Faults:

Generally, most of the issues came from normal wear of a car, which is 16 years old:

Leaking water hose when bought.

Suspension requires regular maintenance.

Exhaust system replaced.

"Hold" (signaling A/T problems) flashed once.

General Comments:

Inefficient heating and ventilating (no AC).

Pretty loud over 100km/h.

Automatic transmission with 1.6 16v makes it quite expensive: 12-13l/100km is way too much.

Not extraordinary when it comes to handling, especially on wet surfaces.

VERY reliable, a bit of a sporty position behind the wheel.

Good looking for a 16-year old car.

This is a perfect choice for a first car for a young driver.

Faults:

I was the 4th owner of that car. The car had also accident before I bought him.

- small oil leak from engine (was when I bought him).

- central lock (result of that accident I think).

- problems with first gear.

My Mazda never let me down... always were ready for a ride. Also pop-up lights never failed.

General Comments:

Great handling. Great stiff suspension, but not "hardcore". Problems with high curbs. I drove this car really fast and "hard" but anyway I write this: joints aren't durable.

Engine is very nice. Power from lower range of rev (full power - 3200rpm). So you haven't often use gearbox. But it isn't sport characteristic I think. 1.6 16V is really good and fast (10.2 to 100km/h) but not so fast as body looks : (

Interior is very gray. Seats have great handling, but after long ride I had problems with my back. Good low position behind the wheel. Like in sport cars. In summer driving without air-condition isn't nice. Upholstery also isn't durable.

How car looks on street? In my opinion this is car with soul. Do you know another car with five doors and pop-up lights? With big trunk? Now this car isn't something speciall... but after some years... who knows? I really liked this car. Car with soul, fun to drive.