Water Pump broke. This was obviously known about the car, since it was leaking fluid and had Stopleak in the radiator. This is a common problem for the MX6.
Oil Light Sensor leaked oil. Easy repair, the part cost $30 or so.
Engine ticks. Apparently this is due to the Hydraulic Lash Adjustors (HLAs). This doesn't cause a problem with performance, but makes the car sound like crap. My mechanic added Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) to the oil. Apparently the detergents in this oil-based product help to clean the valves. It is quietest after an oil change and apparently using a synthetic oil will help, especially with the higher-mileage cars. Mobil1 came highly recommended (be careful of cheap synthetics! They can break down and cause massive buildup and headache).
I bought this car last June. It was obviously neglected the year before I bought it. Between the tires, belts, water pump, and oil sensor light, I've put in $1200. It's expensive, but I didn't do any of this myself and the tires cost $400 for some good ones.
The MX6 is a very sporty-looking car, but with a 2.0L engine, it doesn't have the get up and go of a sportster. I have no problem with this; I love the gas mileage (28/34). This is not to say it's slow;
I just took this car on a 3,500-mile trip. The day before I left, the Check Engine light came on. Didn't have the time to remedy that vague problem, and despite this, the car has worked wonderfully for me. It has been over mountain passes (with chains!), through deserts, on dirt roads, and get this: the gas mileage IMPROVED throughout the trip!
I have gotten many compliments on this car. I like it, as it is not all that common. It is fun to drive, with a smooth clutch, comfy seats, sunroof, and decent factory speakers.
I have owned previous Mazda's (all over 100,000 miles) and believe them to be the best value on the road. My goal is to take this car to 2010, hitting over 200,000...only time will tell.
The HLA noise is pretty much endemic to these cars and there are various strategies for getting rid of it. Once you have rid of it it is best to use the best quality synthetic oil to prevent the HLA's from gumming up again.
If it has been looked after you should get this machine beyond 200k without too many problems. Mine has 169k and is still going like billy-o.
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