Topic: Considering a Mazda MX-6

[jmoney]

I'm considering buying an MX-6 as my daily driver. I'm 19, have a part-time job, and go to school, so, naturally, being young and all, I'm trying to find a "sporty" car. The MX-6 caught my eye (and with 164-hp, it's not too slow), and I was wondering if it would be a good choice. Canadian Driver says it's a "stylish two-door with good performance and above average reliability," but I've read from different places that it's had engine problems like it's Probe counterpart.

Are the MX-6's a good buy if I get one with around 120,000+ kms?  What are things I should expect from a car this old?

For a while, i was thinking of getting a Cavalier Z24, cept owning a pontiac sunbird/Cavy (92) previously and having quite a few problems with it, I think I'll stay away. And... I don't want a civic... Any other good car choices I could make at this price range, that would be more reliable, yet also be sporty?

Thanks in advance!

[johngenx]

The MX-6 is essentially a Ford Probe from the same era, and as such, is just an "okay" car.  Don't even consider the I-4 version, and they're tepid and the engine/tranny combos are usually the horrific Ford automatic.

As big a fan as I am of Mazda, in the sporty coupe market, I would shop a Honda Prelude.  Much better car.

[WW]

Acura's Integra is also a great small sporty coupe. Reliable and fun to drive. Also, when girls ask you what car you drive, you can proudly say Acura . Bad part is, they have a high resale value, which is not so good when your're the buyer.

[davidm]

Fundamentally good cars (if you don't mind FWD).  Avoid auto trannys (very weak) and if you are in Vancouver I can highly recomend a Mazda specialist (non-dealer) who can go through the car with you.

I'm going to suggest a Miata as an alternative.  Very reliable, much sportier, and great fun at 19.  Only question is if you need the bit more room these other suggestions above provide (integra being a good one).  Miatas are more plentiful and can be found at almost every price point from $5k up.

[jmoney]

Thanks for the info guys.

I really want a Prelude, cept I don't have enough money to shell out for one. Same with the Integra. Two cars that I'd buy if I had that much money. Right now I don't have that much money to spend, but I do need a car. I know that there's not much space in the MX-6, but I need those fake 2 rear-seats if ever my friends need a quick ride, so a 2-seater miata isnt really a good choice. And yeah, I plan on getting a -+standard FWD car; a lil safer for the winter.

I thought of getting a big loan from my bank, cept it's not really a good idea bring in school and all since I just work part-time. Big payments = no extra money for other things.

[ghost]

what's ur budget? I believe the gen4 preludes can be had in the 13s-15s... YMMV.

[Mdxtasy]

I'd consider an Accord coupe, Nissan 240SX as well as the already mentioned Integra and Prelude models from Honda.  Subaru Impreza comes in a 2dr as well.