Faults:

Except consumables (filters, belts, belt pulleys, etc.) : I've revised all the front suspension, changed disks & pads, changed rear wheel-bearings, changed rear shock-absorbers. Although much of the changes were done proactively it weared to the metal threads front tyres during last year (2007) vacation trip, now fixed.

Front lights mix short and long range.

Aircon leaks slightly coolant, needs to be re-filled every summer.

Rust starts to appear on several places.

The only strong thing is the engine (engine code CD20) - no sign of wear, no oil spots, sounds pretty silent and potent for an 12-year old diesel, I suppose it will go another 200K without any problem, meanwhile the everything else will collapse.

I'm also driving a 5 year old Mazda 626 GF & a 15 year old Mazda 323 Station Wagon (built in Japan) and I can compare the differences. Japanese vehicle built outside Japan loses at least half ot its advantages.

General Comments:

The interior is pretty comfortable. The trunk is big and well shaped - I can fit a big TV box right from the trolley.

The car is heavy for its atmospheric diesel engine, quite slow on the traffic lights, but once on the motorway cruises fairly good and economical. You had to adjust your driving behaviour to it though.

Faults:

General wear and tear:

Replaced original alternator at 80k.

Replaced original radiator at 70k.

Replaced original back calliper 88k.

Parts are cheap to buy, so no bother there!

The only thing that possibly lets this car down is the image and style. But who cares for the sake of reliability

General Comments:

The car is one of the most reliable car I have driven. I have had no engine problems at all. When I first bought it and thought it may breakdown during my long trips from Halifax to London, but it has always proved me wrong.

This is a superb car and well worth buying!!

With minimum care, I love the fact it has never let me down.

It's a hidden GEM!

Faults:

Rear & Front wheel bearing changed.

Changed the clutch assembly. (Original was a auto gear box)

General Comments:

I went to see the car to one of my friend.I fell in love at the first look.Since he was hesitant, just I bought it for B$ 4400/-.( US $ 2900).Originally it was a auto transmission. Changed by the previous owner. Since I found it's quite fun with manual, I just repaired the clutch etc.

A bit stiff suspensions (again changed by previous owner).

Apart from this, the car is excellent. Lot of pickup, good cornering and braking is fantastic.

Fuel economy around 11.3 KM/Lt on highway.

Faults:

Needed a couple of new exhausts, but that's nothing odd over 10 years.

Uneven tyre wear is annoying. It seemed that every other month, I was getting a new tyre as the car got older, especially on the drivers side.

Rust on the rear door sills and door handles, both sides. Quite a lot of it too.

Wiper jets blocked and clogged up.

2 new drive-shafts have been required along with an additional separate CV joint.

General Comments:

The car was very reliable, it started every time over the 8 years of ownership, except when my dad had left the lights on.

This car is for an aging family with a couple of kids; It has a massive boot which is great, I managed to get 5 people and all their camping equipment for Leeds Festival in the car. It is very comfortable, with a pull-down armrest in the back and lots of leg room. When cruising at a steady pace, fuel consumption isn't too bad, so it does well on motorway journeys.

If you are of a younger generation and intend on getting a car that you can "raz" about in, to and from work, then this is definitely not the car for you!

Because the suspension is so soft, the handling is not very precise, and due to this I have ended up in a ditch and face to face with a tree. The engine's power doesn't seem to last after a couple of months of heavy driving - I did about 8,000 miles over the period of the last 4 months of owning the car, and my driving was a lot less than reserved.