1997 Mazda Xedos 9 2.5iV6 review from UK and Ireland

Rear passenger side wheel area feels unstable going over put holes and bumps in the road- obviously something wrong, but not sure what!

Windscreen fitted incorrectly causing rust above it on the bodywork where the seal has been exposed. This causes leaks when going through car washes- not the cars fault though!

Negatives:

I find the passenger side front area very cramped in terms of leg and knee room.

There are no side airbags.

Steering a bit lifeless.

I can't under stand why the older models had a higher spec. For instance, a 1995/N-plate model has remote boot release, electric seats, first aid kit, low screen wash warning light, carpeted windscreen pillar internal trim, more walnut fascia, lights to tell you what gear you are in on the dashboard. Ours has none of this, so at £28500 new it was quite pricey.

Sluggish performance at low speeds.

POSITIVES:

8 years on and the car still turns heads, it looks awesome with the 17 inch alloys and low suspension. The leather trim is good quality, always smells nice and shows no wear. The refinement is good and engine sounds so classy. Very comfortable and well built. It goes round corners superbly with no body roll and with the "HOLD" mode on the auto box performance is excellent. Climate, traction control and cruise are all standard. "More reliable than a BMW- top gear quoted in used car buyers section"

This is a car I'd sooner have than anything else of a similar age in its class, though the spec is basic to a degree.