1991 Mazda MX-6
Introduction to the 1991 Mazda MX-6
The 1991 Mazda MX-6 is a compact sports coupe that was offered with a range of engine and transmission options. The base model came with a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 110 horsepower and 130 lb-ft of torque. A more powerful 2.5-liter V6 engine was also available, producing 164 horsepower and 160 lb-ft of torque. Both engines could be paired with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission. The MX-6 was praised for its sporty handling and stylish design, but it was criticized for its lack of power and its cramped interior.
Engine
2.2-Liter Four-Cylinder
- Blown Head Gasket:
- Symptoms: White smoke from the exhaust, overheating, loss of coolant
- Solution: Replace the head gasket
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Intake Manifold Gasket Leak:
- Symptoms: Rough idle, loss of power, vacuum leaks
- Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $350+
- Recalls: None Found
2.5-Liter V6
- Valve Cover Gasket Leak:
- Symptoms: Oil leaks from the top of the engine
- Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $250+
- Recalls: None Found
- Timing Belt Failure:
- Symptoms: Catastrophic engine damage
- Solution: Replace the timing belt according to the manufacturer’s recommended intervals
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1200+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
Five-Speed Manual
- Clutch Master Cylinder Failure:
- Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, loss of hydraulic pressure
- Solution: Replace the clutch master cylinder
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $350+
- Recalls: None Found
Four-Speed Automatic
- Transmission Solenoid Failure:
- Symptoms: Rough shifts, loss of gears, transmission slipping
- Solution: Replace the transmission solenoid
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Strut Mount Failure:
- Symptoms: Noise and vibration over bumps, poor handling
- Solution: Replace the strut mounts
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $250 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Alternator Failure:
- Symptoms: Dimming lights, slow starting, battery drain
- Solution: Replace the alternator
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $700+
- Recalls: None Found
- Battery Drain:
- Symptoms: Dead battery after sitting for a period of time
- Solution: Identify and fix the source of the drain
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the cause
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Door Lock Actuator Failure:
- Symptoms: Doors won’t lock or unlock
- Solution: Replace the door lock actuator
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Cracked Dashboard:
- Symptoms: Cracks in the dashboard
- Solution: Repair or replace the dashboard
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Sun Visor Sagging:
- Symptoms: Sun visors sagging from the ceiling
- Solution: Replace the sun visors
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 1991 Mazda MX-6 is a reliable and affordable sports coupe. However, it is not without its issues. The most common problems include head gasket failure, intake manifold gasket leaks, and door lock actuator failure. While some of these issues can be expensive to fix, most are relatively minor and can be repaired for a reasonable cost. Overall, the MX-6 is a good choice for those looking for a sporty and stylish vehicle that won’t break the bank.