1989 Mazda MX6 GT 2.2 turbo

Summary:

Its cheap and fast

Faults:

Upper radiator hose feel off and the head went bad, windows didn't work. The CV boot is torn, key from my other Mazda works on this one. Rust on the rocker panels. Leaks in the trunk, front windshield. Shifter is loose.

General Comments:

Car is running 13.58 at the track with the stock turbo boosted up to 14 psi. I top out at 135 MPH. I looks nice and has a stock front mount which is a plus. Sleeper with everything, but AWD.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th October, 2003

1989 Mazda MX6 GT 2.2 turbo

Summary:

Reliable transportation with plenty of kick

Faults:

Replaced valve cover gasket.

Replaced coolant hoses.

Couple of timing belt replacements, along with idler, tensioner, water pump, etc.

Replaced thermostat.

Couple of other repairs that slip my mind at present, but in 8 years of ownership have been within reason.

General Comments:

I've had this car for 8 years, and hope to have it for several more (currently at 165K miles). This car always has power to spare, for fun on the freeway or curvy roads, or to get out of sketchy situations. It handles well compared to other cars of similar size and power I have driven. Seems to have a good center of gravity/balance on a mountain road. The turbo kicks in quite aggressively at 3k-4k RPMs and will put you in quite a sprint. The car is comfortable and carries quite a bit of stuff, including my bicycle and surfboard, which both fit inside the vehicle when the back seats are folded down. Easy to change the oil, which I do every 3,000 miles. I use a non-disposable KN air filter.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th August, 2003

1989 Mazda MX6 GT 2.2 turbo

Summary:

Unbelievably quick cheap car

Faults:

Alternator died when I bought the car, and I've had to replace the alternator belt 2 times already, and about to do it again.

Valve Cover Gasket has gone 2 times, due to poor installation, but I did the last one myself, and it's finally right. Exhaust Manifold Gaskets and Intake Manifold Gaskets have also gone, I have yet to replace the exhaust ones, but I've replaced the Intake ones 2 times.

The automatic shifted really hard, and just recently my reverse gear has died on me.

General Comments:

This car is the most fun car I've owned. Since my automatic transmission died, I did an Automatic to Manual transmission swap, and I can't believe the power output compared to the automatic. Now I can take full advantage of the turbo. At 3k RPM it pulls like a raped ape... you can't help, but chirp/spin the tires in second gear, it's almost hard not to. I absolutely love this car, and the next car I buy will be another 1st Generation MX6 GT for sure. If you come across one, BUY IT! It is definitely worth any money you could spend on it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th June, 2003

12th Oct 2004, 08:39

Hey, Your absolutley right about the MX-6, I've got The 88, and boy I tell ya, Rebuilt motor, Brand new block, Every gasket possible (Gone 2 times or more) Front and rear suspension had come loose, and even fallen off. Replaced entire exhaust system, and now after all my battles in just 6 months, my alternator is giving. AND ITS BRAND NEW!!! not to mention the the welds on inter cooler split, causeing a huge air leak...

But low and behold, my most loved and hated car! Now pushing 280hp, with a bored 2.4 litre, 3K at 15psi... This Baby rips.

The best part about it, that the guy in the RSX or Type R beside you doesn't know whats about to hit him.

GET AND MX-6!!!

29th Mar 2005, 19:03

I had bought a 1989 mx6 turbo for 650 dollars and I had well over 200 thousand mile. but finally my transmission went out and I wandering how hard it is to switch it to manual.

18th Jan 2006, 11:23

I have an 89 MX6 and the moter was locked up in it. I put anther one in it and it is great. And you guys with the automatics, the automatic transmission is the junkest thing any one has ever put in a car.