Internationally, the 1970s were the glory days of Mazda as a performance leader. The Wankel rotary engine outperformed their piston-based competitors by a huge margin, and Mazda made the most of the power plant by putting it in almost every product they sold, from the Rotary Pickup to the RX-7, and even the big Luce sedan. The only exception was the Mazda Chantez kei car, because other carmakers banned the move. Mazda Motor Corporation is a Japanese automotive manufacturer located in Hiroshima, Japan. For the year, 2006 the company is expected to produce 1.25 million vehicles per year with sales evenly divided among Japan, Europe, and North America. The Ford Motor Company owns 33.4% of Mazda.

The 1980s saw Mazda changing from a niche Japanese player to a part of the global Ford Empire. The early-80s 323 and 626 were massive hits, with the 323 taking the number one spot in Japanese car sales, overtaking the Toyota Corolla. Mazda contributed to Ford's lineup, most notably with the MX-6-based Ford Probe. Mazda also began building the new-for-1988 626/MX-6 in the US. US production was initiated via a joint venture with Ford called Auto Alliance International.

Tips to Buy Used Mazda Cars

Checkout the Outside of the Used Car

Look for signs of an accident, such as new paint or dents or chrome. See that the cover closes properly. Check the body for corrosion or fill. Check for cracks in the rusting, frame or welding. Check the condition of the tailpipe, muffler and exhaust system. Check whether any fluids are leaking from the car, including oil, brake or transmission fluid. Push down the corners of the car to check whether the shock absorbers are in good condition or not. Open the trunk and check for a jack and the condition of the spare tire.

Checkout the Inside of the Used Car

Check the battery to see if it is working or cracked. Lift the hood and check the condition of the hoses and belts. Pull out the dipstick to see the oil level, and whether it is dirty. Check the parts and accessories, such as lights, horn, mirrors, radio, heater and windows. Ask your friend check the outside lights of the used car for you. Make sure the doors open and close easily, and that handles and locks work well. Check the headlights dimmer switch, windshield washer and oddometer.

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