BagBlog

I have a Mazda 6 TS2, it's quite reliable, was not expensive (compared to other makes of similar models) and has many features as standard. There are a few minor niggles for example not being able to pull the sun visor down with your right hand, and the foot well heating is virtually non-existent, but overall it's not a bad car. Until that is, the low beam bulb blows.

What then is the problem when a bulb blows? Well I found out today. Looking under the bonnet and in the user manual, I discovered that the access at the back of the bulb housing is appallingly designed. Imagine this, it's night time, the bulb blows, there's a good chance the police will pull you over, it's raining and your wheel arch is clogged with mud. The manual suggests you reach under the car and unscrew the wheel arch lining to gain access to the bulb housing. What? So if you have a torch, you're not in your best clothes, you try to unscrew the little plastic screws that hold the wheel arch lining in place. Only they are stuck and you break them. There's nothing much you can do at the roadside now and if you do manage to get the wheel arch lining free, having broken the screws, you're not going to be able to put it back, so all the mud and spray from the road will go into your pristine engine compartment as you continue your "one eyed" journey. Then when you go to the dealers to get new plastic screws you'll be told they are £1.67 +vat. For a bag you assume, but no, that's each!

Oh and if you hold back your embarrassment and get the dealer to do the job, it will cost you at least £25 for labour, who knows how much for parts (including the pesky bulb).

Conclusion. Mazda's are good value when you purchase them, but they will take the shirt from your back for parts. Don't even ask me how much a cabin air filter costs.

Grrrrr.