Mazda Problems

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 WATCHThe 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 SHOPThe 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 TIMEWith 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 VIEWTwenty-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 1991-1996Mazda badge lacks prestige of three-pointed starValue for moneySuperbly supple ride comfortSafe and secure handlingUnderstated but elegant stylingWell appointed interiorSmooth unfussed performance of V6 engineRating14/20 Well built, well equipped, refined luxury car but lacking badge refinement of other marques. Look for later cars with lower mileage.

In the 1980s car makers reckoned badge engineering was the key to success, and in some cases survival.  Model sharing was rife, with Toyotas badged as Holdens, Hondas as Rovers, and Mazdas as Fords.Ford and Mazda formed an alliance, with Ford acquiring a financial stake in the Japanese company, and many of Mazda's models were badge engineered and appeared in Ford showrooms.  Among them was the Telstar, Ford's remake of the Mazda 626, which was on sale at the same time in Mazda showrooms.MODEL WATCHMazda introduced the new front-wheel-drive 626 in 1983 to some high praise, winning many friends and a number of awards.  While the Mazda was imported, Ford built a slightly different version locally, and it too won its share of friends among car buyers.It was a good-looking car, nicely equipped, and came in four-door sedan and five-door hatch versions in both ranges, with the Mazda also offered as a coupe.  Power was from a single overhead camshaft four-cylinder, which had a carburettor and put out 70kW and 158Nm. Buyers could choose between a five-speed manual gearbox or three-speed auto.The base 626 had manual steering and there were a few complaints about the steering effort needed, particularly when parking. Other models, however, had power steering as well as aircon, cruise, power windows and mirrors, and central locking.It was much the same story over at Ford dealers, where you had to put up with manual steering on the base-model GL, when the Ghia not only got power steering, but also power mirrors and windows and radio/cassette sound.A 1985 update brought better ride and handling, improved brakes, and a new dash, with power steering an option on the base models. Another update in 1986 brought with it engines able to run on unleaded fuel.IN THE SHOPAs with any car of the age of the Telstar/Mazda 626, it's important to approach them with your eyes wide open.  If they've been in regular use since the mid-1980s they will have accumulated well in excess of 200,000km, some will have done more than 300,000km, and that generally means trouble is never far away.The best policy is to search for a well kept car with low mileage.  Look for oil leaks around the engine, particularly from the rocker cover, and perished radiator hoses, which can lead to problems if they fail on the job.Make sure all accessories work, as power windows and the like can be expensive to fix.  Checking for evidence of a crash is even more important with older cars, as the likelihood they have been in a crash is high.Have someone drive the car down the road, back and forth and watch to see if it tracks straight and true.  Inspect all panels for imperfections, colour mismatches and varying gaps. Open and close all doors, hatches and bonnet and observe for smooth operation.  Finally look for rust, particularly around the rear and side windows.CRUNCH TIMEWell before the advent of airbags, occupants in the Telstar/626 had to rely on much more rudimentary protection systems in a crash.  Of primary importance are the seat belts, and these should be checked for function and any sign that the belt webbing has deteriorated. It's a good idea to replace the belts to be sure you've got the best protection possible in a crash.FORD TELSTAR/MAZDA 626 1983-1987* Verifiable service record* Evidence of crash repairs* Rust around rear and side windows* Economical to run* Reassuring ride and handling* Comfortable ride* Low odo reading* Overall quite reliableRating12/20 Cheap reliable transport for young drivers if you can find a low mileage example.