Pros

  • Superb reliability and a great reputation mechanically.
  • Genuinely enjoyable to drive.
  • Good levels of practicality.
  • Efficient and cost effective to own and operate.

Cons

  • Can ask a premium on the used market.
  • Some examples have not been cared for.
  • Ummm…

Verdict

Absolutely. The Mazda 2 is an excellent used little car.

Our pick would be to find whatever the most recent, low kilometre example your budget allows, that also has a full and thorough service history.

Even then, make sure you have it checked out by a mechanic for a full...

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The arrival of the second-generation Mazda 2, in September 2007, marked a big change for the Japanese carmaker’s smallest offering. Gone was frumpy, high-roof, mini-MPV formula of its predecessor, replaced by a sportier compact hatchback – and short-lived sedan – with a more upmarket spin pitched more widely at the young and young at heart.

Bucking almost unilateral motoring trends, the DE Mazda 2, or ‘Demio’ as it’s known in its homeland, was smaller than model it replaced.

The new 2 embodied a fresh change at Mazda, its ranges unifying the new ‘kodo’ look for stronger family identity and a mantra of big style for not a lot of dough, particularly in its smallest range that kicked off from just $15,750 for the entry Neo five-speed manual…as a three-door.

Wisely, Mazda also offered what would prove to be a vastly more popular five-door version at nominal upcharge in any of the three variant grades – Neo, mid-range Maxx, high-spec Genki – as well as an automatic version that makes do with just four speeds. For a city runabout, as intended, that’s all many owners would want for.

All versions were powered by a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four, though at modest 82kW and 141Nm ‘power’ isn’t exactly the unit’s highlight. This generation of Mazda 2 is renowned for an engine that’s gruff at idle and strained – and fairly thirsty – when asked for anything more than casual driving.

The manuals did have the more frugal fuel claim (6.4L against the

The arrival of the second-generation Mazda 2, in September 2007, marked a big change for the Japanese carmaker’s smallest offering. Gone was frumpy, high-roof, mini-MPV formula of its predecessor, replaced by a sportier compact hatchback – and short-lived sedan – with a more upmarket spin pitched more widely at the young and young at heart.

Bucking almost unilateral motoring trends, the DE Mazda 2, or ‘Demio’ as it’s known in its homeland, was smaller than model it replaced.

The new 2 embodied a fresh change at Mazda, its ranges unifying the new ‘kodo’ look for stronger family identity and a mantra of big style for not a lot of dough, particularly in its smallest range that kicked off from just $15,750 for the entry Neo five-speed manual…as a three-door.

Wisely, Mazda also offered what would prove to be a vastly more popular five-door version at nominal upcharge in any of the three variant grades – Neo, mid-range Maxx, high-spec Genki – as well as an automatic version that makes do with just four speeds. For a city runabout, as intended, that’s all many owners would want for.

All versions were powered by a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four, though at modest 82kW and 141Nm ‘power’ isn’t exactly the unit’s highlight. This generation of Mazda 2 is renowned for an engine that’s gruff at idle and strained – and fairly thirsty – when asked for anything more than casual driving.

The manuals did have the more frugal fuel claim (6.4L against the auto’s 6.8L), on a cheapo 91RON minimum, and on balance are perhaps a little fun to pedal hard, though unsurprisingly the compact hatch’s glove fit role as My First Car meant the vast majority sold were self-shifting autos.

On that, inexperienced prospective owner/drivers should really sniff out version of the Neo and Maxx fitted with the optional Safety Pack that ran at about a thousand bucks. Dual airbags and ABS were par for the 2 course across the board, though you needed to plonk for the later-build Genkis or pay for the Safety Pack to get access to features such side and curtain airbags, while stability and traction control. This gen-II model range has a four-star ANCAP rating.

The initial Series I had a number of running changes, notably the change from a frowning to ‘smiley face’ front bumper restyle arriving in mid-2010, which also brought some mild suspension enhancement and tweaks to specification, such as standard ESP. It’s right here that outputs for the 1.5 dropped to 76kW/135Nm (with no affect to advertised fuel economy) and the short-lived, unloved four-door sedan version was introduced, only to be sold in Oz for just nine months…

Series II arrived in October 2011 for MY12, the model now sourced from Japan rather than Thailand. The later versions are considered to be better built, but the blink-and-you-miss-them updates still didn’t include now basic niceties such as Bluetooth or USB connectivity. Still, the top-shelf Genki does bring 16-inch alloys and sweeteners such as climate and cruise control. Despite the fairly low-tech approach, the DE Mazda 2 remained a top-seller in segment until its all-new third generation replacement arrived in 2014.

On the plus side, the Mazda 2, particularly the five-door, brings effective and quite friendly packaging for city grocery-getter, topped with style and underpinned with an accomplished chassis. The downsides are the small 250-litre boot, the gruff and thirsty powertrains and a fair bit of noise on the move – they’re not the most refined options out there, even for the most coin they now command used.

The arrival of the second-generation Mazda 2, in September 2007, marked a big change for the Japanese carmaker’s smallest offering. Gone was frumpy, high-roof, mini-MPV formula of its predecessor, replaced by a sportier compact hatchback – and short-lived sedan – with a more upmarket spin pitched more widely at the young and young at heart.

Bucking almost unilateral motoring trends, the DE Mazda 2, or ‘Demio’ as it’s known in its homeland, was smaller than model it replaced.

The new 2 embodied a fresh change at Mazda, its ranges unifying the new ‘kodo’ look for stronger family identity and a mantra of big style for not a lot of dough, particularly in its smallest range that kicked off from just $15,750 for the entry Neo five-speed manual…as a three-door.

Wisely, Mazda also offered what would prove to be a vastly more popular five-door version at nominal upcharge in any of the three variant grades – Neo, mid-range Maxx, high-spec Genki – as well as an automatic version that makes do with just four speeds. For a city runabout, as intended, that’s all many owners would want for.

All versions were powered by a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four, though at modest 82kW and 141Nm ‘power’ isn’t exactly the unit’s highlight. This generation of Mazda 2 is renowned for an engine that’s gruff at idle and strained – and fairly thirsty – when asked for anything more than casual driving.

The manuals did have the more frugal fuel claim (6.4L against the auto’s 6.8L), on a cheapo 91RON minimum, and on balance are perhaps a little fun to pedal hard, though unsurprisingly the compact hatch’s glove fit role as My First Car meant the vast majority sold were self-shifting autos.

On that, inexperienced prospective owner/drivers should really sniff out version of the Neo and Maxx fitted with the optional Safety Pack that ran at about a thousand bucks. Dual airbags and ABS were par for the 2 course across the board, though you needed to plonk for the later-build Genkis or pay for the Safety Pack to get access to features such side and curtain airbags, while stability and traction control. This gen-II model range has a four-star ANCAP rating.

The initial Series I had a number of running changes, notably the change from a frowning to ‘smiley face’ front bumper restyle arriving in mid-2010, which also brought some mild suspension enhancement and tweaks to specification, such as standard ESP. It’s right here that outputs for the 1.5 dropped to 76kW/135Nm (with no affect to advertised fuel economy) and the short-lived, unloved four-door sedan version was introduced, only to be sold in Oz for just nine months…

Series II arrived in October 2011 for MY12, the model now sourced from Japan rather than Thailand. The later versions are considered to be better built, but the blink-and-you-miss-them updates still didn’t include now basic niceties such as Bluetooth or USB connectivity. Still, the top-shelf Genki does bring 16-inch alloys and sweeteners such as climate and cruise control. Despite the fairly low-tech approach, the DE Mazda 2 remained a top-seller in segment until its all-new third generation replacement arrived in 2014.

On the plus side, the Mazda 2, particularly the five-door, brings effective and quite friendly packaging for city grocery-getter, topped with style and underpinned with an accomplished chassis. The downsides are the small 250-litre boot, the gruff and thirsty powertrains and a fair bit of noise on the move – they’re not the most refined options out there, even for the most coin they now command used.

  • Honestly, not much.
  • There are the odd sporadic complaints here and there regarding exterior and interior gremlins but to call them rare would be an understatement.
  • Mechanically again, very little goes wrong with the 2 if it has been cared for.
  • There are occasional reports of a water pump, wheel bearing or engine mount giving grief but even then, the costs of parts are generally inexpensive and being a simple little car, labour costs shouldn’t blow out.
  • Even the fact that the engine has a timing chain rather than a belt keeps maintenance costs low.
  • Like all used cars, if you’re looking at one, make sure it has a good well documented service history and have it checked by your local independent mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection.
  • Honestly, not much.
  • There are the odd sporadic complaints here and there regarding exterior and interior gremlins but to call them rare would be an understatement.
  • Mechanically again, very little goes wrong with the 2 if it has been cared for.
  • There are occasional reports of a water pump, wheel bearing or engine mount giving grief but even then, the costs of parts are generally inexpensive and being a simple little car, labour costs shouldn’t blow out.
  • Even the fact that the engine has a timing chain rather than a belt keeps maintenance costs low.
  • Like all used cars, if you’re looking at one, make sure it has a good well documented service history and have it checked by your local independent mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection.
  • Honestly, not much.
  • There are the odd sporadic complaints here and there regarding exterior and interior gremlins but to call them rare would be an understatement.
  • Mechanically again, very little goes wrong with the 2 if it has been cared for.
  • There are occasional reports of a water pump, wheel bearing or engine mount giving grief but even then, the costs of parts are generally inexpensive and being a simple little car, labour costs shouldn’t blow out.
  • Even the fact that the engine has a timing chain rather than a belt keeps maintenance costs low.
  • Like all used cars, if you’re looking at one, make sure it has a good well documented service history and have it checked by your local independent mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection.

Body Styles

  • 5 door Hatchback
  • 3 door Hatchback
  • 4 door Sedan

Engine Specs

  • 1.5 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 76kW / 137Nm (Neo 2007 – 2010, Maxx 2007 – 2010, Genki 2007 – 2010)
  • 1.5 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 82kW / 141Nm (Genki 2007 – 2010)
  • 1.5 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 76kW / 135Nm (Neo 2010 – 2013, Maxx 2010 – 2013, Genki 2010 – 2013, Neo Sport 2013 – 2014, Maxx Sport 2013 – 2014)

Transmission

  • 5-speed Manual (Neo, Maxx, Genki, Neo Sport, Maxx Sport)
  • 4-speed Automatic (Neo, Maxx, Genki, Neo Sport, Maxx Sport)

Fuel Consumption

  • 5.6 – 8.9 / 100km (All Models)

Length

  • 3885mm – 3913mm (5 door Hatchback)
  • 3885mm – 3886mm (3 door Hatchback)
  • 3903mm (4 door Sedan)

Width

  • 1695mm (All Models)

Height

  • 1475mm – 1485mm (5 door Hatchback)
  • 1475mm (3 door Hatchback)
  • 1485mm (4 door Sedan)

Wheelbase

  • 2490mm (All Models)

Kerb Weight

  • 1010kg – 1047kg (5 door Hatchback)
  • 1011kg – 1032kg (3 door Hatchback)
  • 1040kg – 1062kg (4 door Sedan)

Towing

  • 500kg (unbraked) – 700kg (braked) (All Models)

Ancap Ratings

  • 4 stars (Neo, Maxx, Genki)
  • 5 stars (Maxx, Genki, Neo, Neo Sport, Maxx Sport)

Body Styles

  • 5 door Hatchback
  • 3 door Hatchback
  • 4 door Sedan

Engine Specs

  • 1.5 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 76kW / 137Nm (Neo 2007 – 2010, Maxx 2007 – 2010, Genki 2007 – 2010)
  • 1.5 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 82kW / 141Nm (Genki 2007 – 2010)
  • 1.5 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 76kW / 135Nm (Neo 2010 – 2013, Maxx 2010 – 2013, Genki 2010 – 2013, Neo Sport 2013 – 2014, Maxx Sport 2013 – 2014)

Transmission

  • 5-speed Manual (Neo, Maxx, Genki, Neo Sport, Maxx Sport)
  • 4-speed Automatic (Neo, Maxx, Genki, Neo Sport, Maxx Sport)

Fuel Consumption

  • 5.6 – 8.9 / 100km (All Models)

Length

  • 3885mm – 3913mm (5 door Hatchback)
  • 3885mm – 3886mm (3 door Hatchback)
  • 3903mm (4 door Sedan)

Width

  • 1695mm (All Models)

Height

  • 1475mm – 1485mm (5 door Hatchback)
  • 1475mm (3 door Hatchback)
  • 1485mm (4 door Sedan)

Wheelbase

  • 2490mm (All Models)

Kerb Weight

  • 1010kg – 1047kg (5 door Hatchback)
  • 1011kg – 1032kg (3 door Hatchback)
  • 1040kg – 1062kg (4 door Sedan)

Towing

  • 500kg (unbraked) – 700kg (braked) (All Models)

Ancap Ratings

  • 4 stars (Neo, Maxx, Genki)
  • 5 stars (Maxx, Genki, Neo, Neo Sport, Maxx Sport)

Body Styles

  • 5 door Hatchback
  • 3 door Hatchback
  • 4 door Sedan

Engine Specs

  • 1.5 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 76kW / 137Nm (Neo 2007 – 2010, Maxx 2007 – 2010, Genki 2007 – 2010)
  • 1.5 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 82kW / 141Nm (Genki 2007 – 2010)
  • 1.5 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 76kW / 135Nm (Neo 2010 – 2013, Maxx 2010 – 2013, Genki 2010 – 2013, Neo Sport 2013 – 2014, Maxx Sport 2013 – 2014)

Transmission

  • 5-speed Manual (Neo, Maxx, Genki, Neo Sport, Maxx Sport)
  • 4-speed Automatic (Neo, Maxx, Genki, Neo Sport, Maxx Sport)

Fuel Consumption

  • 5.6 – 8.9 / 100km (All Models)

Length

  • 3885mm – 3913mm (5 door Hatchback)
  • 3885mm – 3886mm (3 door Hatchback)
  • 3903mm (4 door Sedan)

Width

  • 1695mm (All Models)

Height

  • 1475mm – 1485mm (5 door Hatchback)
  • 1475mm (3 door Hatchback)
  • 1485mm (4 door Sedan)

Wheelbase

  • 2490mm (All Models)

Kerb Weight

  • 1010kg – 1047kg (5 door Hatchback)
  • 1011kg – 1032kg (3 door Hatchback)
  • 1040kg – 1062kg (4 door Sedan)

Towing

  • 500kg (unbraked) – 700kg (braked) (All Models)

Ancap Ratings

  • 4 stars (Neo, Maxx, Genki)
  • 5 stars (Maxx, Genki, Neo, Neo Sport, Maxx Sport)

Warranty

  • 3 years / unlimited km (All Models)

Servicing

  • 10,000 km / 6 months (All Models)

Model range, pricing & features

Mazda 2-1

Neo

Price when new: $15,790 - $16,500

Price used: $2,800 - $8,700

Equipment

  • 4 Speaker Stereo
  • ABS (Antilock Brakes)
  • Adjustable Steering Col. – Tilt only
  • Air Conditioning – Pollen Filter
  • Airbag – Driver
  • Airbag – Passenger
  • Audio – Aux Input Socket (MP3/CD/Cassette)
  • Audio – MP3 Decoder
  • Body Colour – Bumpers
  • Body Colour – Exterior Mirrors Partial
  • Brake Assist
  • CD Player
  • Central Locking – Remote/Keyless
  • Clock – Digital
  • Cup Holders – 1st Row
  • Disc Brakes Front Ventilated
  • Door Pockets – 1st row (Front)
  • Drive By Wire (Electronic Throttle Control)
  • EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution)
  • Engine Immobiliser
  • Footrest – Drivers
  • Headrests – Adjustable 1st Row (Front)
  • Headrests – Adjustable 2nd Row x3
  • Illuminated – Entry/Exit with Fade
  • Independent Front Suspension
  • Intermittent Wipers
  • Map/Reading Lamps – for 1st Row
  • Mudflaps – front
  • Mudflaps – rear
  • Power Door Mirrors
  • Power Steering – Electric Assist
  • Power Steering – Speed Sensitive
  • Power Windows – Front & Rear
  • Rear View Mirror – Manual Anti-Glare
  • Rear Wiper/Washer
  • Remote Fuel Lid Release
  • Seat – Height Adjustable Driver
  • Seatbelt – Adjustable Height 1st Row
  • Seatbelt – Load Limiters 1st Row (Front)
  • Seatbelt – Pretensioners 1st Row (Front)
  • Seatbelts – Lap/Sash for 5 seats
  • Seats – 2nd Row Split Fold
  • Spare Wheel – Space Saver/Temporary
  • Sunvisor – Vanity Mirror for Driver
  • Sunvisor – Vanity Mirror for Passenger
  • Tacho

MY10 update

  • Control – Electronic Stability
  • Control – Traction

MY11 update

  • Gloss Finish Inserts
  • Trim – Cloth

MY13 update

  • Audio – Aux Input USB Socket
  • Audio – Input for iPod

Maxx

Price when new: $17,690 - $19,090

Price used: $3,600 - $9,300

Adds

  • 15″ Alloy Wheels
  • Body Colour – Door Handles
  • CD Stacker – 6 disc In Dash/Cabin
  • Multi-function Steering Wheel
  • Spoiler – Rear Roof Mounted

Genki

Price when new: $20,495 - $20,940

Price used: $4,100 - $11,000

Adds

  • 16″ Alloy Wheels
  • Airbags – Head for 1st Row Seats (Front)
  • Airbags – Head for 2nd Row Seats
  • Airbags – Side for 1st Row Occupants (Front)
  • Fog Lamps – Front
  • Leather Gear Knob
  • Leather Steering Wheel
  • Side Skirts
  • Spoiler – Front

MY11 update

  • Air Cond. – Climate Control
  • Chrome Exhaust Tip(s)
  • Cruise Control
  • Headlamps Automatic (light sensitive)
  • Rain Sensor (Auto wipers)
  • Trip Computer

Neo Sport

Price when new: $15,790

Price used: $8,200 - $10,000

Adds

  • 12V Socket(s) – Auxiliary

Maxx Sport

Price when new: $16,930

Price used: $8,800 - $10,700

Absolutely. The Mazda 2 is an excellent used little car.

Our pick would be to find whatever the most recent, low kilometre example your budget allows, that also has a full and thorough service history.

Even then, make sure you have it checked out by a mechanic for a full pre-purchase inspection.

Yes these cars are superb but there are unfortunately some owners out there that fail to maintain them correctly and even more concerning, attempt to coverup any accident damage. You do not want to buy a damaged or abused Mazda 2, or any car that has suffered this fate.

Find the right well cared for Mazda 2 and you’ll have a cracking good car.

Absolutely. The Mazda 2 is an excellent used little car.

Our pick would be to find whatever the most recent, low kilometre example your budget allows, that also has a full and thorough service history.

Even then, make sure you have it checked out by a mechanic for a full pre-purchase inspection.

Yes these cars are superb but there are unfortunately some owners out there that fail to maintain them correctly and even more concerning, attempt to coverup any accident damage. You do not want to buy a damaged or abused Mazda 2, or any car that has suffered this fate.

Find the right well cared for Mazda 2 and you’ll have a cracking good car.

Absolutely. The Mazda 2 is an excellent used little car.

Our pick would be to find whatever the most recent, low kilometre example your budget allows, that also has a full and thorough service history.

Even then, make sure you have it checked out by a mechanic for a full pre-purchase inspection.

Yes these cars are superb but there are unfortunately some owners out there that fail to maintain them correctly and even more concerning, attempt to coverup any accident damage. You do not want to buy a damaged or abused Mazda 2, or any car that has suffered this fate.

Find the right well cared for Mazda 2 and you’ll have a cracking good car.

Disclaimer

Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.

Information correct as of Feb 23, 2024.

The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.

Read our full terms and conditions here.

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