Buying a Cosmo...

[tek_121]

Hi everyone, posting from Montral, Qubec, Canada...
I'm about to buy myself a Cosmo and I was wondering what should I check on it? What are their week link? The one I'll go check is a 1992, 68 000KM, black, tan interior, 20B, all original without any mods at all...

Please let me know, they are only 3 - 20B in Quebec, so it's hard to get info on them! And do you think that a Mazda dealer could do a good job inspecting it?

 

[frank20bcosmo]

Hi

the main issue apart from the obvious bodywork and anything you can see on the interior to say it has had a harder life than the speedo is telling you is the motor,, see if you can get a compression test on it,, a sign of a good rotary is a reading of 7 and above I believe.

they need to have oil changed every 3,000 miles (5,000 kms ) or even more frequent if you prefer but use this as a maximum guide,, they are designed to burn oil so make sure you keep it topped up

with the sort of mileage your quoting I would expect it to be in pretty good shape as long as it has been maintained,, as a rebuild will cost you in excess of $5k depending if the apaex seal lets go and takes a housing with it as happened to mine,, also make sure you have no boost leaks as this can cause strain on the seals if it is overboosting.

all that said when you get behind the wheel and hit the pedal you will be amazed at the power of the 20b even in standard form,, and you will agree any expense is worth it,, I still say to people that ask me about the car " it is Mazdas best kept secret"

Good Luck and keep us posted on how you get on