Purchasing a used car. Is the Mazda MX-6 LS '93-'97 a good choice? Post if you own a MX-6 or Ford Probe, or an opinion!!

[kingz]

I've been researching many different cars for quite a while now. I've always wanted a 6th gen Celica, Supra (um yeah, decided I couldn't afford it), old Eclipse, even a cheapo Civic. However, I've came across the MX-6 and now its probably my top choice. V6, 160hp for ~$4k-7k. The '93-'97 Ford Probe is also the same car I believe. Heres some specs from a Automatic '94 LS by AutoWeek:
Engine: 2.5L V6 DOHC
Horsepower: 164@5600rpm
Torque(lb/ft): 160@4800rpm
Compression Ratio: 9.2:1
Valve Train: 24 Valve
Drive System: Front
Drive Ratio: 4.1:1
Transmission: 4-Spd Auto
Brakes: F/R Power vented discs/discs, ABS
Suspension:
Front: Ind. MacPherson struts, coil springs, shocks, antiroll
Rear: Ind. struts, single trailing arms, twin lateral links, coil springs, shocks, antiroll
MPG (City/Hwy): 21/26
Wheelbase: 102.8"
Overall Length: 181.5"
Curb Weight: 2,800 lbs.
Cargo Capacity: 12.4 cu. ft.
Seating Capacity: 5
0-60 mph: 9.7 seconds
quarter mile: 80 mph, 17.5 seconds
60-0 mph: 128 feet


Heres some pics:
Stock Pic 1
Stock Pic 2
Stock Pic 3
Stock Pic 4
Modded Pic 1
Modded Pic 2
Modded Pic 3
Modded Pic 4

Not sure if I'll be modding the MX-6. Maybe kit, rims, and a few performance mods, who knows? Its nice to have that option though. So what do you all think? I always wanted a Toyota for reliability, but this seems like the best bargain out there.

 

[JonnyDuke]

Good choice IMO,

I've owned an 89 Probe that really surprised me at how peppy it could be for a 4 cylinder (used to an I6) and I now drive a 92 MX-3, so I can say that Mazda is still a decent car in general and their engines are well made. I occasionally look around for an MX-6 just to see if there is one that catches my eye.

 

[Migroo]

Yeah go for it. Bit more exclusive than some other options

 

[Phunktion]

I suggest you avoid the automatic tranny at all costs.. the manual trans version is much more reliable and fun.. the auto's on the Probe or MX-6 are identical and they are very flaky..

 

Phunktion is absolutely correct.
Stay away from that tranny,go for the manual.
In the many years as a A.S.E. Certified Automotive Technician,I have never seen another tranny so plagued with problems.

 

[Amused]

I had a 94' MX-6 LX manual. Black with tan leather. It was a great car.

Make sure the spark plug wires have been replaced. That was my only problem with it. They rotted out and started shorting. It acts as if you've lost a cylinder.

 

[kingz]

I've never driven a manual before, so if I do go for the manual, it would be my first. I have a few friends with manual transmission, but most likely most of my practice would come from my next car. I was thinking about getting the auto, but I've also heard about many problems about it. Guess I'll just have to learn.

 

[kingz]

Any other MX-6/Probe owners out there?

 

[vi edit]

I've heard many horror stories about outrageous repair bills for parts and labor. I was looking at a Probe GT for a while and decided against it because of repair costs.

 

[TeflonMan1]

I've never owned an MX-6 but I have driven one, and there alot of fun, especiall the 6 cylinder one. I read somewhere that the 93' model had some serious problems but the 94'-97' should be fine.

 

[duragezic]

If the auto tranny is like the 626's (which I think it is), then don't get an auto. Manuals are more fun anyway, especially for that car. And they're not hard to learn. My first time ever driving a manual... today for like only a few minutes but I didn't stall from a start, which is probably the hardest part. First try and I had it going. Maybe I'm just that good. But yah I do hear the repair costs are very expensive.

 

[GigaCluster]

I own a Mazda MX-6 '93, and I can confirm others' opinions about the automatic transmission... it sucks.
The car jerks every time it shifts into 2nd gear... VERY annoying, let me tell you.

 

[coolred]

I was also looking at a Ford probe, while I can handle getting a manual, I don't like the idea of high repair costs, as I have heard they can have some problems.

 

[kingz]

man, looks like repair costs is a big problem. Do you guys have any examples? It is because of Mazda/Ford parts in general or just the MX-6/Probe? Is there a reason for it?

 

[coolred]

I would also liek to know the answer to that

 

[zsir]

The car is a biatch to work on.........The pistons would carbon up and cause a engine knock as the carbon brushed against the combustion chamber..........

As long as you don't have to work on it yourself............it's an ok car

 

[Kindjal]

My previous car was a 1995 MX-6 LS V6 (bought new) - awesome ride, when it was running smoothly. I had problems with stalling and hesistation that required 3 new sets of sparkplug wires in 3 years - WTF - obviously nobody knew or cared to find the real problem. Those problems were especially troublesome because they were exacerbated by turning on the AC - I lived in southern Mississippi at the time.

Overall it was a fun car to drive and it did work most of the time - so if you find a V6 Probe/MX-6 with a decent owner - take it for a test drive, then have an independent mechanic check it out for you.

 

[coolred]

Yeah I think as long as it's as fun to drive as everyone says, I may just try to deal with the repairs as they come. I have a few mechanics in the family which would work on it for free or at least cheap, so all I have to worry about is parts and maybe some beer, while they work, just to keep them happy.

 

[randomlinh]

Stay away from probe.. it's butt ugly But it is a hatch.. the opening for the trunk in the mx6 is too small IMO.

Don't know if you want auto or stick.. but i will further emphasize stay away from auto, especially the 93. A tranny cooler is really some you would want to slap on it. My auto is losing somewhere btwn 2nd-3rd gear. Rear also has known leakage problems (bolts on the bumper or light housing.. i need to go look for it again.. i had standing water in my wheel well.. a LOT of it). Paint on my 93 was also CRAP. Had it repainted (not paid by me.. i was planning on driving till the thing died). Oh yeah, don't let maaco do it.

Otherwise.. the thing handles pretty nice... hard to find tires locally tho.. stock size anyway. I am the 3rd owner, 93 mx6 ls. I'm lucky to even have a car thanks to a generous cousin. But i was warned beforehand on the condition of the car, but hell, i can't complain too much Just be very careful if when getting one, as with any used car.

The O2 sensors are also prone to dying. My milage is pretty much close to par on what most ppl are getting, so i haven't bother changing mine... i've heard they tend to go out quickly.

And you know what, THANK YOU MAZDA FOR PUTTING A DRIVER SIDE CUP HOLDER. This is by far my favorite feature of the car In all, if i had the money, i would go looking for a 96/97 of this.. mainly cause not many ppl have it and it's nice to not have a civic like everyone else... but i would keep the stock look, no mods.. cept the wheels.. the 93/94 look the best i think.

Linh (my mx6 and mx6 forums)

BTW.. seating capacity = 4 for insurance purposes.. i dunno how you can get 5.. unless they are all kids. IMO, the REAL capacity is TWO.