10k: Adult STi/Evo: 2006 Mazda Mazdaspeed6
The Subaru STi and Mitsubishi Evo are fantastic all-wheel-drive rally machines for the street that combine tenacious all-wheel-drive grip, 6-speed gearboxes, turbocharged engines and sedan convenience…but…the giant wings, vortex generators (aka spiky hair), hood scoops, gold wheels & pink emblems make them less than desirable to the discerning gentleman driver. Enter the Mazdaspeed6, the adult version of the STi/Evo offering 9/10ths of the performance in a plain brown wrapper, same turbocharged mania without the boy-racer looks. Find this 2006 Mazda Mazdaspeed6 for sale in Fredericksburg, VA currently bidding on ebay for $3,150 reserve-not-met or $10,000 buy-it-now.
The Mazdaspeed6 is more than just a tarted up version of the Mazda6, if offers a significantly more performance focused package, starting with a turbocharged and direct injected MZR 2.3 liter 4-cylinder engine that puts out 274 horsepower and 280 ft-lbs of torque. Mazda didn’t stop with engine and also provided all-wheel-drive (standard Mazda6 was front drive only) a 6-speed gearbox and stiffer suspension. This particular example looks to be in great shape inside/out and has a number of performance upgrades that should make it bridge the performance gap to the STi/Evo twins, but still look like it is driven by someone who doesn’t own a collection of flat-brimmed hats and has no idea what in the world illest means.
See a better all-wheel-drive daily driver for the family? email us here: tips@dailyturismo.com
5 owners in 6 years, wonder what that means?
I was wondering when the MazdaSpeed6 would hit Daily Turismo. I have a '07 in a more subtle color than this example but this one looks nice for the mileage. A few other points, these were imported from Japan unlike the other Mazda 6's. I think Mazda had their eye on the S4 and 330ix a bit more than the boy-racer Evo's as a far as a cross sell – just look at the stock rear spoiler which is more subtle and likely more effective than the Mazda 6's hoop spoiler. Nevertheless, Mazda was quite unsuccessful in moving these and deep discounts were required to move these $30K – $35K MSRP cars. The car received added internal support which increased torsional rigidity by 50% compared to the standard Mazda6. The Speed6 was the first to run the direct injected, intercooled 2.3 tubro with forged crank and rods which subsequently showed up in the CX-7 and MazdaSpeed3. It also outperformed their sports car, the RX-8. Compared to the Speed6, the Speed3's engine was detuned to combat its fwd torque steer and I believe had further electronically controlled reductions in 1st and 2nd gear. Nevertheless the Speed6 benefits from the large aftermarket created by the Speed3, as least for the engine. The Speed6s also have a traction control system which added a yaw sensor not available in the CX-7, etc. The depreciation curve is also a bit harder on the Speed6 than the Speed3, so prices are quite attractive. As a special note, for the E30 M3 Fan Boiz set, the Speed6 received a rearchitected and raised trunk lid as well as some of the more obvious body modifications. The brakes are quite good. Stock 0-60mph times ranged in testing from 5.4 to 6.0 seconds. Common gripes include the shifting under acceleration (upgraded rear motor mount on advertised car helps tremendously), small turbo's powerband falling off a cliff between 5000 and 5500 rpms (just a test pipe helps here quite a bit which the advertised car has – plus lots more) and smoking turbo especially during extended idle as well as on the '06 cars (Mazda extended the warranty to 80K miles on the turbo). I found the car undertired as well. The RX-8's wheels are a bit wider and fit the car and allow a 235/40-18, vs the standard 215/45-18, tire to fit Also after skipping a generation it sounds like Mazda will be back with a Speed6 in '14, perhaps on a two door coupe version.
Honestly, I had no idea Mazda upgraded these Mazdaspeed 6s to AWD. Knowing that, I've gotta say, this is now on my dream list. If only it came as a wagon…
Dave,
From the factory the Speed6's rear seats do not fold down unless you pop off the rear seat back cover to manually access the latches. However it's a pretty easy and cheap (~ $60) retrofit with factory Mazda parts to allow the rear seats to fold from the in cockpit levers if that's a difference maker in practicality. Might also want to change out the intrusive and sharp factory rear strut tower ties for an aftermarket brace but that will be another $100 or so.
Parts list, instructions and links on how to lower rear seat.
mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123617142-How-To-Folding-rear-seats-in-MS6&s=43d92f7c4aa46a092deb47a4cd93d54f&p=2297857#post2297857
One strut brace, less intrusive but also not triangulated like factory pieces. Use "SURIOT" in coupon code for 10% off order
streetunit.com/StreetUnit_Rear_Interior_Frame_Brace_p/sums6rifb.htm