Faults:

Engine shutdown while driving - caused by a dodgy wire, which had been dislodged during a service.

No other issues at all, in over 20,000 miles!

General Comments:

I bought this car 12 months ago, in something of a rush, as my previous car had just had a clutch-bearing failure, which wouldn't have been cost effective to sort out.

It wasn't quite as quick as some I looked at (e.g. Peugeot 406 2.0T), but in terms of the interior and general feel, it was head and shoulders above the rest. So I went with it!

12 months later, I've been looking for a replacement, and it's been hard finding anything comparable to replace it! If it weren't for my high mileage (20'000 miles in the last year), I'd have kept it, but petrol hasn't been getting any cheaper (and it's been averaging 32mpg even on long runs on 97-ron fuel), so I've reluctantly moved onto a diesel.

So: it's got a nice interior, and reasonable acceleration - I suspect it's capable of getting to 60mph a bit quicker than the official 10.6 seconds! Top end isn't anything special, but it will steadily creep up past 70 on the speedo on it's way to the ton.

Handling has been fine - I've seen a lot of criticism of the handling, but I've never had any issues with it, save for the fact that the turning circle is pretty huge. But hey - it's a big car: parking and turning are never going to be as easy as when in a VW Polo!

Reliability has been superb - except for the issue noted above (ironically caused by the service - though this did mean that I got it diagnosed and fixed for free!), I haven't had a single issue.

All in all, I've done a lot of driving in it, and I've enjoyed it. Time will tell if my new 130bhp Mondeo TDi will enjoy a similar reputation...

Faults:

Nothing.

Keep an eye on your brake pads and rear brake callipers though. Also, make sure that whoever replaces your brake pads knows what they are doing, as the quick fit morons of this world have been known to burst calliper seals.

Suspension link arms (esp. front passenger side) are prone to wear, but anyone driving on Irish roads shouldn't be too suprised.

General Comments:

Very accomplished car which is very underestimated in Ireland.

I got the last of the 92-97 shape, which in my opinion was the most striking looking car for years.

Very smooth comfortable cruiser, and unbelievably economical for a 1.8L which was driven enthusiastically.

Driving position is excellent, lots of goodies as standard, good fuel economy, and 100% reliability, - what more do you need.

OK, body roll is an issue on country roads, this is the price you pay for the level of comfort.

Parts are crazy money, why??? Thankfully, you won't need too many, but if and when you need a main dealer part, dig deep.

Faults:

Absolutely NOTHING!

General Comments:

The 2.0 engine is a screamer, capable of 140 MPH, very quick and well suited gearbox, very smooth.

MPGs are very good. ~38 MPG average.

GLX Adagio gives top spec, 10 CD autochanger, wood effect dash, all round discs, sunroof, electric windows and much more.

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with the car that can be attributed to the vehicle.

General Comments:

Unfortunately the local Mazda dealer service back-up leaves a lot to be desired, as I feel does Mazda UK's. But the car itself is very reliable as have been my other 8 Mazda's.

Faults:

I've had both front shocks go.

Both front discs and a hydraulic problem for the tappets that came down to a faulty oil pump.

General Comments:

A very good car for the +35K miles a year I do. Comfortable on long journeys but not for those that like to go round corners.