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Unfortunately it is time to move into a people mover.... We are looking at a getting a Mazda MPV, ideally 2007 or newer. There seems to be quite a few Turbo models on the market, reasonably priced and quite highly spec'd. However, my partner is reluctant to get a Turbo due to many problems that arise with Turbo cars. Have Turbos improved over the years? Do you know of any issues with the Mazda MPV Turbo model?

The 2.3L engine has a good reputation and If the vehicle has a good service record and the correct minimum 95 octane petrol grade is used you should be ok. At this stage we are only aware of suspension bushes that fail which seems to be a common problem and can be costly to replace.

Petrol turbo engines are reliable these days but keep in mind turbos are expensive to replace if you are unfortunate enough to experience a failure. Turbos don't come cheap therefore you should rather consider sticking with a non-turbo model. The turbo model is a lot thirstier than the non-turbo engine.

If you don't need the extra seats the MPV has you might want to consider a Mazda Premacy 2.0L. It is claimed to be a seven seater but it's actually only good for six passengers - 2 kids in the 3rd row seats. The second row middle seat is tiny and it only has a lap strap seat belt. The 2007 - newer models have a DISI (Direct Injection) engine which supplies good performance and fuel consumption is better than the larger MPV. These newer direct injection engines are proving to be reliable.

I suggest you have a pre-purchase inspection carried out to ensure you are not buying a lemon.

I would avoid the 2.3l L3-VDT turbo engine in these cars at all costs. They are not particularly reliable in my experience blow smoke at idle and eventually the turbo may fail at a replacement cost of $4k.

The same engine is used in the CX7 which was subject to a class action lawsuit in the USA.

MAZDA deny any design fault and will always blame issues on sludge from poor service history despite evidence to the contrary.

Another common issue is a faulty VVT actuator with a repair cost of $1.5k.This is due to lack of correct heat treatment on the vvt pin. The vvt actuator and timing chain are replaced. Listen for a severe rattling noise for first second after startup.

As said about turbos having problems and being thirstier..l will never agree to that info..
I have had a non-turbo and a turbo of the same model vehicle..
The one with TURBO had a much BETTER fuel economy than a non turbo, significantly gave me 50% xtra on km than a non turbo for the same distance I travel everyday..
A non turbo would last me only 4 days in fuel (95 octane) but TURBO one lasted me 2.5 weeks..
As for maintenance l've always used genuine so there wasn't much difference in price..
However, Turbo engines are much stronger and freely when riding..
Non turbo engines are always gutless and rubbish..
I've driven 2007 & newer MPV's..Turbod 1 is the best (2wd), NOT a 4wd..
It's been 3 yrs now, I've never even had any issues with Mazda MPV..
So all the best..

That is because people just know how to drive only..they never look at the maintenance side..
Whenever you purchase a vehicle, the 1st thing is to do servicing with genuine parts before you start using it, no matter what the seller says..

Hi there. Your advice is contrary to the belief and conclusion of the Jube comments of and about rubbish. Your comments are appreciated and are Gold. Of course turbo is the goods, that's the point of a Turb right, effective efficiency adding the pony up back when you feed the power via throttle *smile* Twitter a proper mechanic for more advanced information *grin* we got a V6 one of these mpv, 2000 model and it delivers 150ish horsepower. The 2006 2.3 turbo is 240 + HP. I'm going to attempt to buy one recent new import tomorrow for a resale of 10000 bucks 13 years after the fact. 96000ks. Going by our current 2000 model, I expect B I G volumes of Quality :)

What these folks are on about 95 fuel is true too! Subtle at least, highr octane fuel gives you better economy, easier on the engine stop being an unwise tight arse! BP North Road Invercargill are tencent dearer on this oc t ane than 91. Caltex will call your Bluff and trick you at 15:16 cents dearer. AA smartfuel card matter! Better motoring everybody :)

I'm gonna give this member reasonable credit...you have some interesting research to follow up on, will you back what you say up eith infotainment on the class action lawsuit?