1988 Mazda 929 from North America - Comments

What hasn't? Let's see.. Leaking engine seals, shudders in transmission, waiting&hunting for gears, motor vibration, remote trunk release, steering has dead spot before doing anything. Very poor design.

This is supposed to be Mazda's flagship car, but I've quickly learned Mazda isn't capable of of coming close to Honda or Toyota or even Subaru in building a quality car. I can only say it's been one hassle after another, repairs are SUPER expensive and, although it has nothing to do with 929's the fact that friends have had 2 different Mazda motors disintegrate on them recently doesn't fill me with confidence. It's off the road now and sitting in my driveway. What more can I say? Run from Mazdas.. they are no bargain.

Um, well our car a 1997 Mazda Xedos 9 has covered 170,000 miles, so, um, well, I think you are some what incorrect.

You bought a car with 200000 miles on the clock

what did you expect

you do not know how well the cars previous owners looked after it for all you know it could have been thrashed to within an inch of its life

this is the reason that I will never Buy a second hand car.

You cannot blame mazda for faults on a 200,000 mile old car

the car should have been laid to rest years ago.

Thanks for the comments folks, but that's 200k KILOMETERS, which is only about 120,000 miles. On the west coast of Canada there are many mid 80's cars around (they survive here nicely) and we own a Subaru with 150k miles and a Honda with 250k miles both which are still great runners with only the expected age related minor problems. This 929 was in mint in/out condition so it wasn't trashed.. and it's hard to believe their top-of-the-line product should have 2 Major component failures (Trans and Steering) at this low mileage. We have had Toyota's and Volvo's also with no major problems. My friend had a 92 Miata shred it's engine due to a known cam defect and 2 girls I know with newer Precidias also had engine's throw rods. What can I say? I'm not expecting miracles with older cars, but Mazdas obviously can't hold up in comparison. Visit the Mazda discussion board and you'll see what I mean. I stand by my review, although believe me since it's sitting dead on the lawn I wish I was wrong! Given the choice buy a Honda, Subaru or Toyota!

Well I have known 5 people who have owned a HC 929 including myself (I have a 89). I have heard about the transmission problems, but never met anyone who had had them. My transmission started acting up 3 years ago and I bought new fluid to change it, but it mysteriously went away. My steering is also a little funky, but its manageable. Also check the steering boots they fail and if left unchecked they can cause problems.

This car has been the best used car I have owned. I ended up buying a similar 88 626 for my wife because of the reliability of the 929 and was fairly happy with that also.

My 929 has 206000 km at the moment and I aquired it at 176000 km.

OK I am in Australia, and I have a custom mazda 929 HC 88model, it just clocked 225 000 k's and so far no problems what so ever. if you take care of the car with regular services you will b OK.

Only problem is my shocks they r gone, so have to be replaced, but schocks that have been in the car for 225 000 k's I think that deserves a merit point.

Gear box has no problems, only leaks, but it gets services once a year, and car engine service, every 5 000 k's.

Take care of it, it will take care of u.

Mazda 929 rules.

I've had my 1990 Mazda 929 V6I Hardtop for a year now, its got 193,000kms on the clock, nothing has gone wrong with this Grand Car, its been fantastic.

My neighbour has a 1988 Mazda 929 V6I Hardtop, his has 280,000kms, and is still going strong and better than ever.

Obviously the owners who owned the car before you had it, didn't care about it at all, and just drove the heck out of it. They must not have done any maintenance to the car whatsoever.

I bought a 1988 Mazda 929 and obviously had no idea what I was in for. I was searching google and e-bay for transmissions at a low price and stumbled across this site. Wow! What an eye opener.

My Mazda is now in the driveway in need of a water pump, radiator (just replaced 1 yr ago) and a transmission. Maybe I should give up on this car while I am still ahead. This is no consolation since I just ordered/paid for the new radiator.

I have owned plenty of vehicles (new and used) and by far this is the least reliable vehicle I've ever had. Sorry, Mazda you loose hands down.

I owned one of maybe 10 or so Mazda 929 85s in australia, limited edition and all, and to this day it was the nicest, most efficient, reliable and economic car I ever owned. I agree completely, you take care of it, it takes care of you.