1988 Mazda 929 3 litre

Summary:

A value for money car with a limousine ride

Faults:

The door handles are prone to breaking and are expensive to replace.

The head had an oil leak which was not cost effective to repair.

The driver side power window needed fixing.

The transmission would slip on the kick down under hard acceleration, but I learned to drive around it.

General Comments:

Apart from some minor problems the car never skipped a beat and never broke down.

Fuel economy was lousy with the 3 litre engine, but it's a heavy car.

Great for long trips and very comfortable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th October, 2004

1988 Mazda 929 V6i 3.0L V6

Summary:

A solid, safe and luxurious cruiser

Faults:

Courtesy light seldom comes on.

Driver's seat-belt does not release from socket.

Rattles from interior trim (especially dash)

Corrosion in exhaust.

Differential overhaul at 205,000km.

General Comments:

The car was purchased through a dealership and was in fair condition, with quite a few items falling off or having it's true state concealed.

However, the car's lack of care and servicing from it's previous owners has done little to dissuade my excellent opinion on such a car, and is slowly being fixed to it's former glory.

The 929 V6i can really get up and go from standstill, accelerate well on the roads and pull a decent sized trailer/caravan with relative ease. There can be a delayed response when accelerated hard, but the engine is quite willing when under duress.

The options and extras on this car (considering it's vintage) is remarkable, with electric tinted windows, electric tinted sunroof, electric mirrors, cruise control, power steering, electric suspension, central locking and a standard 6-speaker stereo with a 9-band equaliser. The very nice and very spacious velour seats also make it a pleasure to drive.

The 929 V6i I own is a sleeker saloon than another which came about during the same time (1987-1991). It has pillarless doors and is a silver body on dark grey rocker panels that looks very appealing. It looks suave and gives it an almost Mercedes/Lexus-like appearance.

Despite it's state now, I reckon that looked after properly it would give many younger cars a run for their money and the motorist a wonderful satisfaction with all it's looks and comfort. I can't fault a well-maintained 929 and hope to hold on to mine for a long while yet.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th July, 2002