Faults:

The oil seals leaked after about a month of owning the car.

General Comments:

It is hard to describe the thrill of the rotary Mazda engine. It is like a giant rubber band like on a model airplane, that when you push the gas pedal just spins and spins. The engine is incredible.

It felt quick. The car was very light and poised. The brakes were excellent. The car looks very sharp, a classic design.

I bought the car for $750, and put around 30,000 miles on it before I sold it because it needed a new clutch. I had a dealer put a new distributor in it for like $168.

The major problem with the car was the oil leaks around the seals, which is a known problem with these cars. The oil would leak and eventually hit a hot part like the exhaust, so it was embarrassing to have a noticeably waft of smoke rise up from the car when it had been driven more than 15 miles. But I was poor and put up with it since it only was noticeable after the car was parked. I do have the money and would consider another one, except for the fact that they are getting old. Therefore parts are harder to find.

The car sits very low, and your seat is only like six inches from the ground.

Tires were cheap since they are smaller rims. The stock rims look great.

Faults:

This was a 'non runner' when I bought it. I put in a battery and drove it 100 miles home.

The wiper assembly was seized.

The interior was ruined - sun baked to cracked and broken plastic. I think that the interior plastics are the weak part of this car.

The u-joints were shot.

The differential seal leaked.

The a/c didn't.

The heater blower didn't work - still doesn't (I haven't checked for a bad ground yet).

The steering has too much play - the one-piece, non-rebuildable steering box is worn out. Expensive to replace.

Mufflers are pricey, but I replaced mine with straight pipes.

General Comments:

This car has been a blast to drive - fast and rear-wheel fun on twisting mountain roads. I can donut this car on dry pavement!!!

Where else can you find a light, small car that is simple to work on, with an great looking interior that fits like a glove?

Sure, the engine can't be rebuilt at the corner garage, and the interior is junk, but seats from a late 80's early 90s Honda civic fit really well, and I'm the only one in town who has one.

When it dies, I can toss it without loosing money. What a deal.