Slide of
Mazda has long been one of the most interesting Japanese car companies.
By no means the largest of them, it has often gone its own way, powering ahead with innovations such as rotary engines, while reinventing entire segments, as with the original MX-5. And as the company has its 100th birthday this year, time to look at some of its best cars and how you can get your hands on them:
Slideshow story - please click the right-hand arrow above to continue
- Slide of
Mazda 6 MPS
Years built: 2005-2007
Values: £3,000-£7,000
Arguably one of the most underrated and overlooked high performance cars of the last decade or so, the rare Mazda 6 MPS is a proper sleeper sports saloon. With its subtle looks and relative lack of pedigree, this fast four-door was often overlooked in favour of rally-bred rivals from Subaru and Mitsubishi. But with a 256bhp turbocharged 2.3-litre and four-wheel drive traction, the Mazda can monster the 0-62mph dash in just 6.6 seconds.
- Slide of
Mazda 6 MPS
Crucially, it’s even more entertaining in the corners, its stiffened body-shell and firmer suspension delivering real agility and adjustability. Overall it’s reliable too, but check for a full history and that all the tyres have a similar tread depth - mixed rubber can cause expensive transmission issues. In fact, the only real problem is finding one.
We found one: With just two owners, 85k on the clock and comprehensive history, this 2006 car looks good value at £3,995
- Slide of
Mazda MX-5 (NC)
Years built: 2005-2015
Values: £2,000-£15,000
You can’t really have a used Mazda buying guide without an MX-5. The world’s favourite roadster has been around for three decades now, but which one makes the most sense used? Original cars are the purest, but prices are rising as fast as the second generation models are succumbing to rust, while the latest version is still a trifle pricy. That means the sweet spot is the MK3 (known as the NC) introduced in 2005.
- Slide of
Mazda MX-5 (NC)
It’s as easy to live with as the current car, yet with prices starting at £3,000 it’s much easier on the wallet. All are great to drive, but try and seek out the gutsier 2.0-litre Sport with its six-speed gearbox and limited slip diff. If you’re budget stretches then post 2010 facelift cars have even sharper handling and more standard kit.
We found one: A well-cared for 2007 2.0 Sport with a stack of service history and just 43,000 miles for £4,300
- Slide of
Mazda RX-8
Years built: 2002-2012
Values: £1300-£8000
We’re not going to pretend there aren’t risks when going rotary, but choose carefully and the RX-8 makes a cracking used buy. It’s near 50/50 weight distribution and rear-wheel drive layout make it huge fun on your favourite road, while the Wankel’s uncanny smoothness and appetite for revs compensate for a lack of outright urge and thin torque. Those suicide rear doors and decent boot mean it’s practical, too.
- Slide of
Mazda RX-8
Fuel costs are high, but it’s the risk of total engine failure that puts many off. However, find a high output 228bhp version with a full history, keep an eye on the oil consumption and you should be able to bag a bargain that looks and drives like no other.
We found one: At only £3,495, an immaculate 44,000 mile 2006 228bhp RX-8 came with a full history and recent compression test on the engine.
- Slide of
Mazda 3 MPS
Years built: 2003-2013
Values: £2,500-£12,000
There haven’t been many hot hatches to come out of Hiroshima, so it’s hardly a surprise that the Mazda 3 MPS has slipped into obscurity. Yet with the potent 256bhp 2.3-litre from the 6 MPS driving the front wheels, a drive in the 3 is a memorable experience. Torque steer is an issue even with the standard LSD, but overall the Ford Focus-based Mazda is grippy and fun to drive.
- Slide of
Mazda 3 MPS
Early cars look a little frumpy, but the sharper second generation version looks the part with its bonnet scoop and large rear wing. Better still, its cult status means most are well cared for, while reliability is excellent.
One we found: A 2009 second generation car with 76,000 miles a glowing maintenance record and a £6,450 price tag
- Slide of
Mazda MX-6
Years built: 1992-1997
Values: £1,000-£5,000
The Nineties coupe boom resulted in buyers being spoilt for choice in the sleek and stylish stakes. One of the most sophisticated, if understated, was the MX-6, which also formed the basis of the slightly garish Ford Probe. The Mazda isn’t as eye-catching as its Blue Oval brother, but it handles well and is powered by a free-spinning 168bhp 2.5-litre V6.
That engine’s so smooth you’d swear it runs on double cream. There’s also space for four and a usefully sized boot, so it’s fairly versatile. Problems are few and far between, but a fully stamped service book is desirable.
One we found: Dry stored for 10 years, this one owner car has covered 99,000 miles, comes with lots of history and is yours for £1,750
- Slide of
Mazda RX-7
Years built: 1992-2002
Values: £8,000-£55,000
For nearly twenty years the RX-7 went toe-to-toe with Porsche, but with the final FD model in 1992 it finally had a car to beat its arch-rival. Not only did this curvaceous third generation version look better than the 968, it went harder thanks to a 237bhp turbocharged rotary and handled just as sweetly.
- Slide of
Mazda RX-7
However, fear of the unknown for buyers meant barely more than 200 found homes in the UK before sales stopped in 1996. These cars are rare, but there are plenty of the more powerful grey imports to choose from. Whichever you choose a meticulous service history is essential.
One we found: One of the rare UK supplied cars, this 96,000 mile car has been cared for and looks a steal at £10,000
- Slide of
Mazda MX-3
Years built: 1992-1998
Values: £800-£3,500
While European firms were firing frenetic four-cylinder hot hatches out of their factory doors, Mazda chose instead to launch a compact coupe powered by a dinky 1.8-litre V6. Today the MX-3 is a great modern classic choice that’ll also double as a daily driver, thanks to robust quality and decent comfort.
With just 130bhp that turbine-like engine is no fireball, but it sounds great and the front-wheel drive chassis is nimble thanks to advanced passive rear steer. Better still, prices for this hidden gem are low, with mint examples still only a couple of grand.
One we found: A £2,195 1998 example has covered 89,000 miles and is extremely straight and well cared-for with a full history and fresh MoT.
- Slide of
Mazda AZ-1
Years built: 1992-1995
Values: £12,000-£17,000
Gullwing doors? Check. Mid-mounted motor? Check. Composite body panels? Check. Welcome to the weird and wonderful AZ-1. Built to Japan’s Kei car regulations, this tiny two-seater was a rival for the Honda Beat and Suzuki Cappuccino, and is even madder than both.
Powered by a 63bhp 657cc turbocharged triple that’ll rev to 9,000rpm it’s surprisingly brisk, while the skinny-tyred handling is hilarious. Yes it’s cramped and there’s no luggage space, but few cars this side of a six-figure sum supercar will attract as much attention.
One we found: On sale at Japanese import specialist, this £14,999 53,000 mile example has a fully stamped service book and looks great on steel wheels
- Slide of
Mazda CX-7
Years built: 2007-2012
Values: £1,800-£5,000
Mazda’s current crop of crossovers can trace their driver-focussed roots back to the CX-7. Launched in 2007, it combined the high-riding stance and family-friendly practicality of an SUV with the fiery turbocharged 256bhp motor, six-speed gearbox and four-wheel drive system from the Mazda 6 MPS.
- Slide of
Mazda CX-7
Despite its size it’s happy to be hustled, with strong grip and great body control, while it’ll humble hot hatches in a straight line. It’s not particularly frugal, but it’s as tough as old boots and prices start at less than £2,000.
One we found: A 2009 example with leather and Bose stereo, 79,000 miles and Mazda service history for a reasonable £3,495
- Slide of
Mazda 323 4WD
Years built: 1985-1989
Values: £2,500 to £15,000
If you want to stand out from the usual Lancia Delta and Escort RS Cosworth homologation crowd, then look no further than the 323 4WD. You’ll have to look carefully though, because the turbocharged 148bhp 1.6-litre hatch is getting rare and prices are rising.
It’s not as quick and composed as its Group A competition, but the compact 323 is fleet-footed and has genuine competition cred thanks to a trio of WRC wins. Rust has killed many of these motorsport Mazdas, so check for rot.
One we found: A mechanically strong 80k example which has plenty of history, but a tatty body means the £6,500 price requires serious haggling.
Close
