1976 Mazda 1500 review from Australia and New Zealand
"Hard to find in original condition, but well worth owning"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Rear coolant elbow rusted out at 127,000.
Replaced all heater/cooling hoses at 128,000.
Engine fan needed replacing because the plastic had become chipped and damaged with age.
Rear bearings needed replacing at 129,000.
Speedometer & Cable need adjustment to stop bounce occurring at cold engine temps.
General comments?
Fantastic car, FA3TS update is a bit more stable at high speed due to wider chassis rail spacing when compared to earlier STB models.
Power improved through the fitment of a 32/36 DGAV weber, but top speed is hampered by a 4spd gearbox and 4.11 diff ratio.
Recommended reviews
| Great for a cheap car |
|
| A gorgeous, reliable and lively classic |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1976 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.3 OHC Manual |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 127000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 130000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Ford Laser |
| Date of Entry | 2nd May, 2003 |