1993 Mazda MX6 LS review from North America

Distributor failed at approximately 120,000 km. Cost $550 CDN for parts.

Failed Air Care at about 135,000 km and required new catalytic converters and O2 sensors.

CV joints went at about 140,000 km.

Radiator failed at about 145,000 km, then the water pump went a month later.

Power antenna failed recently.

Although they haven't failed, the struts should be replaced and the clutch is getting a bit worn.

After the demise of my beloved Peugeot 505 Turbo, which impaled itself into the side of an Oldsmobile that turned right in front of me, I decided to go back to the Japanese for the reliability factor, thinking that my operating costs would be lower - wrong! I spent more on my Mystere in two years than I did in total on my Peugeot.

However, that aside, I've always loved the styling of the MX-6 Mystere, and the handling is VERY good. You don't really know that it's a front drive car and can throw it into corners at ridiculous speeds. Handling remains fairly neutral and there is very little body lean.

The engine feels bigger than 2.5 litres and is very torquey even right off idle, but I suspect the low gearing overall adds a lot to the performance. You can start out in 2nd gear if you want without fuss. The down side is that on the highway it's cruising at 3,000 in 5th at only 100 kph. This is ridiculous for such an aerodynamic car with 165 hp. As a result, fuel mileage suffers and is not much better than around town (30 mpg vs. 26). The book recommends 91 octane, but I've been running on 89 since the gas prices sky-rocketed. Although it's slightly smoother on 91, it does OK on 89.

The power-to-weight ratio is about the same as an early Porsche 911S, so that's not too bad. And, like the Porsche, you can also stuff a couple of people in the back.

All in all, it's a joy to drive for an enthusiast, and if it were rear wheel drive, could maybe have been a world class car. A bit better reliablitiy would be appreciated, but it certainly deserves to become a classic eventually.