1989 Mazda MX6 DX review from North America
"A very reliable and inexpensive car"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Aside from regular maintenance (oil, filters, plugs, tires, windshield, timing belt, etc)...
The muffler went after 3 years. The dealer replaced the muffler and after 12 years is still going strong.
I can't remember, but the transmission oil had to be replaced or flushed or something after about 4 years (under warranty).
CV boots needed replaced after 13 years.
Driver's side carpeted floor mat wore out after 10 years.
A/C got a hole in it and needed patching up after 11 years, but it has worked flawlessly ever since.
Exhaust pipes needed repairing after 12 years.
The gas tank drain plug (yep, it has one) needed replacing after 14 years.
Air intake hose got a hole in it and needed replacing after 14 years.
The vinyl part of the seats needed minor repairing after 15 years, but the fabric is still in excellent condition.
I fully expect to have to replace the head gasket in the next few years, along with the timing belt. I also need new hubcaps as the original ones are just too scratched up (my only regret is not getting alloys).
General comments?
This car still drives like it did when I drove it off the lot 15 years ago. It is the most comfortable car I've ever sat in. There is more room in the back seat than most coupes. There is also no rust anywhere. This would make a great used car bargain. If you follow the recommended maintenance schedule, the car will live a very long time.
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| 1989 - MX6 GT Turbo 2.2L 12 valve Six cylinder power on a four cylinder budget |
| Reliable, with some issues |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1989 |
| First year of ownership | 1989 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.2 Manual |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 9 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 0 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 185000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Chrysler Cordoba |
| Date of Entry | 30th June, 2004 |