Faults:
After purchasing, the clutch needed replacement.
My dashboard lights don't work at the moment, I'm thinking a wire has come loose somewhere.
I lost my brake tail lights at the same time as my dash lights.
The added fuel cut-off switch broke off and needed replacing, it was only a $5 (Cdn) switch.
General Comments:
This is an awesome car to drive, it's sleek, maneuverable and comfortable.
I originally bought it to sell my previous car (VW Jetta) to my parents and I didn't want to carry around all my free loading friends in my car anymore. Although I wanted to go smaller, the unique, elongated shape of the car won me over.
Since purchasing it in the Spring of 2005, the clutch has been replaced but there has been nothing else wrong with the car. It's very reliable and extremely fun to drive. It picks up speed really quickly and the engine will never die. I love Mazda's Rotary design however it sucks gas. I can see why there is a 63L tank!
Average gas mileage is around 17-20MPG; not very good at all. I bought it when fuel prices were a little lower, but in the wake of the sudden increases I can't afford to drive it to and from university anymore.
Overall if you want a sporty, reliable and fun car to drive around, this is the one for you. If you don't care about fuel costs, this is also the car for you. I don't recommend it for university/college students or people on a tight budget. Fuel alone will drain you.
23rd May 2006, 01:03
I'm not sure when the original post was made.
It's probably been fixed by now.
These electrical failures may be common (based on my experience).
My son bought a 1984 GSL-SE two years ago.
(Mint condition - stored for 13 years).
During the test-drive, the car filled with electrical fumes and smoke.
He bought it anyway, with a suitable discount.
The problem is caused by the main wiring harness from front to back.
Snakes along the drivers' side, under the carpet.
There are two "storage bins" behind the passenger seats.
The wiring harness runs along side of the drivers' side storage bin.
Depending.. that storage lid may pinch the harness, causing a short. All electrics will go dead.
It took us about 30 minutes to trace the problem, snip the wires, add new connectors. The problem was solved. No damage. Easy fix.