1989 Mazda MX6 GT Turbo review from North America
"Six cylinder power on a four cylinder budget"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Plugs, rotor, distributor cap, and wires needed replacement right when I bought it.
It burns a little bit of oil, not much for an 89 with almost 150k on the original motor.
Passenger side seat bracket had broken, but was easily fixed with a wire welder and 10 minuets time.
I have been told that the differential is the weak link in the power train, so rebuilt mine at 130,000 miles.
General comments?
This is a fantastic car to drive. The handling at speed is smooth and very direct. Shocking acceleration the first few times I really got into the gas.
There is some torque steer at wide open throttle in the lower gears.
I have added on many aftermarket parts, ignition coil, 9mm plug wires, iridium spark plugs (a must for any turbo), electronic boost control, turbo timer, cross drilled rotors, performance brake pads, lowering springs, lightweight aluminum flywheel, and Phantom Grip limited slip differential to name a few.
The car can handle up to 16 psi on stock pistons, however, the computer will intervene at 11 psi unless it is also modified with a chip.
It's a very smooth riding car that begs to be driven hard, personally I have had mine up to nearly 150 mph only to lift off for fear of my well being, but the car still had more.
The GT model for the years it was produced (1988-1992) is now becoming scarce. Every day another one of these gems disappears off the road forever. If you do happen across one jump on it as quick as you can, it will not wait for long.
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| 1989 - MX6 not given 2.2L 4 banger It's just like a rollercoaster |
| Reliable, with some issues |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1989 |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.2L 12 valve Manual |
| Performance marks | 10 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 2 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 108500 miles |
| Most recent distance | 147000 miles |
| Previous car | Mazda 626 |
| Date of Entry | 27th February, 2003 |