[Laneco]

I have a 2004 Mazda6 sport wagon. I always buy used crappy cars and fix them up. This is my first "nice - bought it that way" car. I have 39,000 miles on it now - its a GREAT car.

I wanted the ford duratec engine. They are "durable" as their name entails. My last mazda with this engine was bomb proof. I sold it with 292,000 miles on the original engine and trans (clutch at about 272 ish). That car never left anyone anywhere.

This car is a white with tan leather fully optioned v6 with the five speed automatic. I wanted a stick, but Steve wanted the auto. Terrific engine, but the transmission when in full auto mode downshifts rather sluggishly. The manual shift option is pretty handy for passing in the hills or compression braking coming down the mountains.

The sport model has 17" wheels. Yeah cool. BUT turns out you cannot put snow chains on them. Clearance issue. That could make a difference for you. Still have my original tires on the car, but they will need replaced before winter.

The factory Bose sound system is pretty decent, but I think it handles bass rather poorly. CD changer etc., works flawlessly. The only defect on this car is the passenger side air bag in the dash has started to rattle. This is rather common and the dealer should be able to fix it. Ahhh, heated seats...bun warmers are so NICE! Really nice if your lower back is bothering you, the heat really soothes it.

The duratec motor is also used in the fords (duh) and the "entry" level Jaguar sedan - I forgot the model name.

angela