My last car was the first car I owned. It was a 2013 Ford Focus Trend, 2L, with a 5 speed manual. I had driven a meagre ~62,000KM in it, and serviced it religiously.
There was nothing wrong with it, other than the fact that due to its age, it would have soon needed either an expensive timing chain adjustment or replacement, and probably some new engine mounts and suspension components, not to mention the fact that servicing costs were amount to be a tenth of the car's value.
I also found some dissatisfaction with driver comfort, and also wanted something that would fit my camera equipment without requiring me to fold down my rear seats, meaning I lost passenger space in exchange for cargo.
I have wanted a wagon for a long time. The problem is, there's not many of them that are sold in the Australian market anymore. Its either a VW Group something (An Octavia RS, or a Golf Wagon, or perhaps a Passat) ... An Audi (which stays in the VW group - and the RS4 is way out of my league price wise) - or a BMW M3 Wagon, which shares the same problem with the Audi.
Therefore, when I was helping a friend buy a new car (she got a Mazda 3 hatch), I decided to sit in a Mazda 6 wagon, as it had been on my short list in the eventuality that my car was written off.
I sat in an example that was a dealer loaner / demo, but in their second hand section, with some 9000KM on it, and given this was November 2024, and it was a 2023 model, it was priced pretty sharply.
Furthermore, it has the same feature set and build as the current Mazda 6 model, which meant it was literally collecting dust on the lot.
I let a few weeks pass, monitored the car online, and saw a price reduction on it as 2024 drew to a close. I called the dealer, spoke to the same salesman my friend dealt with, and we hatched a deal.
A week later, I had the car, with the addition of mud flaps, weathershields, scuff plates, mats, and a full tank of go go juice, after an absolutely amazing interaction with the dealership.
As it turns out, the guy working there used to work with my father before he passed away, (my father had at one point worked at that dealership as an accessory fitter) - what a waste of his fitter and turner quals! Before he moved interstate, and well, ultimately died, as we all one day will.
This vehicle barely fits in my garage, but it has made the longer drives I now do to go see friends and do other tasks so much more comfortable and relaxing. Stressful, busy roads that annoyed me and tired me before are simply devoured in luxury in this car.
I call it a spaceship because of the tech, but its a spaceship that is also a lounge on wheels. So comfortable, quiet and refined.
But that doesn't mean it can't perform. It takes about an eighth of the onramp to get to highway speeds, wheras, my little old Focus probably took half. The great thing about that is that while, sadly, this vehicle is automatic (and I still reach for a clutch pedal with my left foot) - I have paddles, so I can still quickly downshift and have a bit of fun on twisty roads.
ONCE I PUT NEW TYRES ON IT
That's my only complaint. The Tyres are not as grippy as those that I had on my Focus, so I will be seeking to replace them at this vehicle's first service, as that's the most important part of any car's performance.
Wagons are the ultimate form factor for a vehicle, and if you disagree, you're wrong.
I love this thing and the places it will take me. :)
As to what it is?
A 2023 Mazda 6 TOURING Wagon. It's got lots of whistles and bells on it. It has a HUD, Auto Radar Cruise, Blind Spot Monitoring, LEATHER (such luxury!) and an enormous boot, in which I entirely fit (though it would probably be more comfortable if you chopped me up first). (I'm ~185CM, and > 100KG, and not that flexible.)
The Passat you suggested (not just the model, but the specific vehicle listing) is going really well. We've had it just over a year now. Aircon needs a regas; and services are pricier on a diesel, but fuel efficiency is great, and there's room for everyone. Glad you're enjoying the upgrade :)
Glad it wasn't a lemon, otherwise, you'd come for me :D
Like crypto recommendations.
If it moons, I'm a genius. If it flops, the guy who recommended it is an idiot.
I keep hearing about this HIVE thing, no idea if itis any good.
Yay for finding something you needed when you needed it XD
Sounds like you could go somewhat camping in it and that it would definitely fit all your gear!
And news today that the Mazda 6 will no longer be sold in Australia in the future. My timing was most excellent. :D
For sure a decent car. I once, many years ago had a Mazda 626 and was quite happy about it.
Now I drive Volvo since app. 10 years.
Unfortunately, no Volvo wagons available here. Parts availability for Volvo in Australia has always been questionable, too. Everyone I've spoken to about the Mazda 6 and 626 that came before have all had positive things to say.