Mazda Xedos Review (1992 to 1999)

Quick Summary

The Xedos 6 may not have the image of a BMW 3 Series or a Mercedes C-Class but its not far off. A pity that the dull interior doesn't match the eye-catching bodywork but you can't have everything. At least it should be reliable (a claim the German competition can always make) and you're likely to be the only one in your road to have one. That – and those strong residual values – might swing the balance Mazda's way.

Overall:

Models Covered:(1.6 4dr [standard] / 2.0V6 4dr [standard, Sport, SE] )

MAZDA'S IMAGE-MAKER

For years, the idea of a Japanese sports saloon with the kind of prestige and status of a BMW or an Audi was a contradiction in terms. The Germans offered the class, the Japanese the value. Mazda's Xedos 6 changed all that when it was launched in 1992 but how does it stack up as a used buy?Thanks to the relatively small numbers brought into the country, the answer is very well. Sales were limited to just 1500 cars each year, making second hand Xedos 6 models sought after on the used market, the result being that their residual values hold up reasonably well. A Xedos 6 is a decent investment in automotive terms – and a surprisingly fine compact executive saloon.
Used Mazda Xedos for sale

History of the Xedos

The Xedos 6 was the car that launched the Xedos (pronounced 'ker-see-dos') brand back in 1992, Mazda's attempt to break into the BMW, Mercedes and Audi-dominated compact executive saloon sector.Initially, only the 2.0 V6 version was offered - in standard and plusher SE forms. A year later however, a visually identical single-specification 1.6-litre four cylinder version was added to the range. There was also an automatic option but this lasted less than a year. In June 1996, there were mild revisions to the line-up which included the addition of a relatively affordable Sport V6 model with spoked alloy wheels. A year later, both this car and the entry-level 1.6-litre model were withdrawn. The entire range disappeared quietly from the Mazda price lists late in 1999.
Used Mazda Xedos for sale

Mazda Xedos Road Test

On the road, don't expect it to be a BMW 320i, a Golf VR6 or an Audi A4. It isn't but the gap is narrower than you might think, thanks to handling characteristics which Mazda said were tuned more to European tastes. New shock absorbers coupled to larger front and rear stabiliser bars were said to be responsible.The Hiroshima-based manufacturer was particularly proud of its sophisticated four-speed automatic gearbox which automatically selects 'economy' or 'sports' mode depending on your mood.To make sure that gear changes are imperceptibly smooth, the same computer enters into conversation with the one controlling the engine to cut torque at the moment of change.Refinement, in fact, is one of the key features of the car; those sculptured lines help, of course. So does the impressive build quality. You could criticise the embossed plastic logo on the steering wheel or the slight lack of legroom in the back, but not much else.
Used Mazda Xedos for sale

Buying a Mazda Xedos

Ordinarily, Xedos 6 buyers tend to be picky, so if you're thinking of one, you'll need to be too. Avoid cars that are less than pristine and have incomplete service records. Check for electrical faults and minor bodywork and trim damage.
Used Mazda Xedos for sale

Mazda Xedos Typical Pricing

The earliest K-registered 2.0 V6 Xedos 6 models start from around £1,200 and range up to about £1,900 on 96N plates. The plusher SE version commands a £200-£500 premium and is your only choice from 97P to 99T at prices from around £2,500 to £3,625, the latter is a big saving on the £22,000 new price. The short-lived Sport model can be found between £2,700 and £3,000.If you'd be satisfied with one of the rare 1.6-litre models, the earliest L-platers cost around £1,000, with later M to P-platers between about £1,700 and £2,600.
Used Mazda Xedos for sale

Mazda Xedos Parts

(based on a 1995 Xedos 9 – approx. – exc. Vat) A full exhaust system is around £1080 (including the catalyst) and front and rear brake pads are about £70 and £50 respectively. An alternator is around £285 and a starter motor around £235. While on the subject of the electrics, a complete headlamp unit is £275. When a major service is due budget in the region of £600.
Used Mazda Xedos for sale