Faults:

Window tracking tabs rusted off.

Regular replacement of the CV joint rubber boots (every 3 - 4 years).

General Comments:

Super reliable - never failed to start. Drove better than many 'sports cars' - super tight rack & pinion steering. Don't remember what redline was, I think it was 6k RPM. Had the original clutch all the years I drove it. The engine loved to rev on the road, although I never abused it. I really hated to give it up, even @ 240k mi, but it just wore out.

Velour seats were very comfortable, much better than the MX-6 and Ford Probe versions of the car. I had the 5 door hatch back, and used it to regularly haul my musical equipment to gigs. MPG not that great, avg ~24, hwy maybe 30.

Although it had an ECU, most of the workings were purely mechanical.

Faults:

Nothing really major at all for having 267,000 miles on it. The only really major thing was about a year ago, I had a crack in the tie rod - cost me $450 to get fixed.

General Comments:

It's awesome! The interior is in excellent condition. I've had it painted in stages, i.e., hood, top, etc. because I live in AZ and the heat is hard on the paint.

It has GREAT pick-up, it is a 5-speed. It does use oil, but no big deal. I need to do a commercial for Mazda!! I'm going for the big 300,000 miles and I really think I'll make it.

I took it to get it worked on, and the owners, one had worked for Mazda and one for Volvo, and they joined forces. When I left my car there, he was getting info. from me, and he asked me what year it was, and I said an 88, he said, no, the year - and I said again an 88, he then looks out the window at my car and he says no way and I said "Way"... he goes outside, walks around my car, and told me that he had NEVER seen an 88 in that good of condition, etc.!!!

Faults:

Basically, if you want the windows to go up or down, it takes a few tries.

Transmission usually slips in 2nd gear.

Passenger exterior door handle is broken.

A/C doesn't blow cold air.

General Comments:

This car is amazing. I love it because not too many people have it. I have not had a major problem yet. It starts instantly every time. Very well built.

Faults:

Replaced leaking valve cover gasket.

Replaced radiator.

New oil cap for valve cover.

Paint is flaking off of engine hood.

Uses ~1/2 quart of oil every 2-3 weeks.

Sunroof pop-up tends to stick, but slide mechanism works great.

Radio and climate control dashboard lights are out.

In-dash digital clock works occasionally.

Lowest fan speed for heat/AC stopped working.

Had to replaced bolt for power window assembly on passenger side door.

General Comments:

I bought this car from my parents for $700USD when I was in a tough spot and needed basic transportation after my previous car went south.

Despite its problems, this car is working on ~150,000 miles of service and still starts and runs great.

I drive it ~50 miles/day to work and home, its no speedster, but it will get me to where I need in one piece with still 25-30mpg of fuel economy.

This is the second Mazda I've owned. The first was a '79 GLC wagon, and it was just as reliable and fun as this car. Mazda's rock, period.

Faults:

Has an oil leak and burns some oil as well.

A/C needed to be recharged at 230k.

Gas gauge doesn't work.

Clutch slips when it gets really hot.

General Comments:

This car is a tank!! I paid $350 dollars for it in 2000 and it has never broken down.

It's old and the paint is oxidized, but it just runs and runs and still gets 21-23 MPG.

In the time that I have had it, I have only had to put tires on it once and recharge the A/C. I do have to add a quart of oil every couple weeks due to the small leak, but that's no big deal at all. For 235k, it's still got a lot of power (for a 4cyl) and the tranny shifts just fine.

I drive the heck out of this car too. I run it to red line frequently, take hard corners, and often spin the tires on it. It's my "Beater" car, but it just keeps on running!! I love this car.