Faults:

At 58000 miles it began to smoke excessively when started before warm-up.

Smoking ceased after engine was warm (about 10 min).

Oil consumption was excessive, in my opinion. 1 quart per 600 miles.

The dealer removed and checked the head and said they could find nothing wrong. The car continued to smoke badly when started cold.

I finally traded it for a 1990 Toyota Camry, at 65000 miles. The Camry ran for over 200K miles.

I was later told that Mazda had problems with piston rings in some engines.

I discourage people from buying Mazda cars every opportunity I get.

Faults:

Replaced alternator once at around 185000.

Replaced head gasket at 212000.

General Comments:

I used this car for almost ten years, on the road while helping to upgrade our communications system in the US to fiber optic. From Eastern Indiana, to Western Montana and Idaho. Used this car during this time. It was always reliable, comfortable, and very dependable.

I would drive from 100 miles to sometimes 1500 miles, from my home to where I was working, mostly interstate travel. It has a 5 speed manual transmission, and would drive for hours on end, at 80 miles an hour on 38 miles to the gallon of diesel fuel. It has the Japanese version of the Perkins diesel 4 cylinder - 2 liter engine.

I drove in 100 degree heat, and -34 degrees of no heat (in Northern Minnesota), and it always performed the same. I used 1 gallon of gasoline, to a full tank (14 gallons) of diesel fuel, and have never ever had fuel problems in the coldest of weather.

Have never before or since had seats that were as comfortable as they are in that car.

I still use this vehicle on occasion, but we are both pretty much retired now. Everything still works well. Have never ever even had to do anything to the brakes or the clutch. I always used the engine for braking, as much as I could, being a former truck driver. Also, the owners manual suggests replacing the timing belt every 100,000 miles, ("whether it needs it or not"), but I have never gotten around to do that either.

Cannot say enough good about this vehicle, and will probably never sell it - and we are both getting well on in age.

Jack Miller

Northwest Iowa USA.

Faults:

Gasket on radiator cap had to be replaced.

Right hand side rear wheel bearings had to be replaced.

Right hand rear shock absorber has worn extremely.

Plastic moulded mudflaps scrape on low surfaces.

General Comments:

Lacks power on acceleration, but powers along once you get going. The manual choke in this model has great deal to do with this problem!!!

Lots of room; very comfortable.

Faults:

Brake lines rusted MOT failure.

Steering Boots cracked (both sides)

Front pads need replacing.

Trim looking old (its 20 years old!)

Rear exhaust box replaced.

Leaks oil (just keep topping it up)

Developed Radiator leak only when you switch the engine off! (just keep topping water up)

General Comments:

Amazing car starts every time first time in any weather (this is the most important feature of any car)

Handles very well for a big car, low driving position and little body roll compared to most newer modern cars.

Loads of warning lights like economy fuel light etc, full electrics which are reliable.

Good light power steering.

Will drink fuel around town, but very good on long runs.

Fuel gage lies so don't believe it.