REDLINE ALLEYMazda2 and Demio DJ buying guide
2014 to now. A DJ suits a buyer who wants a small, frugal car that is nicer to drive than most rivals, and checks the recall record.
Workshop jobs
- Clutch shudder. Clutch shudder is reported on manuals, most obvious moving away on a hill or when cold.
- Headlamp covers. Headlamp covers frost and cut the light output. Cleaning may help, but the only permanent fix is new light units.
Small jobs
- Fuel pump recall. Faulty fuel pumps with a cracking impeller could not deliver enough fuel, which triggered a national recall of several Mazda models.
- Stop start engine cut. Check the stop start system does not cut the engine until the car has stopped, because steering and brake assistance can be lost.
- Bumpers and clips. Misaligned bumpers and broken clips from minor impacts are a common fault found by an Australian inspection service.
- Under car shrouds and wheel arch liners. Loose under car shrouding and dislodged wheel arch liners cause noise.
Questions for the seller
- Has the fuel pump recall been done?
- Is it the 1.3, 1.5 petrol or 1.5 diesel, and manual or auto?
- Does it have a spare wheel or only a sealant kit?
- Have the headlamps been replaced?
Sources
Researched 2026-11-04. General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection.