considering P5 - suggestions?

[akaszowski]

I'm seriously thinking of getting a P5, but as I have not bought a Mazda before, I want to make sure that this is a sound decision. I'm also currently driving a 3-door hatch (VW Golf...I like it, but it's had too many reliability issues that it's time to switch)...but I'm not sure that looks-wise I'm ready to move to a 5-door sportwagon.

Anyways, a few questions:

First off - how is it performing routine service maintenance on the car? I like to do work on my own to make sure that the car stays in good shape. Pretty decent getting around the hood?

Secondly, how is the reliability after a few years? I've had the VW Golf for a while now, and the reliability hasn't been very good at all - I just had to machine the cylinder head as it got warped. Other problems have been common. Is the P5 as good as Mazda's reputation for reliable cars is (honestly...what's your experience and opinion?)

Any suggestions and hints would be really appreciated.

Thanks,
Andrew

 

[susamafone]

I'm seriously thinking of getting a P5, but as I have not bought a Mazda before, I want to make sure that this is a sound decision. I'm also currently driving a 3-door hatch (VW Golf...I like it, but it's had too many reliability issues that it's time to switch)...but I'm not sure that looks-wise I'm ready to move to a 5-door sportwagon.

Anyways, a few questions:

First off - how is it performing routine service maintenance on the car? I like to do work on my own to make sure that the car stays in good shape. Pretty decent getting around the hood?

Secondly, how is the reliability after a few years? I've had the VW Golf for a while now, and the reliability hasn't been very good at all - I just had to machine the cylinder head as it got warped. Other problems have been common. Is the P5 as good as Mazda's reputation for reliable cars is (honestly...what's your experience and opinion?)

Any suggestions and hints would be really appreciated.

Thanks,
Andrew

ive had my p5 now for almost 3 years. i do all the oil changes, and easy fluid stuff, but beyond that i havent done much, becuase it hasnt needed any work. it looks pretty easy to get around the engine bay, theres plenty of room to do most things.

31000 miles and its running just as good as the day i bought it (minus the egr valve getting gunked up with carbon, but thats an easy fix) my mom has a 2000 protege that has over 130000 miles and we have a 94 mpv with 250000. both are still running great, and i expect nothing but the same from my p5. we have had wonderful experinces with mazdas.

 

[mountjonas]

i had 67k miles on my p5 in 3 years. i followed the maintenance schedule pretty close. the only trouble i had was under a TSB for cluch shuddering, and it wasn't even bad to begin with. you won't be disappointed.

 

[Canecreekfreak]

P5's a great car. It'll be a little louder then the Golf, and the materials aren't quite the same grade. But I think you'll like the driving experience better. Get a short shifter and rear sway bar, and toss the stock Dunlop tires (if it still has 'em) and it'll be a blast to drive.
Regular maint. is fairly easy, except for reaching the oil filter. It's on the back side of the engine, about 3/4's of the way up the block, and you can't get to it from above. And the low beam bulbs are a little tricky to get to. But those are the "hardest" things I've come across so far, and they're really not that hard.
Plus the cars are way more reliable than recent VW's- especially when it comes to electrical issues. Buy one, and enjoy!

 

[bpoche]

it is a great car easy to work on and when you drive one just so you know it does rev high but it is normal.

 

[stdntDrvr]

where are you located?

 

[Thekid760]

I love my car.

all the fluid changes are super easy, just buy some rhino ramps from walmart, drive the car up and your set. The oil filter is fairly easy to reach from below.

The only problem I've had was changing the serpentine belts which was a little hard to get at, but not to bad.

 

[akaszowski]

Thanks for all the feedback so far - basically that's all the stuff that I have heard about Mazdas and P5s, so it's good to hear from people who actually have them. A few of my friends swear by Mazdas.

I'm not going to lie, I disagree that the Golf has higher quality materials and built. My golf is from Mexico, and it's actually pretty low quality in a lot of the finishes. Plus, when working on the engine, sometimes I just scratch my head as to how they put stuff together.

There's a P5 near my house that I'm considering...want 8900CDN for 112k kms (works out to 70k miles and 7900USD). It had a front corner accident and the restoration of the body has been very well done. I took it for a test drive and loved the feel of the drive.

Here's a link to the car: http://www.trader.ca/Search/Details...A248DB47&adid=5635690&ads=5635690|&BackLink=1

I'd try to talk him down a bit. Still looking around but this is a consideration. What do you guys think of the value of it??

 

[akaszowski]

Oh - btw, I'm in London Ontario

 

[RipperSnapper]

55k miles in 4.5 yrs and no problems here. As long as its maintained she will treat you well.

 

[akaszowski]

Do you guys think that 8900CDN for 112k kms (works out to 70k miles and 7900USD) is good value?

It's a 2002 model.

 

[jad0110]

the only trouble i had was under a TSB for cluch shuddering, and it wasn't even bad to begin with.

I bought a new '03 P5, it now has 27K on it with ZERO problems, save for some clutch chatter. Does anyone know the title/reference # of the TSB described above? My warranty is gonna run out in July 07, so I plan on going over the car with a fine tooth comb before then ... and hopefully get the clutch chatter fixed.

+1 on the oil filter being a pain in the a** to change. I think it is easier if you have a shorter forearm. I'm 6'6" (BTW, the P5 fits tall and short drivers equally well) and I need a second elbow in the middle of my forearm to reach the oil filter. The CF shaft is in the freakin' way! Usually I have to have my wife remove it.

Other than that, the P5 is a truly phenominal little car for money. Just make sure you get one that doesn't show signs of abuse.

 

[midrange]

well.. as far as the mazda statement you made.. I went with my P5 because before it I owned a mazda, and it was the most maintenance free car I have ever owned... SO there was no way i was walking away from mazda, and nor will I until one day i find a mazda I don't like.. and that will be a while because i'm so happy with my P5...