Mazda6 - Outstanding Whole-Life Cost And R.V. Story
Published: 17th June 2002
Residual Value experts have predicted residual values of between 35% and 37% for the car at 3 years / 60,000 miles. This compares highly favourably with the new Vauxhall Vectra, VW Passat and other volume car lines in this sector.
Jeff Knight of CAP Monitor quoted: "With the new 6, Mazda has clearly moved on in terms of style and image, which is likely to be rewarded with improved Residual Values over the outgoing Mazda 626."
Coupled with class leading insurance groups, a Thatcham 1 security system, substantially reduced servicing costs and an acquisition price that is highly competitive, the Mazda6 is an extremely attractive proposition for both fleet and retail customers.
The Mazda6 has been awarded class leading insurance groups thanks to its Thatcham 1 security rating and low repair costs: the Mazda6 1.8 is 7E, 9E for the 2.0-litre and 13E for the 2.3-litre. Front-end impact repair costs have been reduced by 50% compared to the out-going 626 due to no welding requirement for many repairs and lower parts prices.
Add to the equation longer service intervals, now 12,500 miles, and a reduction of 50% on total service costs over 3 years / 60,000 miles compared to the old 626 (total labour reduced from 14.1 to 4.8 hours!), and the whole-life costs for the Mazda6 become another compelling reason for including the new Mazda6 on company fleets.
Independent whole life cost provider "Carcost" are already indicating monthly holding costs some £20-£30 per month below facing volume competition – equating to a contract advantage over 3 years / 60,000 miles of over £1,000.
"These figures are tremendous," said Jeremy Thomson, Fleet and Remarketing Director, Mazda Motors UK Ltd. "We knew the Mazda6 was going to be good in terms of whole life costs, but this has exceeded our expectations and has great implications for both fleet and retail customers. We also expect to see Service, Maintenance and Repair (SMR) budgets fall significantly and the result will be some of the best contract hire rentals in this sector.
"The running cost of the Mazda6, always a primary consideration for Fleet Managers, is very competitive. With low insurance costs, inexpensive repair and parts costs, longer service intervals and high residuals, coupled to a class leading driving experience, the Mazda6 is set to be a very positive ownership experience."
Jeff Paterson of Glass's Guide commented: "The combination of
stylish design, sensible pricing and Mazda's inherent reliability should
ensure that the Mazda6 remains a sought-after commodity on the used market
for some time to come. Early indications suggest that the Trade are pleased
to see Mazda returning to its roots with cars that offer individuality,
exclusivity and also with a generous level of specification. Some of the
established players in the upper medium sector had better be on their
guard!"
