1997 Mazda Xedos 9 2.5iV6 Auto from UK and Ireland - Comments

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!

Well, I also owned the same car, and Yes, I do agree with the reviewer, that the Mazda Xedos 9 is a Fine Car.

Thing is tho, Mazda badge, does not have any kind of Prestige.

As I said, the Xedos 9 is not a Bad Car, but if you want to feel special and you don't care about Reliability, then I suggest you do the same as I did...

Replace your Mazda Xedos 9 for an Alfa-Romeo 166.

That's what I did, I replaced the 1997 Mazda Xedos 9 for a 2001 Alfa-Romeo 166 3.0 V6 Auto.

Yes, I am aware about Alfa's Reliability Problems and YES I Do know, that maintenance it won't be cheap and Alfa dealers are among the worst dealership in Britain, along with Mercedes and Ford Dealers.

But, Like I said, if you Really Want to feel Special, than go for the Alfa.

German Cars are Fine and I have to be honest, to say that all the German Cars you've listed, are Much More Superior than your Mazda.

But, if you want to be different among the Normal BMWs and Mercedes, then buy a Lexus.

They are more reliable than the Germans and they are just as good as the Germans.

Happy Motoring and Enjoy your Mazda.

P.S: PLEASE: DON'T BE A GERMAN CARS HATER! MY BROTHER OWNS A 1999 BMW 540i AND HE LOVES HIS BMW.

From the original reviewer:

As much as I like the Alfa 166 (I loathed the 164!), especially the 3.0i V6 model, I don't want to really be on first name terms with my local Alfa dealer due to me going back and forth to get problems rectified. I never mentioned anything about prestige in my review, as I know that Mazda has very little executive status, nor does Honda or Nissan or Toyota to a degree even though they have a link with Lexus. The Xedos has middling image, less image than a BMW or Merc, but much better than a Daewoo or Hyundai. I am not that bothered about prestige, even though I would not want to be seen in a Daewoo. I value cars with good build, elegant styling, fine refinement/comfort and a degree of individuality in their design. We now own a Toyota Corolla 1.6VVTI T3: if I wanted prestige I'd buy a new Golf. But why these are prestigious heaven only knows with all their problems. Just look at the reviews of VW's on this site, VW have slipped, but people keeping buying them for their prestige and heritage! People who pay thousands more for a little VW symbol when there are equally good cars out there are just wasting their money.

Hi.

I can report that my Alfa 166 2.5 V6 has proved trouble free for the 4 years I have had it.

Yes, I have had to replace some parts - exhaust, radiator (a stone rather than Alfa quality), brake discs and pads, but nothing out of the ordinary and using skilled Alfa specialists is much cheaper (and better) than main dealers Make sure it is regularly serviced and you'll have no problems.

And as an excellent value, second-hand purchase, they are fantastic value for money and something a bit special too... after all, not many cars made it into Jeremy Clarkson's book, but the Alfa 166 did!.

Someone told me that Mercedes charge you per 1/2 litre unit for oil and they paid over £ 80.00 for oil alone at their last service? Is that true?

Rob Knight (happy 166 Owner).

I would rather have an Alfa to a Mercedes E-class too. I think they look great as long as they have the 17 or 18-inch alloys and sports suspension- it really sets it off. However I prefer the look of this particular Mazda Cedos 9 Jan 1997-Aug 1998 2.5iV6 with the lowered suspension. I think people who write reviews don't always respect others opinions on cars that they like and cars they don't. The xedos is also a far better built car though I'm not saying the Alfa doesn't has some plus points over it. i.e. performance and image- but who cares? Both are nice cars and we should remember the saying each to their own!

I would rather have an Alfa to a Mercedes E-class too. I think they look great as long as they have the 17 or 18-inch alloys and sports suspension- it really sets it off. However I prefer the look of this particular Mazda Xedos 9 Jan 1997-Aug 1998 2.5iV6 with the lowered suspension. I think people who write reviews don't always respect others opinions on cars that they like and cars they don't. The xedos is also a far better built car though I'm not saying the Alfa doesn't has some plus points over it. i.e. performance and image- but who cares? Both are nice cars and we should remember the saying each to their own!

My xedos 9 auto v5 2.5 f.s.h. forsale with private plate

£1,500 ovno tel carlisle 07990 654137.

From the original writer of this review: A while back I saw the car advertised on ebay showing 91000 miles so someone had clocked it. I reckon they probably knocked off 100k miles. Went to have a look at the car and sure enough it was the one. The headgasket had gone which to be honest you wouldn't expect on an Xedos 9 with 91k, but probably would with one that had covered 191k. I reported it to ebay (I should've told the police) and heard nothing more. There must be so much of this going about that no-one knows about its just so wrong. A real shame to see the old girl in such a state and knowing what someone had done.

One thing you can do in the future is fill in the mileage on the V5 document when you sell the car.

It's not a legal requirement, but at least DVLA have a record of it.

I have a Mazda MX-6 automatic and that's still going strong at 195k (it covered over 1200 miles over the Christmas break).