1997 Mazda MX6 LS review from North America

Had to change CV boots on both sides along with one of the trans axles @ 125 000 km.

Needed new 2 rotors replaced along with passenger side wheel bearing @ 130 000 km.

Replaced passenger window motor.

Replaced water pump and timing belt at 135 000 km.

Head gasket blew 2 months after water pump was fixed.

Near the end of my ownership of the vehicle the car would have an overheating problem. The fan that cools the engine was not coming on in time, and at stop lights it would gradually start to overheat. Had to run the heater to cool it back down to a normal temperature. Also the check engine light kept coming on and off at about 155 000 km and eventually stayed on until I got rid of the car.

I bought this car because of its looks, also because I didn't want to buy the typical sports car that millions of other teens had already. I had a previous MX6 (1989) and fell in love with the MX-6 and Mazda as a brand.

It is a very sexy sleek car and the ladies love it! Its quite fast and leaves most sport coupes in the dust. It handles very well in the summer or in nice weather. The MX-6 comes with a great stock stereo system. It is a seriously hot ride, but at a price...

With that said the car was a mechanical nightmare. Everything that could break practically did. I omitted some minor work because the list is so large. I must have poured at least $5000 into this car while I had it. I suggest that you be pretty well off before you purchase one of these baby's.

I still loved the car and enjoyed ripping around in it, but now that I look back at it I think think that it was'nt worth all the stress I went through. It was quite tough as a student to keep up with the repair bills. I would suggest this car to a young professional who has money to spare and enjoys little sport coupes.

Pro's - Fast, good looking, pretty good fuel economy, Sporty, nice paint job, big trunk, great stock stereo, Great engine and transmission.

Con's - Very dangerous in the winter, practically no back seat leg room, only one cup holder, rusts underneath heavily, Costs a lot for parts and repairs, not too comfy on trips over 2 hours long, would not like to be in a serious accident in one (the car is very low), stick shifter is too long,