1997 Mazda Xedos 9 2.5iV6 Auto review from UK and Ireland

In the 137,000 miles that we covered, we encountered the following problems:

159,000 miles Automatic transmission clutch needed replacing.

120,000 miles new water-pump required.

116,000 miles new radiator hose (we replaced due to simply access)

119,000 miles new first battery.

107,000 miles front door courtesy light wire connector plugs replaced.

For those who know about the Mazda Xedos 9, you will know that it is such a fantastic car with nigh on perfect engineering from the company that wins reliability awards almost yearly for various models.

Given that the total mileage covered by ourselves in the Xedos was 137,000 miles in just three years we couldn't have wished for a nicer car, more special car.

Our friends had and still have Volkswagens and BMW's, which in my opinion are very commonplace and blandly styled with reliability being nothing to be proud of, but we chose the Xedos for its rarity and style and better build.

Motorway miles were covered in smooth serenity amongst all those BMW 5-series and Mercedes E-class owners, the Xedos 9 really stood out with its sleek lines and low profile. Instantly recognizable with the gorgeous 17-inch alloy wheels and richly appointed satellite blue paintwork this car attracted frequent looks of admiration. Grey piped leather interior, a sophisticated standard alarm system (that caught us out a few times when we locked the doors from the inside with the ignition off) and a really neat hifi system with a mini remote added to this special package. Standard sound system was awesome.

The 2.5iV6 engine was a very strong unit that never let us down. With 168bhp on tap and a top speed of 135mph, performance was always impressive. The auto box had a "hold" mode where it dropped a gear and acceleration then on was phenomenal. Initially sluggish at low speeds, the Xedos made a relaxed town companion. The roar of the V6 also oozed a sense of rare class often synonymous with 6 cylinder cars, but note quite the same. Even the gear change, whilst being smooth and refined had a nice note to it which worked together with creating an clean, swish exhaust rasp.

The cabin was a little cramped and fuel economy wasn't great around town and those 235/45 alloy wheels meant we had to spend a minimum of £100 per tyre even for the cheapest brands.

Factory lowered suspension meant that the Xedos hated sleeping policemen, but handling was assured and roll free.

Now, in 2005, the only top of the range Mazda is the Mazda6 2.3iSport which is somewhat more family orientated. A shame Mazda don't make an Executive model now and this time market it properly, price is sensibly and I think they should add a 3.3 litre diesel unit to rival those boring Germans...

I really miss this car and if anyone owns it with reg starting "P638" please post a comment!! I hope its still on the road:.) I'd love to find it again and even buy it back. Does anyone know of a way of finding a specific car? It is true the saying you don't appreciate what you have got until you don't have it!