Graham 'Smithy' Smith reviews the Mazda 929 91-96: its fine points, its flaws and what to watch for when buying it.
Mazda might not be one of the car-makers that come to mind when you think of luxury cars but the 929, released in 1991, challenged that perception.
MODEL WATCH
The rear-wheel drive 929 is a luxury liner in every sense. It is elegantly styled, well appointed, and capable of lining up alongside cars automatically accorded luxury status. The smooth curves, however, have an impact on interior space, which is considered borderline in a car of the 929's class.
The angle of the wide glass cuts into head and shoulder room, while front seat passengers complain of a lack of leg room. Others complain that the boot is too small and the solid bulkhead behind the rear seats, while contributing to the structural soundness of the body, means there is no way of having a ski port to carry longer items.
Power comes from a smooth fuel-injected 3.0-litre V6 with double overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. Peak power is 140kW at 6000rpm while maximum torque is 270Nm at 3500rpm.
With the right pedal hard on the floor, the 1627kg 929 responds by proceeding from rest to 100km/h in the respectable time of 9.9seconds, while covering the standard 400m sprint in 17.1 seconds on its way to a top speed of 212km/h. Not sports car times, but quite acceptable for a luxury car. The standard four-speed auto is smooth and well matched to the engine, while drive is through the rear wheels.
When pushed, the big Mazda turns into corners quite confidently and holds its line as you apply the power on the way out. Once settled, it adopts a slight bias towards understeer, which increases the harder you push and the body rolls.
It's all safe and sound, unless you lift off, when you will find yourself with armfuls of oversteer to sort out. Powerful disc brakes at both ends slow the 929 with ease, with the aid of standard ABS for added safety. The 929 absorbs rough and rutted roads with commendable ease.
Power adjustment is provided to achieve the best possible driving position, aided by the ability to adjust the height of the steering wheel. It also boasts an impressive array of standard features including airconditioning, cruise control, CD sound, power windows, power mirrors and central locking.
IN THE SHOP
The 929 is holding up well in service, but like all cars getting on in age, it needs to be approached with caution. It's likely most have had two or three owners.
It is a relatively complex car that needs to be regularly and correctly serviced, so it's important to ask sellers for a record of service. The lack of run strips down the body sides leaves the 929 vulnerable to small dings in car parks so check the sides for chips, scratches and small dents.
With cars nearing 200,000km you could be up for a major service, so keep that in mind on older cars. The last of the model, with 120,000km or so on the odometer, should have had a major service and would make a better choice. Remove the dipstick and oil filler cap and check the state of the oil while looking for a build-up of sludge. Same for the auto fluid, which should be clear and red. If it's not, the transmission may need servicing.
CRUNCH TIME
With no airbags, the 929 relies on its safe handling, with ABS on its disc brakes, for crash avoidance, and its mass and strong body structure for crash protection.
OWNER'S VIEW
Twenty-year-old Darren Pollard always wanted a 929 and bought a 1992 929 in December. He loves its Jaguarish looks, its long list of features and four-wheel steering, but he is not so rapt in the small boot, the way rain drips on to occupants when windows are open and the cost of parts.
MAZDA 929 1991-1996
- Mazda badge lacks prestige of three-pointed star
- Value for money
- Superbly supple ride comfort
- Safe and secure handling
- Understated but elegant styling
- Well appointed interior
- Smooth unfussed performance of V6 engine
How much
Cars with cloth trim, sold between 1991 and 1993, are now selling for $12,500 and $14,000, and will be fast approaching 200,000 km. Those cars sold with leather trim are being offered for $11,500 for the older 1991 models to $15,500 for the later ones sold in 1996. Those sold in 1996 were all 1995 build.
Rivals
Audi 80 2.8E 1992-1994 $13,000-$16,000
Lexus ES300 1992-1996 $15,800-$19,500
Volvo 850 GLT 1992-1996 $16,000-$21,500
Rating
14/20 Well built, well equipped, refined luxury car but lacking badge refinement of other marques. Look for later cars with lower mileage.
