Faults:

Front left brake caliper stuck (200 US$ approx + labour).

On the same side a stabilizer bar had to be replaced, all after having the car for only three weeks! (50 US$ approx.)

Also the Hydraulic Lash Adjusters (HLA) are preventing me from sleeping well. Past the 2000 km oil change, they started making a noise again (sounds a bit like a diesel, although not as noisy). Have heard this is a common problems on all cars with HLA's (even BMW!!). For some reason Mazda/Ford don't produce any engines with that valve system (suspicious?? isn't it??).

General Comments:

Hmmmmmmmmm… What can I say, I got the car really cheap, so actually I shouldn't complain about minor problems.

Even though the car had a clean title and Full Service History, I'm not 100% pleased with it.

It's that kind of feel when you don't know what's going to break down next (on a car with only 55,000 miles/85000 km on it).

Handling: The car handles very well for its length. However the power steering is indirect (beware of turns on fast tracks, namely on highways, the car tends to understeer!) but very smooth, and you can steer it with one finger.

Suspension is a soft with capital "S", but haven't tried it on longer trips yet.

Interior is roomy and quiet, with good seats, and reminds me of my 93 Ford Mondeo (also a 4 door sedan).

Gaskets and seals are fine.

Rust - (although it's not serious) you can see spots under every lug, bolt and nut, and of course on the muffler. The body seems to have been spared.

Engine and Gearbox: The transmission is precise (5 speed) and easy to shift gears, except reverse, but that I don't mind.

The engine is very economically due to VRIS (variable induction system). I get 7-10L/100km (23-33 mpg) in the city!! (Yeah right! Needs less gas than my 2.0 FWD Celica wich weighs even less). Sufficient torque for cruising @ 2k-2.5k rpm (even uphill!).

Hoses seals and gaskets are fine with few exceptions.

Design is what I like most about this car. Mine's white with nice (stock 15”) rims, sunroof, windows and the driver's seat is powered so it really feels like you're driving a luxury car.

There's also plenty of space for car audio upgrades. All in all a neat car.

So after all you may ask yourself why am I complaining.

Well I bought this car for one reason… it's JAPANESE. But unlike most (rock solid and reliable) Hondas and Toyotas, Mazda obviously don't care that much about quality/workmanship...

Summary.

Still better than a similar age Renault, Peugeot, Citroen, Fiat, Lancia, Alfa, Opel, Rover, and other crap.

But don’t buy one made before January 5 1995!!

PS: will keep this updated when I'm done with repairs.

If you have any question, suggestion, ulcer, warts, cholera, hepatitis…..

Contact: nachoguacamole@hotmail.com