The Mazda Astina, known for its distinctive styling and affordability, remains a familiar sight on New Zealand roads. If you own or are considering owning an Astina, understanding its maintenance needs and potential issues can help you keep it running smoothly.
Common issues with the Mazda Astina in New Zealand often revolve around rust (particularly around the rear wheel arches), oil leaks from the valve cover gasket, and potential automatic transmission problems, especially in older models. These issues tend to appear between 150,000 and 250,000 kilometers.
When taking your Mazda Astina for a Warrant of Fitness (WOF) in New Zealand, be sure to pay particular attention to the rear trailing arm bushes and the condition of the headlights. These are common WOF failure points for this model.
Maintaining Your Mazda Astina
Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping your Astina in good condition. This includes routine servicing, checking for potential problems, and addressing any issues promptly.
Standard Maintenance
Typical maintenance includes checking and replacing various components:
• Brakes: Keeping your brakes in good order is essential for safety. Regular inspections and timely replacement of worn brake pads and rotors/discs are recommended.
• Filters: Regularly replacing air, oil, and fuel filters helps maintain engine performance and efficiency.
• Suspension: Maintaining your suspension contributes to ride comfort and handling. Inspecting and replacing worn shocks, struts, and bushes helps ensure optimal performance.
Possible problem areas
Like any car, the Astina has a few areas where problems can occur over time. Here are some common concerns to be aware of:
• Rust: Astinas are prone to rust, particularly around the rear wheel arches. Inspecting these areas regularly and addressing any rust early can help prevent further damage.
• Oil Leaks: Oil leaks from the valve cover gasket are a relatively common issue. Be sure to keep an eye on oil levels and check for any signs of leakage.
• Automatic Transmission: Some early Astina models experienced issues with their automatic transmissions. If you notice any slipping or erratic shifting, it's important to have the transmission checked by a qualified mechanic.
Long-Term Care
By staying vigilant and looking after these typical failing points you should extend the life of your car and keep it healthy for longer.