REDLINE ALLEYMazda3 and Axela BM buying guide
2013 to 2019. A BM suits a buyer who wants a well made, good to drive small car and checks the gearbox on early cars and the DPF on diesels.
Big jobs
- Manual gearbox (early cars). Some owners reported hard shifting into some gears and jumping out of 3rd. Mazda had redesigned the gearbox by late 2014.
- Automatic gearbox (early cars). A few early cars needed replacement automatic gearboxes, though the problem was not a big one overall.
- 2.2 diesel turbo. Turbos on the diesel could die young, and a recall checked for carbon deposits inside the turbo that could cause engine damage.
- Diesel DPF and oil dilution. Diesel particulate filters clog on cars used for short trips, and extra fuel used to clean the filter can get past the rings and dilute the oil.
Workshop jobs
- Paint on black and metallic cars. Some colours faded and peeled more readily, so black and metallic cars deserve a close look.
Small jobs
- Recalls. Recalls covered windscreen wipers that could stop working and wiring that affected the reversing camera, and later BN cars a fuel pump that could stop the engine.
- Infotainment. The odd minor glitch with the infotainment and sat nav is reported, and the system can lag between menus.
Questions for the seller
- Is it the 2.0, 2.5 or 2.2 diesel, and manual or auto?
- Have all recalls been done, including the turbo check on a diesel?
- Has it mostly done short trips or open road running?
- Has any paint been redone?
Sources
Researched 2026-11-04. General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection.