New guy here considering buying a Speed6! - Mazda 6 Forums : Mazda 6 Forum / Mazda Atenza Forum

focoquachy · 01-11-2013, 07:58 PM

I've always had a thing for the first gen Mazda6. My best friend had an 04 Mazda6 with the V6 with a MTX, and I've fallen in love with the car ever since riding in that one. I've owned a 2005 Mazda3 Hatch and unfortunately totaled it, and I'm currently driving a 2003 Infiniti i35.

But enough of my background. I'm highly considering buying a Mazdaspeed6. This is the car I'm looking at specifically: 2006 Mazdaspeed 6

Is this priced fairly? I know it's under KBB. And are these cars reliable? This will be the first car I'm buying with my own money, and I would keep it through the rest of my undergrad and through all of grad school (another 5+ years). As a student, I want something fun to drive, but also being reliable as well. I can't afford to have it break down on me while commuting to school. So what are the major common issues with these cars? I've heard the clutch is terrible. I was also considering a first gen Speed3, but they're definitely not as classy or refined as the Speed6, not to mention FWD. Let me know what you think, Speed6 community!

Mr.Smoke · 01-11-2013, 08:13 PM

Welcome to the club!!

The speed6 is a great car. Cant comment much on the overall reliability of them but the do certainly have their qwerks. Think of it as a high maintenance girlfriend lol. Generally i think they are fairly reliable but it all depends on previous maintenance being taken care of and if the car was beaten on by the previous owner(s).

Where abouts are you from? The best thing i can think of is if you have someone local to you know knows these cars well, maybe they would be generous enough to accompany you to check the car out. Its always good to have another set of eyes when checking out a car. Especially someone who knows the specific car well.

Im sure some of the speed guys will chime in with their knowledge & expertise. Good luck in your quest to purchase a fine piece of automotive engineering!!

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focoquachy · 01-11-2013, 08:23 PM

I'm from the Bay Area in California; specifically San Jose! I love these cars so much, I know it'd make me happy. But at the same time, I have to be realistic and make sure that the 13 grand I'm spending is going to be worthy.

Mr.Smoke · 01-11-2013, 08:54 PM

Honestly, i think its a fair price if everything is mechanically sound. I know that engine/tranny & rear diff mounts are basically a must when it comes to upgrades to help keep the driveline healthy.

Id be interested in knowing if its had any warranty work done especially the turbo & VVT as they are known to crap out & the VVT will run ya about $1300 if you pay outta pocket. I believe Mazda extended the VVT warranty to 75k miles.

I would also be asking what he has for service records so you can be assured that it has been maintained. Was the seller the original purchaser? He may even be a member on here, 6crew or MSF.

Those tails are worth about $400 as well so thats a nice little bonus

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Emew · 01-11-2013, 08:56 PM

I don't know how far @mick_estes is from you but he may know the owner or be able to give you some idea on where to seek out a good mechanic.

It's a great car but like stated, high maintenance girlfriend. You should be prepared to instantly seek out a lot of preventative maintenance mods since an aftermarket warranty won't be included with the car but you should have 25k miles left on the turbo iirc. Be prepared to drop around $750 on say motor mounts, oil catch can, differential mounts. That'd be a good starting package, or hop right into an ap so you can get rid of the garbage stock tune. Ask questions regarding replacement turbo, vvt, egr. And drive it of course. It's worth every penny imo as long as you give in to taking solid care of the car, you will love the ride you get in exchange. @TiGraySpeed6 what are the warranties mazda provided with our speeds?

Sent from my dial up phone

jm211 · 01-11-2013, 09:10 PM

50$ says the douche bent a rod and hes dumping it.

any warranty or TSB would soon be expiring for this 2006. This includes the smoking turbo and VVT. The cut off is this year or 70k miles for the TSB.

This car has many quirks and potential issues. #1 being bent rods. followed by the VVT, bad turbo seals, wheel bearings, bad 2nd or 2rd gear, and a few minor things that cost less than a $1000.

I am wearing of a modded car for sale as this clearly is.

oh_yeams6 · 01-12-2013, 12:02 AM

Read the noob thread, it will tell you a lot. You can check for a bent rod or other issues like turbo, VVT, ect yourself.

The car can be reliable, but it is still a sport car, meaning its not a cheap beater you can do as you please with.

Good luck

TiGraySpeed6 · 01-12-2013, 02:57 AM

The '06 came with a 48 month, 50K warranty from Mazda.

If you're a student with a limited budget I would encourage finding another Speed6 owner to look at the car with you.

These can indeed be a great car, but they can turn into a money pit if you have a bad example, or do not take good care of it. They're wonderful and fun cars, but they can be high maintenance.

I'd also suggest finding out what your insurance cost would be.

Good Luck!

Isnt · 01-12-2013, 02:59 AM

Mick is 30 mins from me and I'm 3 hrs from San Jose so haha

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IHeartGroceries · 01-12-2013, 03:11 PM

I don't think it is a good car for somebody in for another 5 years of grad school.

I won't pretend to know your financial situation, but if you think you can wing it, you'll have a lot of fun.
The Speed has pissed a lot of people off over the years. I'm sure it partly explains why so few OGs remain. It is a love it or hate it car, and if you pick the wrong one from a used lot, she can easily stab you in the dick.

But those good days are sweet. It is a blast to drive, and highly rewarding behind the wheel. Very subtle, but still grabs attention from those who know what they're looking at. Overall, an unforgettable car to own.

01-11-2013, 07:58 PM	#1 (permalink)
focoquachy Learners License Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 8 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Groans: 0 Groaned at 0 Times in 0 Posts Mentioned: 1 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s) Quoted: 1 Post(s) iTrader: 0 reviews	New guy here considering buying a Speed6! I've always had a thing for the first gen Mazda6. My best friend had an 04 Mazda6 with the V6 with a MTX, and I've fallen in love with the car ever since riding in that one. I've owned a 2005 Mazda3 Hatch and unfortunately totaled it, and I'm currently driving a 2003 Infiniti i35. But enough of my background. I'm highly considering buying a Mazdaspeed6. This is the car I'm looking at specifically: 2006 Mazdaspeed 6 Is this priced fairly? I know it's under KBB. And are these cars reliable? This will be the first car I'm buying with my own money, and I would keep it through the rest of my undergrad and through all of grad school (another 5+ years). As a student, I want something fun to drive, but also being reliable as well. I can't afford to have it break down on me while commuting to school. So what are the major common issues with these cars? I've heard the clutch is terrible. I was also considering a first gen Speed3, but they're definitely not as classy or refined as the Speed6, not to mention FWD. Let me know what you think, Speed6 community!

01-11-2013, 08:13 PM	#2 (permalink)
Mr.Smoke Smoke Screen Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Kitchener, ON Canada Posts: 5,365 Thanks: 677 Thanked 783 Times in 668 Posts Groans: 1 Groaned at 4 Times in 4 Posts Mentioned: 136 Post(s) Tagged: 2 Thread(s) Quoted: 670 Post(s) iTrader: 0 reviews	Welcome to the club!! The speed6 is a great car. Cant comment much on the overall reliability of them but the do certainly have their qwerks. Think of it as a high maintenance girlfriend lol. Generally i think they are fairly reliable but it all depends on previous maintenance being taken care of and if the car was beaten on by the previous owner(s). Where abouts are you from? The best thing i can think of is if you have someone local to you know knows these cars well, maybe they would be generous enough to accompany you to check the car out. Its always good to have another set of eyes when checking out a car. Especially someone who knows the specific car well. Im sure some of the speed guys will chime in with their knowledge & expertise. Good luck in your quest to purchase a fine piece of automotive engineering!! Sent from my iPhone using AutoGuide.com Free App __________________ Smoke's Build --- Ontario Meet Thread --- Ontario Members Thread --- VOTE FOR 6OTM

01-11-2013, 08:54 PM	#4 (permalink)
Mr.Smoke Smoke Screen Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Kitchener, ON Canada Posts: 5,365 Thanks: 677 Thanked 783 Times in 668 Posts Groans: 1 Groaned at 4 Times in 4 Posts Mentioned: 136 Post(s) Tagged: 2 Thread(s) Quoted: 670 Post(s) iTrader: 0 reviews	Honestly, i think its a fair price if everything is mechanically sound. I know that engine/tranny & rear diff mounts are basically a must when it comes to upgrades to help keep the driveline healthy. Id be interested in knowing if its had any warranty work done especially the turbo & VVT as they are known to crap out & the VVT will run ya about $1300 if you pay outta pocket. I believe Mazda extended the VVT warranty to 75k miles. I would also be asking what he has for service records so you can be assured that it has been maintained. Was the seller the original purchaser? He may even be a member on here, 6crew or MSF. Those tails are worth about $400 as well so thats a nice little bonus Sent from my iPhone using AutoGuide.com Free App __________________ Smoke's Build --- Ontario Meet Thread --- Ontario Members Thread --- VOTE FOR 6OTM Last edited by Mr.Smoke; 01-11-2013 at 08:59 PM.

01-11-2013, 08:56 PM	#5 (permalink)
Emew Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: TC, MI Posts: 576 Thanks: 134 Thanked 95 Times in 81 Posts Groans: 0 Groaned at 1 Time in 1 Post Mentioned: 5 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s) Quoted: 53 Post(s) iTrader: 1 reviews	I don't know how far @mick_estes is from you but he may know the owner or be able to give you some idea on where to seek out a good mechanic. It's a great car but like stated, high maintenance girlfriend. You should be prepared to instantly seek out a lot of preventative maintenance mods since an aftermarket warranty won't be included with the car but you should have 25k miles left on the turbo iirc. Be prepared to drop around $750 on say motor mounts, oil catch can, differential mounts. That'd be a good starting package, or hop right into an ap so you can get rid of the garbage stock tune. Ask questions regarding replacement turbo, vvt, egr. And drive it of course. It's worth every penny imo as long as you give in to taking solid care of the car, you will love the ride you get in exchange. @TiGraySpeed6 what are the warranties mazda provided with our speeds? Sent from my dial up phone __________________ '07 Speed6 Titanium Grey: SURE SRI+TIP in Designer White, CX-7 OEM Antenna, ProSport Boost Gauge, Block8Head's Custom MS6 Pod, Cobb AP, Denso ITV22 1SC Plugs, TWM Short Shifter, Stage 2 Clutch, SURE Shortcut+Countershift Weight, JBR EGR Delete, Euro LED tail lights, AutoTech Fuel Pump Internals, JBR RMM, M2 DP. (Pending Installation) JBR Shifter Bushings, Spring Flow Tune Stage 2. Last edited by Emew; 01-11-2013 at 08:58 PM.

01-11-2013, 09:10 PM	#6 (permalink)
jm211 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Bradenton Florida Posts: 782 Thanks: 393 Thanked 154 Times in 131 Posts Groans: 4 Groaned at 1 Time in 1 Post Mentioned: 3 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s) Quoted: 70 Post(s) iTrader: 0 reviews	50$ says the douche bent a rod and hes dumping it. any warranty or TSB would soon be expiring for this 2006. This includes the smoking turbo and VVT. The cut off is this year or 70k miles for the TSB. This car has many quirks and potential issues. #1 being bent rods. followed by the VVT, bad turbo seals, wheel bearings, bad 2nd or 2rd gear, and a few minor things that cost less than a $1000. I am wearing of a modded car for sale as this clearly is. __________________ Black Mica 2006 Speed6 GT \| 57,000 Miles Cobb AP \| Stratified OTS Stage 1 \| JBR Stage II Intake - Blue \| CP-e Exhaust \| CP-e RMM \| SURE Shortcut \| SURE Return \| SURE Anchors \| SURE AGS 625g Shift Knob \| All Amsoil Fluids \| NGK Step 1 Colder \| Autotech Internals I'm Registered. Are You? Ms6db.com "I would happily admit to anybody that the Mazdaspeed6 should come with a warning label..." -TiGraySpeed6 Last edited by jm211; 01-11-2013 at 09:14 PM.

01-11-2013, 08:23 PM	#3 (permalink)
focoquachy Learners License Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 8 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Groans: 0 Groaned at 0 Times in 0 Posts Mentioned: 1 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s) Quoted: 1 Post(s) iTrader: 0 reviews	I'm from the Bay Area in California; specifically San Jose! I love these cars so much, I know it'd make me happy. But at the same time, I have to be realistic and make sure that the 13 grand I'm spending is going to be worthy.

01-12-2013, 12:02 AM	#7 (permalink)
oh_yeams6 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Dallas Posts: 2,094 Thanks: 284 Thanked 610 Times in 424 Posts Groans: 6 Groaned at 4 Times in 4 Posts Mentioned: 5 Post(s) Tagged: 1 Thread(s) Quoted: 128 Post(s) iTrader: 13 reviews	Read the noob thread, it will tell you a lot. You can check for a bent rod or other issues like turbo, VVT, ect yourself. The car can be reliable, but it is still a sport car, meaning its not a cheap beater you can do as you please with. Good luck __________________ CLEAN YOUR VALVES

01-12-2013, 02:57 AM	#8 (permalink)
TiGraySpeed6 Mazda Guru Join Date: May 2008 Location: Tallahassee Posts: 4,763 Thanks: 1,851 Thanked 2,203 Times in 1,485 Posts Groans: 0 Groaned at 5 Times in 5 Posts Mentioned: 58 Post(s) Tagged: 2 Thread(s) Quoted: 210 Post(s) iTrader: 1 reviews	The '06 came with a 48 month, 50K warranty from Mazda. If you're a student with a limited budget I would encourage finding another Speed6 owner to look at the car with you. These can indeed be a great car, but they can turn into a money pit if you have a bad example, or do not take good care of it. They're wonderful and fun cars, but they can be high maintenance. I'd also suggest finding out what your insurance cost would be. Good Luck! __________________ Mazdaspeed6 GT #3476 TiGray slicktop Cobb AP, SRI & TIP, BNR S3, MAC 3 Port, FMIC, TS BPV, 3 BAR MAP, VTCS Delete M2 DP & Magnaflow, KMD Internals, GPWerks BSD & Baffle, SM OCC, EGR Delete, SU Billet RMM TWM Stage II STS & JBR SSB, Prosport Mech Boost RX-8 wheels & 235/40 RE760, H&R Sport Springs, SPC abj's, Strapped diff Stage 1 Brakes: Slotted, Hawk’d, Lined & Blued 405/394 AWD - cf1.01 e38 BNRs3 315/372 AWD - cf1.01 e38 k04

01-12-2013, 02:59 AM	#9 (permalink)
Isnt Registered User Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: California Posts: 908 Thanks: 27 Thanked 74 Times in 58 Posts Groans: 0 Groaned at 6 Times in 5 Posts Mentioned: 54 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s) Quoted: 258 Post(s) iTrader: 0 reviews	Mick is 30 mins from me and I'm 3 hrs from San Jose so haha Sent from my iPhone using AutoGuide.com Free App __________________ Isnt's 04 6i Hatch Build

01-12-2013, 03:11 PM	#10 (permalink)
IHeartGroceries Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 4,980 Thanks: 1,167 Thanked 1,100 Times in 681 Posts Groans: 3 Groaned at 6 Times in 6 Posts Mentioned: 7 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s) Quoted: 65 Post(s) iTrader: 0 reviews	I don't think it is a good car for somebody in for another 5 years of grad school. I won't pretend to know your financial situation, but if you think you can wing it, you'll have a lot of fun. The Speed has pissed a lot of people off over the years. I'm sure it partly explains why so few OGs remain. It is a love it or hate it car, and if you pick the wrong one from a used lot, she can easily stab you in the dick. But those good days are sweet. It is a blast to drive, and highly rewarding behind the wheel. Very subtle, but still grabs attention from those who know what they're looking at. Overall, an unforgettable car to own.

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