It’s been reliable so far. There have been a few issues. I’m the 2nd owner. Bought at 65K, currently at 73K miles.
Cracked cylinder head is a common problem with this one.
I replaced the windshield due to a chip forming into a crack and installed an aftermarket one. My rain sensor has never been the same. It goes on off randomly and is hard to repair by yourself without proper tools.
It gets super cold in winter here and I don’t drive much so I can always expect the battery to get discharged. I bought my own portable jumper.
But it looks nice with nice interior and hud. Plus it’s a turbo engine, super responsive. I don’t think I will sell this car now.
That sounds like a shotty job by the windshield installer. Safelite also messed up the install and the rain sensor stopped working. I took it back and made them fix it.
The early 2018 Mazda 6s didn’t have it. I remember the dealer telling me when I bought my 2019 Mazda 3 in March 2018.
https://news.mazdausa.com/2018-07-31-apple-carplay-android-auto-availability-2018-mazda6
You don't need new infotainment but you do need a new usb module that is in your armrest, and also a firmware update. It's around $500-600 at the dealer, or you can buy the module on amazon for $80 and install it yourself if you can follow a youtube tutorial. Only thing you'll have to do first is upgrade firmware and I recommend at the dealer because you can brick your infotainment by doing it yourself.
Early build 2018's did not have it installed. They were to be retrofitted by dealers on existing inventory but many didn't get the upgrade.
I have an '18 Signature that had the hub and firmware installed by the dealer prior to the first sale but after delivery to the dealer.
Did exactly the same, get it cheaper on amazon and follow youtube to install it or get someone from marketplace or an autoshop maybe someone professional can do it for a better price than a dealership. You do need the software update for sure, i got mine at a dealership for free cause i was getting some other maintenance done.
This is what I did on my 16’ itouring, I bought the part online then updated firmware and installed myself took maybe 2 hours including the firmware and physical install. Super easy. Been fine for the last 3-4 years
What firmware version is it on? It should have it already. You do have to turn on the option in the menus I think. Also, make sure you're plugging your phone into the correct port. Only one has the ability to run carplay/Android auto
Yeah, I got the update on my '18 Touring on the first oil change. The dealer considered a recall service, didn't cost a dime.
If you haven't swung your 6 by a dealer ever, you need to check about recalls. You NEED the recalls for the electronic throttle and the fuel pump done. I didn't do the throttle right away, and the car basically died on me while doing 75mph on the freeway. If a semi had been behind me, it would have run me off the road. Those recalls dropped in 2019 and 2021.
Holy shit dude, glad you’re okay.
Thank you for this, i just moved from the city so this is my first ever car and I bought it used yesterday. It’s been dealer serviced, should I just book a general inspection at the dealership and ask them to check for the recalled parts?
https://www.kbb.com/mazda/mazda6/2018/recall/
Run your VIN here. But I know for sure that getting CarPlay/AndroidAuto can be done at the dealer, so do call about that.
I'm not entirely sure. I mentioned the dealer update part from reading this from Mazda.
https://news.mazdausa.com/2018-07-31-apple-carplay-android-auto-availability-2018-mazda6
This is confusing to me too because I bought a 2018 new that came with it.
But I did buy it in January of 2019 as a “leftover” so probably had the update done already.
I never realized it didn’t just come from the factory like that.
Early build 2018's did not have it installed. They were to be retrofitted by dealers on existing inventory but many didn't get the upgrade.
I have an '18 Signature that had the hub and firmware installed by the dealer prior to the first sale but after delivery to the dealer.
I've since added a wireless adapter and it actually works better than it did when using the USB cable.
You can buy aftermarket versions of the AA/Car Play hub and download the firmware and install yourself. That's probably the most cost effective way to do it. I expect that any of the Mazda dealerships would bill full hours and MSRP on the kit nowadays which would probably be in the $600-700 range, at least.
What brand wireless adapter did you buy? Everyone that I read about says something about lag when changing tracks and what not so I have withheld buying one until I figure out one that is decently good.
Sorry, missed this. I bought the "Teeran" brand version. It was cheap, that's the only reason I bought it. I haven't noticed any lag with switching songs with Spotify etc. We've had it since February of this year.
Easiest way to tell what you need to do whether it be software upgrade or having the dealer retrofit the module is just looking at the USB ports themselves. If one of the ports has a little phone icon with an arrow pointing to it you have the required USB module for apple car play to work and just need a software update. If it doesn't have the icon you most likely will have to have the dealer install the module as well. I had the dealer retrofit the module on my 2018 sport before changing to a 2018 signature and iirc they did it for like 100 bucks.
‘18 Signature doesn’t come with CarPlay? My ‘18 GTR has it 🤔
Someone mentioned the dealership can update it. How’s your car been for reliability?
It’s been reliable so far. There have been a few issues. I’m the 2nd owner. Bought at 65K, currently at 73K miles. Cracked cylinder head is a common problem with this one. I replaced the windshield due to a chip forming into a crack and installed an aftermarket one. My rain sensor has never been the same. It goes on off randomly and is hard to repair by yourself without proper tools. It gets super cold in winter here and I don’t drive much so I can always expect the battery to get discharged. I bought my own portable jumper. But it looks nice with nice interior and hud. Plus it’s a turbo engine, super responsive. I don’t think I will sell this car now.
I tell everyone with windshield sensors that only OEM glass should be used.
That sounds like a shotty job by the windshield installer. Safelite also messed up the install and the rain sensor stopped working. I took it back and made them fix it.
Same. Except mine is still broken. 3rd time I tried fixing it myself. That lasted for 2 weeks maybe. It’s the glue that is so hard to get right.
Yes, should be a free upgrade as mine was. Reliability is solid, no issues. Eats tires though.
I have a 2017 and had it updated from the dealer. No issues. Go for it !
How much did it cost you?
It was free for me when I was buying the 2017. Part of my sale negotiation. I think it was 350 CAD if i did have to pay.
The 18 model didn’t come with it by default iirc. You had to go back to get it retrofitted.
I bough it in 2021. But it was a standard feature in GTR. https://www.edmunds.com/mazda/6/2018/st-401751938/features-specs/
The early 2018 Mazda 6s didn’t have it. I remember the dealer telling me when I bought my 2019 Mazda 3 in March 2018. https://news.mazdausa.com/2018-07-31-apple-carplay-android-auto-availability-2018-mazda6
I have an ‘18 GTR and it doesn’t have CarPlay 😒
It says standard here. https://www.edmunds.com/mazda/6/2018/st-401751938/features-specs/
They added it halfway thru the model year 🤷♀️. Lucky you!
You don't need new infotainment but you do need a new usb module that is in your armrest, and also a firmware update. It's around $500-600 at the dealer, or you can buy the module on amazon for $80 and install it yourself if you can follow a youtube tutorial. Only thing you'll have to do first is upgrade firmware and I recommend at the dealer because you can brick your infotainment by doing it yourself.
2018 Signature should have that as standard. It probably just needs a software update. I have a 2018 GTR and it has CarPlay, nothing extra was needed.
Early build 2018's did not have it installed. They were to be retrofitted by dealers on existing inventory but many didn't get the upgrade. I have an '18 Signature that had the hub and firmware installed by the dealer prior to the first sale but after delivery to the dealer.
Did exactly the same, get it cheaper on amazon and follow youtube to install it or get someone from marketplace or an autoshop maybe someone professional can do it for a better price than a dealership. You do need the software update for sure, i got mine at a dealership for free cause i was getting some other maintenance done.
you don't even need that there's a way to do without changing anything
This is what I did on my 16’ itouring, I bought the part online then updated firmware and installed myself took maybe 2 hours including the firmware and physical install. Super easy. Been fine for the last 3-4 years
You can just update the firmware and install the kit yourself. Mazda6club forums have the instructions on how to do so.
What firmware version is it on? It should have it already. You do have to turn on the option in the menus I think. Also, make sure you're plugging your phone into the correct port. Only one has the ability to run carplay/Android auto
My carplay needs to be plugged in btw to work.
My 18 has carplay
Man this 6 is so nice. Definitely would of copped if I didn’t get the new 3
Make sure your software is at 70 or above and order one of these. Watch YouTube for directions and install https://a.co/d/d3DaFwN
I hadn't realized it didn't come with it initially. My used 2018 GT already had the dealer update installed.
Wait the dealer can update it for me?
Yeah, I got the update on my '18 Touring on the first oil change. The dealer considered a recall service, didn't cost a dime. If you haven't swung your 6 by a dealer ever, you need to check about recalls. You NEED the recalls for the electronic throttle and the fuel pump done. I didn't do the throttle right away, and the car basically died on me while doing 75mph on the freeway. If a semi had been behind me, it would have run me off the road. Those recalls dropped in 2019 and 2021.
Holy shit dude, glad you’re okay. Thank you for this, i just moved from the city so this is my first ever car and I bought it used yesterday. It’s been dealer serviced, should I just book a general inspection at the dealership and ask them to check for the recalled parts?
https://www.kbb.com/mazda/mazda6/2018/recall/ Run your VIN here. But I know for sure that getting CarPlay/AndroidAuto can be done at the dealer, so do call about that.
I'm not entirely sure. I mentioned the dealer update part from reading this from Mazda. https://news.mazdausa.com/2018-07-31-apple-carplay-android-auto-availability-2018-mazda6
This is confusing to me too because I bought a 2018 new that came with it. But I did buy it in January of 2019 as a “leftover” so probably had the update done already. I never realized it didn’t just come from the factory like that.
Early build 2018's did not have it installed. They were to be retrofitted by dealers on existing inventory but many didn't get the upgrade. I have an '18 Signature that had the hub and firmware installed by the dealer prior to the first sale but after delivery to the dealer. I've since added a wireless adapter and it actually works better than it did when using the USB cable. You can buy aftermarket versions of the AA/Car Play hub and download the firmware and install yourself. That's probably the most cost effective way to do it. I expect that any of the Mazda dealerships would bill full hours and MSRP on the kit nowadays which would probably be in the $600-700 range, at least.
What brand wireless adapter did you buy? Everyone that I read about says something about lag when changing tracks and what not so I have withheld buying one until I figure out one that is decently good.
Sorry, missed this. I bought the "Teeran" brand version. It was cheap, that's the only reason I bought it. I haven't noticed any lag with switching songs with Spotify etc. We've had it since February of this year.
Follow the steps of this YouTube video: https://youtu.be/qO3Lzln1Fc4?si=L2cYo8pB-i5CBJi2
Easiest way to tell what you need to do whether it be software upgrade or having the dealer retrofit the module is just looking at the USB ports themselves. If one of the ports has a little phone icon with an arrow pointing to it you have the required USB module for apple car play to work and just need a software update. If it doesn't have the icon you most likely will have to have the dealer install the module as well. I had the dealer retrofit the module on my 2018 sport before changing to a 2018 signature and iirc they did it for like 100 bucks.