1997 Mazda Millenia S 2.3L
Summary:
Luxury feel until something breaks
Faults:
Cat Converters had to be replaced at 60,000 miles. Ran about $600 each installed. One in-line with exhaust and one on exhaust manifold.
Tensioner locked up at about 83,000 miles and took out the water pump and bearings in the supercharger. Water pump and tensioner ran about $1100.00 and weren't covered by an extended warranty because they are not internally lubricated parts. Supercharger was fixed at no cost out of pocket.
Transmission wouldn't go into reverse around the 89,500 mile mark. A re-manufactured transmission ran about $4,090.00 and the warranty picked up $3,056.00 worth.
Check engine light comes on often. Two dealer diagnostics haven't returned significant data on the problem. Possibly wiring.
General Comments:
Very sleek car has speed not typical to the average four door sedan.
Leather seats, high quality OEM alarm and stock BOSE sound system are attractive features.
Parts are extremely expensive, esp engine related components.
If any of the components in the BOSE system go you are going to be in for a total system revamp. I replaced the stock head-unit all of the BOSE speakers for less than I would pay for one of the individual amps and wiring harnesses. Separate amps for each stock speaker and front door speakers running out of a control unit behind the back seat.
In my experience high maintenance over time, but a fun ride.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 16th February, 2004
1st Sep 2004, 14:45
It sounds like I'm in the same situation that you are in, with a '97 Millenia, bought around 46K miles and now currently in the low 90K's. I'm afraid the bearings on my supercharger are starting to wear down, and you mention that you had the same problem... can I ask how you got the dealer to pay for this cost? The cheapest solution I can find is to buy an entire refurbished supercharger for $1800, and that doesn't include labor!