Howdy all,

Ron here and I'm the proud owner of a '03 6s w/manual trans and the sport package. This is my second Mazda ('85 626 coupe that I bought used in '88 and sold to a yard in '98 with 235K on it) and I owned a '95 Civic EX between the two Mazdas.

I bought the 6s off the lot in 11/03 and the only thing I don't like about it is the lack of a moonroof. Of course, I'd like to get better gas mileage (approx. 26 mpg - mostly metro highway driving @ 5500 altitude (Denver Metro) and on 87 octane) and perhaps improve performance in other areas.

In October (@ 29k miles) I replaced the aging Michelin MXML tires with a set of the Yokohama Avid V4S. Overall I'm very pleased with the new set. I've noticed a slight decrease in traction in the snow, but other than that, it has been a superior tire to the Michelin. And with a 60k tread warranty (no tread warranty on the Michelins) and a sticker price that is $65 less than the Michelins, I'm very happy with my decision. Oh, and they look GREAT!

Anyway, I look forward to exchanging ideas and experiences with everyone.

 

I should be #2 lol

Ron here ... also

I myself owned an '85 626 LX (4 door though) and an '80 626 2door

 

Hey 6Pack,

In reading a ton of subjects yesterday, I saw several posts regarding your chrome OEM wheels. Even saw pictures of them in their upacked state, but never saw a pic after installation.

I even went online looking for them and found a place on e-bay (lawheel.com) that has an exchange program (they send you chrome OEM wheels and you send back your alloy OEMs) for $523 plus two-way shipping. Of course you can buy them outright, but that'll cost $1185 plus shipping.

Anyway, I'm betting they'd look great and would be very interested to see how they look on your 6.

Oh, and how long did your '85 626 last?

 

Right now it's winter here in Montreal .... snow tires and the O.E.'s are running on the 6 .

Don't worry , my postings will be updated as soon as I can ..... trust me ; I can't wait !!!

That program can be practical . 1185 starts to be a bit $$$ more but still worth it when you consider how much stock they cost :325$ CDN + 200$ to get chromed = 2100$ for all four . I ordered mine and with everything they come out at @ 1200 CDN with everything included (price / exchange/ shipping / Duty)

the '85 626 lasted with me @ 2 years in 1992 , before was original owner , and sold it after . Somehow , both the '85 626 & the '05 6 have ever been the only 4 doors ever owned by me !! [:-]

 

Ron , forgot to ask where are you from , what parts ?

 

Ron,

I live in Denver, Colorado. But I'm a native Detroiter (sure do miss going into Windsor on a Brador run!!) and because my folks are still in Michigan, I get back there once or twice a year.

The 6 is the only 4 door I've ever purchased. But I will admit I had two four door hand me downs as a teen - '76 Suburban and '80 Audi Fox. But I was at that point in my life that I wanted something a little bigger and I definitely wanted to move up to a V6. A 4-cylinder just wasn't cutting it up in the mountains anymore. So, having seen the commercials and with my favorable experience with the 626, I did a little research and went in for a test drive. And that was all she wrote. Took the night to make sure I could afford it, then went back the next day and drove it home.

Knowing it was built in Flat Rock, Michigan was icing on the cake. Always happy to help the economy back home.

So, how are the Canadiens looking this season? I'm pretty pleased with the Red Wings thus far.

Aterlay,
Ron

 

Ya I'm happy also to encourage the North American market instead of the Japanese made products . It's not what it used to be over there always anymore . The quality I mean . It's still a Japanese car though , but made by Americans .... I suppose it's the best of both worlds .... 'cause there isn't a car in the American market that feels and looks like a Jap . yet , at least that I've looked at and driven in the same category & price range . The Americans (Ford GM Chrysler) have yet to catch up to the Japanese feel with their products ..... but it's not like it's impossible ; as we have American people building them Jap. cars such as our 6s .