I love this car!!! I do not own one as yet, but tested the AT and MT. Damn traffic on the 401 east of the city limits one's self expression...

At any rate. I read about oil, gas, recalls, winter drving considerations. All issues of note. What about service and repair. Apart from being the most fun car I have ever drive, shoudl I be concerned about manufacturng quality? And yes I realize this is a first edition and I am will to put up with the fact that the dealer will see the car from time to time.

I am considering the AT so that my wife can drive it. I would prefer the AT.

 

Sorry folks, I would prefer the MT

 

Mazda is an excellent product. I really do not think that you will see any problems at all. Yes there have been a few recalls, but I believe most from the USA.

Very fun car to drive, but you will not believe how many people look at you (actually they stare at you), people tell at you, shout out Nice car ect and you will find that you will have to put a limit on howmany and who you are willing to take your car for a test drive. I kept it to my brother and uncle, that is it. I could not handle it anymore.

A few people will say no I do not want to drive it cause I will want one!!

When do you expect to get one?

Doug

 

Mazda's workmanship and quality is excellent.

 

Plus the have been very good about notifying and correcting issues like the heat damper shield; airbag. Problems you will not have to deal with just for those that jumped to buy early!

 

I bought the first-gen 8 knowing that I'd probably trade it in after 3 years (and especially if there's a Mazdaspeed version).

I had no problems with it in the winter... in fact it was stellar. It started in -32c weather after sitting for 3 days -- not plugged in obviously. And winter tires are a no-brainer on any vehicle driven up here, so it's a non-issue (rear-wheel drive or not).

I just got me recall notice, but as you say... you expect that in a first-gen model. I expected it.

Oil consumption -- I own two rotary vehicles so it's also a non-issue.

Gas consumption -- a different story. It does consume a bunch, especially in cold weather, and especially in stop-and-go traffic. But the route to my current client is not stop-and-go, so it's only the winters where the gas bill goes up.

Hope that helps.

 

Thanks all for the comments. I suspect I will make the deal this week. The sun is shinning, the roads are dry. No time like now to do the deal.

If you see yellow on the 401, you'll know it's me.