Faults:

The master computer went out in 1988 and was replaced under warranty.

The driver power window stopped working and was fixed in 1995 and again in 1999.

The power door locks stopped working on the passenger door in 1999.

The Driver seat cloth seams are separating.

General Comments:

Car has been very reliable, no maintenance beyond routine service. Bought it new and was very impressed with all the features and performance for the price.

Faults:

Steering boots had to be replaced several times before I found that the ones I buy from Ford for the Telstar last a lot longer.

Regulator and rectifier had to be replaced.

Oil leaks from around the rocker cover are difficult to fix.

Front springs were a bit too soft and not enough travel to avoid bottoming out on average sized bumps.

Electric window winder gear failed, but was easy to replace.

Brake master cylinder had to be replaced.

Clutch slave cylinder has been replaced several times and lasts a few years each time.

General Comments:

This car is very reliable.

The fuel consumption is very low.

The car is relatively easy to work on.

Am am annoyed that my Mazda dealer sells me cheap oil filters which are not the original Japanese part.

Some parts are costly e.g. regulator, brake cylinder ($400).

Faults:

I noticed that the contant velocity boots were torn soon after I purchased it. These were replaced.

Drivers side electric mirror ceased working. The gear teeth had worn down.

Exhaust fumes make their way inside the car when stationary. This has been fixed to some extend.

Central locking solenoid failed soon after the car was purchased.

The engine also leaks some oil.

General Comments:

This was a very cheap car at $2000 Australian and has been very reliable and easy to drive with power steering.

Handling is average as the rear suspension is a little soft. Always leave suspension on sport setting. The handling drastically improves with a decent tyres.

It scores it's main points in comfort. It is very luxurious and is loaded with various gadgets. It is also very quiet.

The car is not too bad in a straight line. Manual transmission has a big advantage on Auto in this department. The engine has loads of torque.

Faults:

Constant engine overheating problems, head gasket was changed two times.

The camshaft and all piston rings were changed.

Rear wheel bearings were changed.

Front brake discs had to be changed.

Electrical gadgets are failing - for example when a door is open the clock resets to 1:00pm, head-light beeper stopped working and so on.

All four shock absorbers were changed, and some other suspension problems had to be fixed.

Clutch disc has worn out.

General Comments:

I had lots of problems with this car, but mostly due to its age and mileage. When it starts falling apart, nothing can stop it.

Overall impression is still not so bad: it is a comfortable family car (although not much space for legs - newer models are better).

Faults:

Fuel filter sprung a leak when under load, replaced for £18.00, at 140,000 miles.

Corrosion caused MOT failures eg brake pipes, wheel arch and head lamp.

New clutch fitted at 125,000 miles.

General Comments:

I paid £1200 for this car and have since done a little under 60,000 miles without a cough or a splutter.

A truly wonderful car which out accelerated most other cars right up to 120 mph. Crammed with electrics and handy Mazda extras these cars are so cheap to buy and will happily return nearly 40 mpg at 70mph.

Faults:

It'll need a new exhaust next MOT. Leaking head gasket. New clutch slave cylinder. Plus the usual break pads etc.

Only bit of rust is at the front of the sun roof!?

General Comments:

Brought it 3 years ago with 160,000 miles on the clock for £800. It's still going strong at 202,000 miles!!! Will happily cruise on motorways at 100+mph, with plenty of poke left in it.

Q : When will it die??