Summary:
This is a fun, reliable, rugged truck that gets very good gas mileage
Faults:
It was very misused, and then sat for many years before I got it gifted to me from my father-in-law. It needed many minor repairs to run. Driver side window did not roll down (missing handle & rails), driver side door opener was a welded on Allen wrench, dash lights did not work, sun-exposed plastic was very brittle, paint was extremely faded, windshield wiper switch was a kitchen cabinet handle on a push/pull switch, etc. It had a lot of personality.
Trans slave cylinder went bad shortly after I got it running, probably seals and such from sitting so long.
Replaced head cover gasket 01/2011. It had been leaking oil from each side since I got it, and gasket sealer was not working.
Starter was rebuilt 11/2010.
Passenger side steering arm (?) was replaced 05/2010.
Replaced spark plugs and wires 01/2011.
General Comments:
I also have a nice 1999 Ford F150. I prefer driving this Mazda. It is not as comfortable, and is tougher to drive, but there is just something about it that I like.
It is very reliable, however it does not like the cold. On cold mornings it takes a while for the engine to get warm enough to run completely smooth. It warms up enough to get the heater working well very quickly, though. The transmission is very stiff until it warms up as well. When cold, accelerating from idle always has a stutter. It revs up as I push the gas, but then immediately almost dies. I have learned to tap the gas, then let off for a second and then hit the gas again to get it going from a stop light. I suspect the carb needs rebuilding. I replaced the fuel filter and plugs/wires to try and fix this, but it did not help.
The last two tanks of gas got me 29.8 MPG and 30.6 MPG, and that was a mix of city and highway driving. That is another reason I have garaged my Ford (15 MPG).
It has a camper shell on the back, which makes it a very good truck to haul my musical equipment in (I'm in a band). It is a light truck, and the camper shell acts like a sail. On a windy day, I get blown around quite a bit.
It was very beat up when I got it, so I did not feel bad about modifying it. I redid the dash and added a stereo in a different location than the original radio because it was larger than the original. I am painting it yellow and black with a large smiley face in the center of the hood, and having a lot of fun with the paint job. The many modifications have helped endear me to the truck. Plus, I do not worry about scratches and dings. So I park closer, drive through brush, and generally do whatever without a care.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 13th April, 2011