1997 Mazda MX3 1.8 V6 review from UK and Ireland

Nothing as yet; although the air conditioning needed topping up, and there are some chips and dings that I'd like to have removed.

Buying this car was definately a head versus heart situation. I've always liked the look of them, but I'd also heard of the various horror stories from other owners; horrendous fuel consumption, deep vein thrombosis inducingly small rear seats, daunting insurance (group 15!), zero practicality and repair bills that could quite feasibly bankrupt me (especially on my paltry income).

All sensible thinking collapsed as soon as I test drove it. This being the first V6 car I had driven, I was completely taken aback by the sheer noise of the thing; it may only be a 1.8 litre engine, but it still sounds decidedly... hairy chested.

Ten minutes later I'd handed over a cheque to the salesman in a daze.

Yes, the petrol dissapears nearly as quickly as you put it in (I was checking for leaks for the first three days) and no one will want to get in the back, but you won't care. This has to be one of the most grin inducing cars I've ever driven. The performance may not be a lot different to other four cylinder cars, but the sheer excitement of the thing makes it feel even quicker than it is. Bear in mind that this car is smaller and lighter than the latest shape Golf GTi.

The best car I've ever owned and I want to be buried in it.