1969 Mazda 1500 Deluxe review from Australia and New Zealand
"A gorgeous, reliable and lively classic"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
During 31 years virtually everything was replaced, including the engine (after around 300,000Km without rebuilding). The remarkably reliable though worn original engine was replaced by a 'VC' engine from a Mazda 929 in 1996, which boosted performance almost to new car level.
Valve spring snapped on the VC motor in 1999.
Head gasket leaked and was replaced in 1999.
General comments?
Absolutely gorgeous Bertone designed classic, rewarding to drive yet practical, extremely reliable and sturdy.
My family owned the 1500 for 23 years before I sold the car in 2000, which never let us down. I still miss this car!
Even at 31 the 1500 was still quick, and the original automatic gearbox was still working well.
Handling was equivalent to or better than some cars from the 1990s that I've driven, with a pleasant hint of over-steer when driven aggressively.
Extremely well made. After 31 years the interior was almost as new.
Recommended Reviews:
  | Hard to find in original condition, but well worth owning |
| Pleasurable to own |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1978 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2000 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.8 SOHC Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 180000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 360000 kilometres |
| Date of Entry | 15th January, 2003 |