This past Saturday (November 7, 2015) marked my one year anniversary with the 6. It doesn’t seem like it’s been long enough, but who can argue with the calendar? It was this day that I drove my 2004 Mazda 6 home from Phoenix, AZ where it had lived for several years. It succeeded my beloved 2010 Acura TL SH-AWD and it has been my daily driver ever since. I still remember discovering the Craigslist ad while on my lunch break at work.
I posted of my experience of bringing it home last year and since then, I’ve accumulated 34,535 miles. Without hesitancy, I can say I’ve enjoyed every mile. The 6 isn’t the quickest, quietest nor the most luxurious car I’ve owned, but I can confidently say it’s been the most fun. Yes, my RSX and TL were up there in the fun factor (and they got significantly better numbers on the skidpad), but there is just some sort of crazy witchcraft going on in the suspension and steering of the 6 that makes driving this car addictive yet not tiring day to day. Vague enough for you? The struts/shocks remain original as does the clutch and transmission. Let’s see how far they can go!
Here are a few fun facts:
- 34,535 miles covered
- 1 recall (Tekla airbag…not yet addressed)
- 1 accident (repaired)
- 3 major wear & tear repairs
- Total cost of maintenance, repair and modifications: ~$2,300
- 4 states visited
- 7 Oil changes with roughly 5K mile intervals
- Total breakdowns: 0
- Total unexpected trips to the dealer: 0
- Longest distance traveled in one day: 750 miles from Page, AZ to Las Cruces, NM.
- Longest trip: 2,100 miles round trip Bryce Canyon National Park.
- 1 Major hail storm survived
My future plans for it:
- Powdercoat OEM wheels
- HID retrofit
- Bose Sound System Upgrade
Here’s a photo from November, 2014 when I picked it up in Phoenix. My buddy Tyson Hugie generously stored the car at his place until I could get it.
How she stands today.
Warning: photo overload coming up!
Here are some memorable moments from the past year:
Mt. Taylor in northern NM
Acoma (Sky City), NM
Million Mile Lexus Drive (Chiricahua)
My favorite modifications:
Chrome “mustache” grille
Smoked side markers
New headlamps
Leather interior swap and MazdaSpeed 6 aluminum pedal covers
Heaviest load: 11 bags of 50lb landscape mulch
And here are some mileage milestones…
Today, she currently sits at 175,800 miles and is still rolling smooth and strong. That said, this is not a minty showroom example. There are a few known issues that will need sorting out soon. I have an annoying check engine light that likes to come on and go out for no apparent reason, the headliner is in need of reupholstering, and I have a little timing chain cover oil leak that drips on the manifold thus giving off a lovely burning oil aroma. I also suspect I’ll have to get the A/C recharged next season as it just doesn’t quite have that cold kick it should. I want to be brushing icicles off my nose.
Aside from all of that, I wouldn’t hesitate to drive this across the country and back again. So, what’s next? This 6 was originally supposed to be a temporary ride while I got finances in order, but I just got too attached to the dang thing that I guess I’ll keep it for another year or two and see what comes then. 200,000 miles is right around the corner! I’ll see you then…
