Mazda MX-6 2.5i V6 (1991-97)

Overview: The **Mazda MX-6 2.5i (1991-97)** was a significant model for Mazda, as it represented the brand’s push into the **sporty coupe market** while maintaining affordability and practicality. It was built on the same platform as the **Mazda 626 and Ford Probe**, showcasing Mazda’s collaboration with Ford during that era. 

Equipped with a **2.5L V6 engine**, the MX-6 delivered **161 HP**, offering a balance of performance and efficiency. Mazda positioned it as a stylish, driver-focused coupe that could compete with rivals like the **Honda Prelude and Opel Calibra** - autoevolution](https://www.autoevolution.com/mazda/mx-6/). The car featured **sleek aerodynamics, a well-tuned suspension, and a comfortable interior**, making it an attractive option for buyers looking for a blend of **sportiness and everyday usability**.

While it wasn’t a high-performance sports car, the **MX-6 helped Mazda strengthen its reputation for producing engaging, well-engineered vehicles**, paving the way for future sporty models like the **Mazda RX-8 and Mazda3 MPS**. 

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COMMON FAULTS 

Please Note: Common Faults in Regularly Used Vehicles vs. Low-Mileage Stored Vehicles that have been used consistently over many years, accumulating approximately 10,000–12,000 miles annually, are more prone to common faults due to regular wear and tear. These issues typically arise from the natural aging of components subjected to frequent use, such as engine parts, suspension systems, brakes, and tires. In contrast, vehicles with low mileage that have been stored or preserved are likely to experience different types of issues. These vehicles are often better maintained to ensure their longevity and may avoid some of the typical wear-and-tear problems seen in regularly driven cars. However, they can still face unique challenges such as degradation of rubber seals, corrosion from prolonged inactivity, or fuel system issues caused by old or stagnant fuel. 

The Mazda MX-6 2.5i V6, like many cars from its era, has some common faults that owners might encounter. Here are a few of the most frequently reported issues: 

1. **Oil Leaks**: One of the most common problems is oil leaking into the spark plug wells, often due to worn valve cover gaskets. 

2. **Transmission Issues**: Some owners report hard shifts, particularly from first to second gear, which can be due to worn shift forks or linkage misalignment. 

3. **Electrical Problems**: Issues with the power windows and other electrical components are not uncommon. For example, the driver's side power window buttons might stop working. 

4. **Cooling System**: Problems with the cooling system, such as radiator leaks or thermostat failures, can occur. 

5. **Distributor Failures**: The V6 engine is known to go through distributors relatively quickly, which can lead to ignition problems. 

6. **Belt Squeaks**: The belt that connects the alternator and A/C can squeak and may need frequent replacement. Despite these issues, the Mazda MX-6 2.5i V6 is still appreciated by enthusiasts for its performance and style. Regular maintenance and addressing these common faults can help keep it running smoothly. 

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Generations/Trim Levels 

The Mazda MX-6 was produced across two generations, each with its own set of trim levels. Here's a breakdown: 

Generations 

1. **First Generation (1987-1992)**: - **DX**: The base model with essential features. - **LX**: Added power windows, power locks, and power mirrors. - **LE**: A rare "Luxury Edition" with leather seating surfaces. - **GT**: Featured a turbocharged engine, four-wheel disc brakes, and optional ABS. 

2. **Second Generation (1992-1997)**: - **RS**: The base model with a 2.0 DOHC I4 engine. - **LS**: The luxury model with a 2.5 DOHC V6 engine. - **LS Special Edition**: Included additional features like leather seats and a sunroof. The MX-6 was known for its sporty design and performance, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts. 

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Designer/Dimensions 

The Mazda MX-6 was designed by Hiroshi Yamamoto. 

Dimensions of the Mazda MX-6: - **Wheelbase**: 2,515 mm (99.0 inches) - **Length**: 4,495 mm (177.0 inches) - **Width**: 1,690 mm (66.5 inches) - **Height**: 1,360 mm (53.5 inches). These dimensions contributed to the MX-6's sleek and sporty design, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts. 

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Production Total: The total production of the Mazda MX-6 2.5i V6 is not explicitly documented in the sources I found. However, the second generation of the Mazda MX-6, which includes the 2.5i V6 model, was produced from 1991 to 1997. ***** 

Price New: In 1991, the Mazda MX-6 2.5i V6 was priced at around £18,000 in the UK. This made it a competitive option in the sports coupe market at the time, offering a blend of performance and style. 

Sales: The **Mazda MX-6 V6 (1991-97)** was not a major sales success in the UK. While it was praised for its **smooth V6 engine, sleek design, and comfortable ride**, it struggled against more established rivals like the **Toyota Celica GT** and **Ford Probe**.

**Sales Performance**

- **Limited Market Impact**: The MX-6 was overshadowed by competitors, particularly the **Celica and Probe**, which had stronger brand recognition.

- **Short Production Run**: It was only available for **six years**, making it a relatively rare model compared to longer-running coupes.

- **Cult Following**: Despite its modest sales, the MX-6 has gained a **cult classic status**, particularly among enthusiasts who appreciate its **quirky styling and refined V6 engine**.

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Historical Pricing Comparisons: The **Mazda MX-6 V6 (1991-97)** was positioned as a stylish and performance-oriented coupe, competing with models like the **Honda Prelude**, **Toyota Celica**, and **Ford Probe**. Here’s how its pricing compared:

**Estimated Pricing (UK, 1991-97)**

- **Mazda MX-6 2.5 V6**: Approximately **£16,000–£20,000**  

- **Honda Prelude 2.2 VTEC**: Around **£18,000–£22,000**  

- **Toyota Celica GT-Four**: Typically **£20,000–£25,000**  

- **Ford Probe 2.5 V6**: Estimated **£15,000–£19,000**  

The **Mazda MX-6** was praised for its **smooth V6 engine, sleek design, and comfortable ride**, making it a strong contender in the sporty coupe segment. It was competitively priced, offering **Japanese engineering and refinement** at a reasonable cost.

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Rivals 

In 1991, the Mazda MX-6 2.5i V6 had several competitors in the sports coupe market. Here are some notable rivals and their approximate new prices at the time: 

1. **Toyota Celica GT-Four (All-Trac Turbo)**: Priced around £20,000. This model was known for its turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive system. 

2. **Nissan 200SX (Silvia)**: Priced around £17,000. It featured a rear-wheel-drive layout and a turbocharged engine. 

3. **Honda Prelude 2.2i VTEC**: Priced around £19,000. This model was equipped with Honda's VTEC engine technology, offering a balance of performance and efficiency. 

4. **Ford Probe GT**: Priced around £16,000. It shared its platform with the Mazda MX-6 and featured a similar 2.5-liter V6 engine. 

5. **Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX**: Priced around £18,000. This model was known for its turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive system. 

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The Mazda MX-6 V6 (1991-97) competed with several sporty coupes in the UK, each offering different levels of performance. Here’s how its main rivals compared:

Performance Comparison (UK, 1991-97)

| Model | Engine | Power | 0-60 mph | Top Speed |

|-------|--------|-------|---------|-----------|

| **Mazda MX-6 2.5 V6** | 2.5L V6 | ~161 HP | ~8.5 sec | ~137 mph |

| **Honda Prelude 2.2 VTEC** | 2.2L Inline-4 | ~185 HP | ~7.5 sec | ~140 mph |

| **Toyota Celica GT-Four** | 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 | ~200 HP | ~6.5 sec | ~145 mph |

| **Ford Probe 2.5 V6** | 2.5L V6 | ~164 HP | ~8.0 sec | ~135 mph |

The Mazda MX-6 was praised for its smooth V6 engine, sleek design, and comfortable ride, but it wasn’t the fastest in its class. Rivals like the Celica GT-Four and Prelude VTEC offered more power and sharper handling, making them favourites among performance enthusiasts. 

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Engines 

The Mazda MX-6 was available with a variety of engines across its two generations. Here are the engine options for each generation: 

First Generation (1987-1992) 

1. **2.0L I4**: Naturally aspirated, producing around 110-120 horsepower. 2. **2.2L I4 Turbo**: Turbocharged, producing around 145-150 horsepower. ### Second Generation (1992-1997) 1. **2.0L I4**: Naturally aspirated, producing around 118-125 horsepower. 

2. **2.5L V6**: Naturally aspirated, producing around 160-165 horsepower. These engines provided a range of performance options, from economical daily driving to more spirited driving experiences. 

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Performance 

The performance of the Mazda MX-6 2.5i V6 was quite impressive for its time. Here are some key performance figures for the second-generation model (1992-1997): - **Top Speed**: Approximately 137 mph (220 km/h) - **0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) Acceleration**: Around 8.5 seconds - **Fuel Economy**: Approximately 24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km) combined, 34 mpg (6.9 L/100 km) on the open road, and 18 mpg (13 L/100 km) in the city. These figures made the MX-6 2.5i V6 a competitive option in the sports coupe market, offering a good balance of performance and efficiency. 

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Historical Advertisements & Marketing Strategy

The **Mazda MX-6 V6 (1991-97)** was marketed as a stylish and performance-oriented coupe, but it struggled to gain widespread recognition compared to rivals like the **Toyota Celica** and **Honda Prelude**. Mazda’s advertising strategy emphasized **sleek design, refined V6 power, and Japanese reliability**, but the model remained somewhat overlooked.

**Marketing Strategy**

- **Sporty Yet Understated**: Mazda positioned the MX-6 as a **sophisticated alternative** to flashier coupes, focusing on **smooth performance and comfort**.

- **Shared Platform with Ford Probe**: The MX-6 was mechanically similar to the **Ford Probe**, but Mazda marketed it as a more refined and mature option.

- **Competitive Pricing**: Mazda priced the MX-6 competitively, offering **V6 power at a lower cost** than some European rivals.

- **Target Audience**: Mazda aimed at **young professionals and enthusiasts**, promoting the MX-6 as a **stylish yet practical coupe**.

**Historical Advertisements**

- **Magazine & Print Ads**: Mazda promoted the MX-6 as a **modern sports coupe**, emphasizing its **V6 engine and aerodynamic styling**.

- **Comparison with Rivals**: Ads often positioned the MX-6 against competitors like the **Toyota Celica GT-Four**, highlighting its **smooth ride and reliability**.

- **Limited UK Presence**: The MX-6 was not heavily advertised in the UK, leading to lower sales compared to more aggressively marketed rivals.

You can explore more about its marketing history in this [Classic Cars article](https://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/blog/opinion/forgotten-hero-the-mazda-mx-6) and its general background on [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_MX-6).

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Rarity & Collector Appeal

The **Mazda MX-6 V6 (1991-97)** has become a rare classic in the UK, with very few surviving examples. While it was once a stylish and underrated coupe, many have been lost to **age, rust, and modifications**, making well-preserved models increasingly difficult to find.

**Rarity & Collector Appeal**

- **Surviving Numbers**: The MX-6 is now an uncommon find, with only a handful of well-maintained examples remaining.

- **Historical Significance**: It was one of Mazda’s most refined coupes, competing with the **Toyota Celica and Ford Probe**.

- **Collector Interest**: Enthusiasts appreciate its **smooth V6 engine, sleek design, and comfortable ride**, making it a desirable classic.

- **Market Value**: Prices for well-maintained examples have been rising, particularly for **low-mileage, original-condition models**.

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Recorded in UK 2025 

As of 2025, there are approximately 27 Mazda MX-6 2.5i V6 models still licensed on UK roads, with an additional 73 recorded as SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification). 

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Target Age Group

The **Mazda MX-6 V6 (1991-97)** was designed to appeal to a specific demographic, particularly those looking for a **stylish yet refined coupe**.

**Target Audience**

- **Young Professionals**: Those seeking a sleek, comfortable coupe with **V6 power** and a premium feel.

- **Driving Enthusiasts**: Buyers who valued **smooth performance** and a **balanced driving experience** over outright speed.

- **Budget-Conscious Sports Car Fans**: Positioned as a **cost-effective alternative** to more expensive coupes like the **Toyota Celica GT-Four** and **Honda Prelude VTEC**.

- **Mature Buyers**: Mazda marketed the MX-6 as a **sophisticated sports coupe**, appealing to those who wanted a stylish car without the aggressive image of traditional performance models.

Mazda positioned the **MX-6** as a **refined and understated coupe**, offering a balance of **comfort, performance, and affordability**.

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Influence of Target Age Group

The **Mazda MX-6 V6 (1991-97)** was designed to appeal to a specific demographic, and this influenced several aspects of its **design, marketing, and sales performance**.

**Influence on Design & Features**

- **Refined Styling**: Mazda gave the MX-6 a **sleek, aerodynamic design**, making it more appealing to **young professionals** and buyers looking for a stylish coupe.

- **Performance & Comfort**: The **smooth V6 engine** provided a balance between **sporty driving and everyday usability**, catering to those who wanted a **comfortable yet engaging ride**.

- **Affordable Alternative**: Positioned as a **cost-effective option** compared to premium coupes like the **Toyota Celica GT-Four**, making it accessible to a wider audience.

**Influence on Marketing Strategy**

- **Competitive Positioning**: Mazda marketed the MX-6 as a **sophisticated alternative** to flashier coupes, focusing on **smooth performance and comfort**.

- **Target Audience Appeal**: Ads often highlighted features like the **V6 engine and refined driving experience**, which resonated with buyers who wanted a stylish yet practical coupe.

- **Showroom Appeal**: Mazda expected the MX-6 to attract buyers who wanted a **sporty car without the aggressive image** of traditional performance models.

Despite its **refined image**, the MX-6 struggled against more aggressively marketed rivals like the **Toyota Celica and Honda Prelude**, leading to **lower-than-expected sales**.

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Parts Bin Engineering

The **Mazda MX-6 V6 (1991-97)** shared components with **Ford**, as it was built on the same platform as the **Ford Probe**. Mazda and Ford collaborated on several models during this era, leading to shared **chassis, suspension components, and drivetrain elements**.

**Key Shared Components**

- **Chassis & Platform**: The MX-6 was based on the **GE platform**, which was also used for the **Ford Probe**.

- **Engine**: The **2.5L V6** was a Mazda-designed engine but was also used in the **Ford Probe GT**.

- **Transmission**: Some **manual and automatic transmissions** were shared between Mazda and Ford.

- **Suspension & Brakes**: Certain **suspension components and braking systems** were similar to those found in the Probe.

Despite these shared elements, Mazda ensured the **MX-6 had a distinct driving feel**, with **refined handling and a more sophisticated interior** compared to its Ford counterpart.

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Spares/Specialists NI 

For locating spare parts for the Mazda MX-6 2.5i V6 in the UK and Ireland, you have several options: 

1. **247 Spares**: They offer a wide range of Mazda MX-6 parts, including engines, gearboxes, and other components. You can find more information [here](https://www.247spares.co.uk/mazda/mx-6). 

2. **FindaPart.ie**: This site helps you find Mazda MX-6 spare parts from car dismantlers in Ireland. You can check it out [here](https://www.findapart.ie/cars/MAZDA/MX-6.html). 

3. **AutoPartsPro.co.uk**: They provide a comprehensive catalog of Mazda MX-6 parts at competitive prices. More details can be found [here](https://www.autopartspro.co.uk/mazda-mx-6-carparts). 

Garage Services in Northern Ireland For maintaining your Mazda MX-6 in Northern Ireland, here are some options: 

1. **Mazdabits**: Located in Newtownards, they offer high-quality services and expertise for Mazda vehicles. You can contact them at 028 9181 8131 or visit their website [here](https://mazdabits.com/). 

2. **Roadside Motors Lisburn**: They provide full servicing and maintenance for Mazda vehicles. You can find them at 22 Market Place, Lisburn, or call 028 9267 7412. More information is available [here](https://findadealer.motability.co.uk/cars/northern-ireland/lisburn/22-market-place-53927). 

3. **Ballyrobert Mazda**: Located in Newtownabbey, they offer a wide range of servicing solutions for Mazda vehicles. You can contact them at 028 9034 2221 or visit their website [here](https://www.mazda.co.uk/dealer/ballyrobert-mazda/home/). 4. **ClickMechanic**: They provide Mazda repairs in Northern Ireland with next-day service at your door. You can get an instant quote and book online [here](https://www.clickmechanic.com/locations/northern-ireland/mazda). These resources should help you find the parts and services you need for your Mazda MX-6. 

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Racing 

The Mazda MX-6 did compete in racing. One notable example is its participation in the IMSA GTU Championship. In 1990, a fully factory-backed Mazda MX-6 won the GTU championship. The car was able to run with rear-wheel drive and a three-rotor 20B engine due to a rule change. The MX-6 GTU chassis was known for its lightweight, nimble, and balanced form, embodying Mazda's racing heritage. It was a competitive car in its class and contributed to Mazda's success in the IMSA GT Championship. 

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Valuation 

The value of a Mazda MX-6 2.5i V6 today can vary depending on its condition, mileage, and originality. Generally, a well-maintained and restored Mazda MX-6 2.5i V6 can be worth anywhere from £2,474 to £10,740. Classic car values can fluctuate, so it's always a good idea to check current listings and consult with classic car experts or clubs for the most accurate valuation. If you're considering buying or selling one, make sure to get a professional appraisal. 

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Clubs NI

There are **Mazda owner clubs in Northern Ireland**, including the **MX-5 Owners Club Northern Ireland**, which covers the entire region and organizes events for enthusiasts. Additionally, **Mazda N.I** hosts **monthly meet-ups** for Mazda owners and enthusiasts in Lisburn.

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