1997 Mazda MX3 1.8 V6 1.8 24v V6 from UK and Ireland
Summary:
Vvvvvvvvvrrrrrrmmmm!!!
Faults:
Nothing as yet; although the air conditioning needed topping up, and there are some chips and dings that I'd like to have removed.
General Comments:
Buying this car was definately a head versus heart situation. I've always liked the look of them, but I'd also heard of the various horror stories from other owners; horrendous fuel consumption, deep vein thrombosis inducingly small rear seats, daunting insurance (group 15!), zero practicality and repair bills that could quite feasibly bankrupt me (especially on my paltry income).
All sensible thinking collapsed as soon as I test drove it. This being the first V6 car I had driven, I was completely taken aback by the sheer noise of the thing; it may only be a 1.8 litre engine, but it still sounds decidedly... hairy chested.
Ten minutes later I'd handed over a cheque to the salesman in a daze.
Yes, the petrol dissapears nearly as quickly as you put it in (I was checking for leaks for the first three days) and no one will want to get in the back, but you won't care. This has to be one of the most grin inducing cars I've ever driven. The performance may not be a lot different to other four cylinder cars, but the sheer excitement of the thing makes it feel even quicker than it is. Bear in mind that this car is smaller and lighter than the latest shape Golf GTi.
The best car I've ever owned and I want to be buried in it.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 11th July, 2003
8th Jul 2006, 04:13
What a fun car, I've driven many many sport and high performance cars, but this beats them all. It handles like nothing I've ever driven. It may be a bit juicy, but there is nothing like driving it home through the lanes with the windows and roof open, stereo off, and just listen to the sweet sound of that V6. It's just amazing!!!
14th Mar 2008, 20:46
I have a 1993 V6 at 125000miles, which I love. I'm still unsure on the fuel economy question though, it depends a LOT on how you drive it. Some people will habitually drive a car like this hard and rev it all the way, because it will respond well and be great fun, but you will see the petrol gauge drop quickly if you do. I tend to save that for "occasional" use and drive more gently most of the time - use 5th as much as you can around town, the torque can easily take it. But one thing that is deceiving is that the fuel tank is quite small, so you will fill up more often...
Only downsides I can think of are that weird creaky noise from the ABS (my mechanic tells me that's nothing to worry about, and it hasn't been for the last couple of years), the not very effective headlamps and the power windows are really starting to struggle to get it up. Otherwise it's brill, fun to drive with that amazing trapezoidal steering and beautiful engine noise. I used to ride motorbikes, and this kind of takes me back to that a little, only with a better stereo and heater!
16th May 2006, 10:02
I fully agree with this person I will not part with my Mazda mx3 its is a truly nice car.