Faults:

Alternator.

Gearbox (previous owner)

General Comments:

Excellent performance & handling heaps of torque for a 1800, turbo kicks in early.

Good on petrol.

Really fun to drive on tight twisting roads.

Quite stiff suspension and Awd makes for great handling, ABS brakes.

Gearboxs are quite weak and won't take much abuse. e.g. dropping the clutch, but if you look after them your fine.

This car was a Japanese import.

Faults:

When I purchased the Mazda I had to replace the cv joints - the dealership paid half. After wards it was regular maintenance including battery, tires, exhaust and just recently a radiator. All items breakdown eventually and my repairs (as noted) for regular maintenance. Including tune-ups and oil changes likely cost 200 a year over a period of over nine years. good on ya Mazda... the car is not perfect. the front seats are not very supportive after a few hours in the saddles.. very reliable and cheap to run.

General Comments:

When I purchased the vehicles it had the most kilometers of anything I had previously owned. It was the first Japanese (goes without saying first Mazda) I had owned. As it turned it has lasted longer than a number of American cars that were purchased new or near new. The car is as tight as the I bought it. Sometimes however it does burn a little oil for a few blocks. My mechanic say not worry it is to expected as long as rectifies itself don't worry.