Does anyone have some experience with Mazda Demio 1.3 1st gen.? I've been reading on how reliable they are, but not fun to drive and slow as hell. That's ok cos it'll be my GF's first car. Any other things I should know? Weak spots?

From what the internet says...its basically a Ford Fiesta that has an extra 800lbs on it. I'd give it a pass.

funny, i find weight of under a ton light...

http://www.ultimatespecs.com/car-specs/Mazda/7579/Mazda-Demio-13.html

it's mazda b3 engine, not ford, ford's engine was in the later generations afaik.

I don't know how seriously I can take a site that begins it's description with this:

The Demio model is a car manufactured by Mazda, with doors and seats.

Lol but in all seriousness. 2039 lbs is not less than a ton. However, it is very light. Right on spec with my Miata there. However, it only has 62 hp lol. Right about half what my car has, and my car is no speed demon. So yes, I'd say the 0-60 time in this thing is roughly the same as my 10 speed bicycle.

But on an upside Mazda generally has very good quality, and with only 62 hp this thing doesn't make enough power to hurt its self. So i'd say reliability and durability are probably pretty good in this thing.

didn't even notice that, just looked at the numbers, quite funny. weight numbers vary from site to site, in car's papers it says 1025 kg, so yes, over a ton.
i got the car today, and it's quite spacious for such a tiny car.
it's quite lazy, but, since my GF is a new driver and will be driving our daughter everyday downtown, it's perfect

Hope she doesn't have to merge onto a highway with that lol

do you like your gf? Convince her to just get a honda

in this part of europe, there is not a single honda in the price range that doesn't need mass repairs, even all the 1.4 and 1.5 models were abused.

That's a car I've never really looked into before, but wiki says its a b3-ME engine which is quite intriging to me, since my stock ford aspire and all stock festivas came with a b3. The difference is is dual overhead cam head design. What is bothering me is that b3's have 62 Hp stock, and b5(me) dohc kia engines are in the 90-100 hp range with a b6(sohc) which is 80 hp/90tq.

I don't see why that head isnt flowing 70-80hp worth of air, but if I could get my hAnds on that head i have a couple spare blocks I could make a hybrid and see whats up.

Thanks for bringing another project to my attention..


I wonder what transmission they stuck next to it? I know aspires and festivas(mazda 121/121 bubble) outside USDM) in stock trim are almost bulletproof unless you intentionally beat on it for a couple years. In my tenure with B and FS series motors they are super reliable and easy to work on and maintain. Subtle differences here and there but all mazda B series motors are about one in the same.

Keep oil and tranny fluid in it and you should be good for 300k+


This post was edited by mykromisfit on May 4 2014 06:34am

good lord
that thing is stupid slow
my damn old silverado would blow that thing off the road