A high performance bargain
Window switch went bad.
Replaced the exhaust.
The best kept secret for under 1500 dollars {that's what I paid}.
Handles great.
I am in the process of customizing the body. This car deserves it!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 21st September, 2001
The stealth performance car
Besides regular maintenance, there have only been a few problems. The entire exhaust system was replaced over a number of years, including two mufflers. I don't think it was designed for winter sand/salt on the roads.
It's gone through several CV boots/joints as well.
Also, the radiator needed replacement far too early. Even still, there is a slow leak in the cooling system that nobody seems to be able to find.
There have been some fit & finish issues as well. Bad door and ignition locks that needed replacement, a broken rail on the driver's seat, a not-very-sturdy radio, bad sun visors, etc.
Overall, compared to other vehicles of the same age in this climate, there have been very few problems.
I couldn't imagine driving this car without the turbocharger. The engine is seriously sluggish until the "vacuum cleaner" kicks in. After that, passing is no problem at all.
The funny thing is, you don't suspect its performance by looking at it. "A Tempo with a spoiler".
The small engine means excellent fuel economy, even when the car ages.
Adjustable suspension is nice, but there's still a little too much roll in "Sport".
This car has taken me on several 5000km road trips, cheaply, safely, and happily.
I wouldn't trade it in for any other used car. Within reason, of course. And I think it still has quite a bit of life left in it.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 8th August, 2001
A best buy
Most electrical devices fail, such as the power antenna, rear defroster switch, power window switches, stereo.
Power windows, moon roof, and mirrors are slow and noisy.
Exhaust rattles, needs replacement.
This car accelerates well, even for a non-turbo model.
Handling is OK, the ride is stiff but comfortable.
The car is fun to drive, gets good gas mileage, wasn't very costly.
Runs much smoother on mid-grade unleaded fuel.
The rear seats aren't THAT bad, but rear legroom is.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 2nd August, 2001
It's been a great car and I've gotten my money's worth
I have replaced the timing belt, the alternator, replaced the transmission fluid and filter, new brakes all around, and a section of the exhaust pipe.
Recently gave it a complete tune-up. It still had the original distributor rotor... no thanks to Precision Tune.
This car has been THE BEST CAR I have ever had. Only once has it not started for me... last summer when we had a heat wave - 105 - and the 8 year old Sears Die-Hard battery died-hard.
I drove to Florida and back home to Oregon, and the car was awesome. And that was at 90,000 miles! I do wish it had a little more power but I guess that keeps me out of trouble.
Current problem is the hydraulic lifters... one or two in particular. I now use 20-50 Valvoline but still get the obnoxious ticking sound... sometimes especially loud at the drive up.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 3rd June, 2001
A Full 250,000 miles completed in my 1989 MX6 here in Kuwait before I parted with it last week. The BEST & MOST RELIABLE I have ever had.
Purchased it from the Sales Manager of the Mazda Dealer at 8,000 miles and have never had any major problem.
Only major work done was having the motor rebuilt at 75,000 miles.
Road Holding: Fantastic, even at 120 mph
No Overheating: Ambient temp in Kuwait is >120 F
Electrics/Components: Never Failed (incl. lamps that were Factory installed)
Wait for the day that other manufacturers could come out Quality equal or better than this.
17th Oct 2005, 11:46
I could not agree more.