04 with nearly 4000 miles on it. It was an early build date (7/03) and sat on the lot, but my guy runs beautifully. Mileage is not great, but is within what I expected. Instead of fretting about which model year to buy, I would find out about the knowledge in the service dept at your local mazda dealerships. When you do have a problem, they need to have the knowledge to fix it so you don't get frustrated. It's a great car!!

 

yes, that's what i meant, '05 builds began in July '04

sorry :o

 

eees ok

I have an october 2004 build date and got worried for a second that i got duped ;-)

 

How did U find Out whta # Shinka You have...I also have an 05 Shinka...I heard there were only like 1000 of the made or shipped to the US or something like that...


BTW,
I get the same mileage full Hiway or moderate city...16 - 18 MPG

 

I have had my 2005 since September and have had no problems. I plan to have the foggy headlight lenses and squeeky brakes addressed with the recall. 5000 miles so far.

Oh yes, I do agree that the AC could be colder, but the Huper Optik Drei tint helps!

And yes, the engine is fine despite 117 Phoenix degree weather.... (knock on wood).

Hope to see you on the road!

 

I have been in my 2004 since November 2003 not one single problem. I would say that's pretty good coming from a hand built engine in it's first year. 27,500 miles & rev........

 

I've had my '05 manual for about a month, and 1,500 miles. I live in Los Angeles and daily commute has equal amounts of freeway and surface streets. Even in car crazy LA I still get looks, thumbs up, and even a blown kiss or two. Mileage is about like my the wife's Honda Pilot, except she can't go to 9K RPM without blowing the heads through the hood. Zero issues whatsoever, never a stall or no-start, one quart of oil (really only needed a half quart) and it's tight as a drum. Our eight and ten year old daughters fit perfectly in the rear cockpits and adore the "Spy Car." It's the first car since my old Porsche 914-6 that I don't have to move the seat all the way back and my size 14 shoes have no problem heal and toeing. This thing is amazingly well thought out and executed. Much more aircraft-like than auto. Best go kart around and can't remember having so much fun since my 914-6 days. Hard to think how Mazda makes a profit on it, maybe it's their loss leader. Dollar for dollar, nothing matches the performance, style and versatility. Oh, did I mention the chills-down-the-spine inducing exhaust note? Oh, that's right, you already knew about that or you wouldn't be here in the first place.

 

I guess I should have said I get 15 MPG intown, and I hear a beep once a day, after a proper break in.