What diesel car will I trade in my Mazda3 for?

I'd like to trade in my 2007 Mazda3 1.6 petrol and change to a diesel engine. Fuel economy and lower tax would be important as I cover around 360 miles a week mostly motorway driving. I'd like a roomier car in the back for two children and a bigger boot. Was thinking of a diesel car or SUV. What would my Mazda3 be worth on trade-in?

Alanna Mangan (Newbridge)

Jun 2013 Filed under: choosing new car

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Expert answer

Hi Alanna,

Anything pre-2008 with a petrol engine is pretty hard to shift on these days, sadly, so I'd reckon you're looking at a value of possibly as little as €5,500 for the Mazda3 at the moment. To get the best from it, I'd suggest staying within the Mazda family (a Mazda dealer will usually give you a better trade-in on a Mazda than will another dealer) and trade up to a Mazda6 Estate. Loads of space, brilliant to drive, reliable and, with the 2.2-litre 129hp diesel, very economical too. SUV? Do you live up a mountain or at the far end of a rutted dirt road? No? Then you don't need one - stick to the family car market and the Mazda6 size class (which also includes cars like the Toyota Avensis, Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat and Opel Insignia) is  where you'll get the best bang for your buck.

Let us know how you get on

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser
@neilmbriscoe