%Electric front windows 83%Traction control 83%ABS 83%Passenger airbag 83%Front curtain airbags 83%Front side airbags 83%Rain sensor 75%Heated door mirrors 75%Leather steering wheel 75%Steering wheel audio controls 75%
Our picks
Versions worth looking for
2.0 MZR 155 facelift (2010–2012), petrol, ideally automatic
Simple, chain-driven and cheap to run; the least risky GH and the one worth paying extra for if the body is clean.
2.5 MZR Sport with BOSE and xenons
The most relaxed GH for long distances; check the VVT actuator and buy on bodywork.
2.2 CD 163/180 with proven DPF history for high-mileage drivers
Only if the oil level is right, injectors have been done and the car has lived on the open road.