Anyone owned a Xedos 9 2.3 Miller SuperCharged?

[pugheaven]

Obviously very rare nowadays (and rare even when they came out, I've never seen a miller in the flesh, only the boggo 2.5 V6) and I've just bought one and pick it up next week hopefully. However, I had a Xedos 6 for 3 years and covered 197k miles when I sold it, and it passed every MOT, not a single light bulb failure, was the best car I've ever had.

However, I seen this Miller 2.3 and couldn't resist, fancied one for a while. 2.3 V6 Supercharged that sounds superb, nice motorway cruiser/bruiser and a massive rarity with around only 20-30 of these on the roads I reckon in the country. Fully loaded as expected, everything works like a dream... zero rust (to be expected from the older Mazdas)... I'm happy as!!! Once again, always good to have something with an angle as the Miller Cycle engine is a one off... only unlike Wankel it works lol.

The one thing that doesn't is the from new LPG conversion, so I'll need to fix this, although it doesn't interfer with the running on petrol, however, I'm used to LPG with the JEEP and when I'm paying 49p per litre now which is what it costs... it makes a massive difference.

So, with the RX8 in limbo with a knackered rotor and the JEEP in again as the 2nd gearbox went last week... I need something bomb proof.

So, anyone owned one? Anything to look out for other than usual? i pretty know most stuff with these, however, always good to have opinion from previous owners.










P.S. When will the Japanese realise leather doesn't look like plastic lol.

 

[pugheaven]

Believe it or not, only 210bhp and 217lbs of torque I think, but seems to be the way it's delivered... very smooth... and I've got a motorbike for ragging etc... so wanted something to waft me along the roads to work etc.

Always fancied one and the cost of the thing... mental what you can get for your money (£400 quid). I'll give it a full service myself, and check it over with my mechanic and hopefully all is good... we will see... always a risk buying older cars etc... but sometimes, you have to be in it to win it.

@DX - Cheers yeah, that's the stuff that I've read up about... always good to hear from actual owners though...

 

[pugheaven]

Cheers fellas. I like the colour but yeah the styling is that rover look...

Yep, paid 400 for it on 90k, full service history, 1 owner... I find it incredible nowadays that for less money I pay in road tax on the RX8 I've got a whole car... Mental what you can get nowadays.

 

[pugheaven]

Well, picked the car up on Sunday after a 4 hour train journey. Initial impressions weren't that great simply because the car was under a tree and was full of green and crap all over her body... however started first time, idled perfectly... took around block, seemed out. Checked under chassis, panels etc... checked on drive for oil leaks... nothing...

Drove home, uneventful and sweet as a nut. Checked everything on her, all electrics work perfectly, car's got ZERO knocks or anything... however there are 4 things I've noticed:

1). Flat spot, so will remove all plugs, coils etc and check they're all functioning and check all the vaccum hoses and anything I can think of... however fires perfectly on all cylinders and idles fine so I dont' think this would be serious.
2). Odd stick on the accelerator pedal sometimes and this could be linked to above slightly actually
3). The front O/S caliper has seized a little... will remove this and check out, sure it'll be the slider jammed or something.
4). Original alloys starting to peel... do I refurb or just go and buy some nice new ones, possibly 18's or 19's would look nice and fill out the arches.

However, all bob on. So, based on this and assuming can sort the above, full service will be done, all fluids drained, make sure new fluids to my spec and the usual replacement of all discs and pads for cross drilled and grooved. However, there is one cost here... timing belt change. She had one on 66k miles, BUT that was 2006 and hasn't had one since. Now, it's a non interference engine so, if it goes, it won't cause damage however, 9 years? Rubber? no thanks as I don't fancy like living on a knife edge so just ordered a full Timing Belt Kit for £113 notes and will fit this over the next week hopefully. That ain't gonna be a two hour job, infact it'll be a nightmare on this engine.

So, today, I've gone at her and couldn't believe the crap I got off the paintwork to reveal absolutely A1 pristine paint for a 15 year old car. Not ONE SINGLE SPEC OF RUST anywhere on the body, arches, inside the doors, boot etc. Really cannot believe the underside of her, mint.

Basically went over the whole car tonight in Maguires Colour Restorer just to bring the metallic out... but by the time I'd then waxed it was dark and I couldn't see much BUT rubbing finger over paintwork, wow, for a couple of hours work, she's come up superbly.

Also, went quickly over the engine bay to wipe all the dust away so, hopefully bit by bit over the next couple of weeks can get her perfect. What I'll do is post some piccies, as on holiday for a couple of weeks, so once back, will post updates.

First Impressions? Well, tbh, I love it. For £400 quid it's incredible and I chucked the guy an extra £100 notes for the private plate as well, which is a nice 5 charactor one... looks great. The style I know my son hates, but tbh, for a large saloon I think it's sweet, has a road presence it really does AND is bigger than my old Xedos 6 by quite a bit. Goes well, sounds terrific with that V6/Super Charger... but the best thing is the ride. Blimey, it's soooo smooth in the bumps... not wallowy or anything, just soaks them up and the closest I've thought was the same as the Jag XJ I drove a few years back, very similar feel to the ride and the floating over UK roads.

Over all well chuffed to bits and if I can sort these bits and bobs out... and looks after her, she's becoming a seriously rare beast.

So, upgrades...
1). Clear Side Indicators - Done
2). Either refurb OR Larger wheels in proportion to car, possibly 18's
3). New double din satnav/stereo going in this weekend
4). Cross Drilled and Grooved discs - Done
5). K&N Filter - Done

That's it really, want to keep her original as you never know, in the UK in 3-4 years she may be literally one of a handful left...

Think a nice multispoke would look sweet...

 

[pugheaven]

Have you put this up for sale on Autotrader for £995?

No, why one appeared on there? Will check it out. Just put a coat of wax on her and done interior leather and plastic etc. All looking great at moment. Car will 've in for a cam belt change next week while I'm on holiday reckon that's a good 5 hours of work at least as an estimate... At least I'll know what it is.

I reckon we can sort flat spot and its linked to the accelerator... Will soon find out.

The wheels at moment are 225/45/17's... Reckon moving to a wider larger wheel 235/40/18's won't effect ride too much at all... But will improve looks greatly. Do love the look of them Fox alloys as well... Friend of mine might be selling same ones as well so might even get a bargain ... Result

 

[pugheaven]

Mad ain't it although that one has a knackered door and wing... either way though, if you could source a second hand door...

New stereo double din going in tomorrow... service, lowering springs lmfao... it's started lol

 

[pugheaven]

I found out what the flat spot was...found vacuum pipe off the bypass valve on super charger. On now reckon that'll be solved. The off side caliper sticking is a simple solution, piston is pitted but mechanic stripped it all down cleaned all the rust out and spot on now. It's in getting the cam belt replaced as it was 9 years old Lmfao. Will post some nice new pictures this weekend as I et it back Friday.

EDIT:

Looks like the one on eBay is being sold on quickly, at a postential profit, however, something not right me thinks. It was only sold on 13th August and it's back up for sale..

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mazda-Xed...upercharged-/271968749611?hash=item3f5299c82b

 

[pugheaven]

Hi Simon,
Cool, yeah, no worries, wasn't haviong a go, it's just unusual to get a car that's been bought and sold on so quickly and as I'm a fan of these cars, noticed it had gone back up.

Cool, hope you sell as it's a shame if not and I'm sure you will as it's got a lot of watchers on there. I was tempted by that one myself, but the dings put me off tbh, however yeah it looks sound, always hard though over internet.

hope it sells matey and hope someone gets use out of it, as if the engine is sound, only on 72.5k should last forever. Good luck matey... and no, my doors staying where it is hahaha.

 

[pugheaven]

Superb least it's creeping up. I truley think these will be worth good cash soon. I've never bought a car as an investment but think this and if I get my tVR cerbera next at will appreciate. I believe after investigating that there are around 40 Miller's left on the road in UK. That's a serious niche market and the car looks lovely in the flesh. Think its one of those cars you have to appreciate cars to like... I.e the old school workmanship. You want to see the video how they designed and sprayed looks ace on the spindle being rotated. Imho it was the last of the over engineered jap cars (and Saab obviously) before they all got made out of cardboard and tin. The quality of modern cars is appalling. I shut the door on this xedos to a proper thump.

As for LPG, there's just a cracked pipe so hoping next Wednesday can get it priced up... Had it checked and hopefully that's all that's wrong. We will see.

As for fuel economy I believe I'll see around 25-27 and low23 if heavy footed. This crap about 30+... on a motorway at 75mph maybe but in the really world mid 20's I'll be happy as that, with Lpg working would give me high 40's for a V6 SUPERCHARGED WOULD BE ACE.

I'll post pictures of the updates and just had call of mechanic who does my RX8 engine and cam belt all done and sorted. Just needs the lowering springs and MOT and she's ready for the road. Can't wait to take her for a proper spin.

The question is what rubber. I'm thinking Conti Sport 5 or Pirelli P Zero and also not sure whether to go for 225/40/18 or 235/45/18 or 235/40/18... Suppose it depends how low the new springs take her. We shall see. The new rims are a 7.5j width tyre... Original being a 7j so thinking may as well go for a 235 give it a bit more grip.

 

[pugheaven]

Well, pick the Xedos 9 up tomorrow... Dwayne sent me a quick picture of her, not the best quality but you can see looking decent... can't wait to see in teh flesh and will post better piccies tomorrow.

 

[pugheaven]

Well, pick the Xedos 9 up tomorrow... Got a quick picture of her, not the best quality but you can see looking decent... can't wait to see in the flesh and will post better piccies tomorrow.

So, in total, she's had the following:

1). New front and rear cross drilled and grooved discs
2). Full service, oils, filters etc
3). Cam Belt and tensioners replaced
4). New rims with Conti Sport Contact 5's all around
5). Nice new Sat Nav system in dash.

All ready to rumble. Done a few other bits and bobs, clear indicators etc... replaced reflectors with new ones that were supplied. Nice and fresh.

 

[pugheaven]

Cheers guys much appreciated. Was expectng a lot of haters tbh... I'm trying to just be tasteful with minor mods... and now finished and will leave alone. No point chaving it up, want it original, but the alloys were puny 17's and tbh on poor rubber so, now on 18's sits perfectly now adn can still go 4/5 up without rubbing etc.

Picked it up about an hour ago in my dinner hour and well happy with it. Handles nicely, goes strong.... will try and take a couple of pictures later after work, but the weather is appalling and it's dirty already.

EDIT: BTW, is it just me, or if you cover the first 1/3 of car say to the side indicators, does the rest of the car look Jaguar XJ like to you or is it just me?

 

[pugheaven]

Crap pictures, fading light, phone camera and dirty car, however... you get the feel

 

[pugheaven]

With some tasteful alterations and modernisation that could be a great looking car.

Hahaha I thought I had

 

[pugheaven]

I like those wheels. Makes the car look for more mean and sporty.

I thought I had sold my car over the weekend. Some chap clicked on BUyItNow but never heard from him for a day. I emailed him asking when he was coming over to collect and his reply was about how he has just come back from a weekend away and somehow he's brought a car. Reckoned I was a scam artist. Ebay, just deal with dicks none stop. We've all brought crap on ebay when drunk, would have had far more respect for this guy if he just said that instead of crap about a scum.

Anyway, I will re-advertise mine in a few weeks time. Im starting to fall in love with it Had a chap ring me asking if I would be interested in a car he's breaking, same colour and would I like the buy the door to replace my one. Will text him and see how much he wants.

Simon

Sooooo... thinking of keeping it hey? You could do a lot worse. Also, if you do, get as much off that other car as possible if I was you. I got a whole spare front bumper in dark blue for mine which meant I could nick one headlight off it, and the reflectors so it's all new on the front of mine now. Always good to have spares, and get the super charger off him, if it goes, £3k for a new one lol... £250-300 seems to be the price to give for one.

Hahaha, first proper drive in it today into work and back down some country lanes. Blimey it proper grips on these contis, more than a 15ft car really should tbh... just so smooth, nice and quick without being mental... silent while driving until you hoof it then that little super charger sound comes your way...

Have to say, I'm happier than a happy person. Ok, I've spent a little coin on it what with the service, wheels and the new cambelt/tensioners, but you know what... I realllly like it. Just so different to everything I've had before. Now time to get the RX8 engine sorted and I'll be 100% happy

 

[pugheaven]

It might pay you to have a proper 4 wheel track done - it transformed handling on mine - always felt as back wanted to go out on left hand bends -- When I had the print out it was 3 mm out - Left wheel wanted to go round bend and right one straight on.

Looks good I now feel a bit envious -- Did you get all hand books with it -?? I still have the hard back leather folder that keep Focus books in but left all books in car when took it to scrappy.

Yep, got it all 4 wheel aligned on the way back from picking it up. It ws all over the shop especially as it's now running H&R Lowering springs 40mm, however they did a cracking job and was noticable the difference it made to the handling.

Yep, all hand books etc, and a pile of receipts that goes into thousands... mental how much you can spend on cars over the years. You never know, it may go up in price But lets put it this way, in this condition, there's no way I'd sell it for £400 quid!

 

[pugheaven]

Mazda also did a "electric pack" as a option - The only thing I know it had was heated seats - Is there two blanks by gear lever - if so they are for switches.

check the scrap yards.

Was in mid Wales on Saturday - would have prefered my old Zedos 9 to the Focus - Much quieter ride.

Hi mate, sorry been in Spain on motorbikes. Just on ferry coming home. Yeah this one unfortunately doesn't have heated seats and yeah there's two empty switches. Tbh never been that bothered with heated eats got them in the Jeep and rx8 and never use them however they're a nice to have.

 

[pugheaven]

Hi all,

Well, looks like my ownership of one of this ends today. I have a chap coming to view / buy the car later on. Im in 50/50 about it really. Ive used it now for 2/3 weeks and have done over 1500 pleasurable miles. Talk about a hidden gem.

I spent the weekend polishing it, touching up chips, and another coat of underspray underneath and around the wheel arches as being by the sea these areas tend to get effected during the winter.

will sad to see it go but Im looking forward having more space on my drive, cancelling my car tax and saving some coin.

I hope your car gives you many years of good service.

SBK

So, did you sell it then?

As for me, got the double din stereo working sweet and sounds epic, really suprised... these Bose speakers are sweet. Want to get rid of the wood trim though, thinking of wrapping or something... just makes the car a little too old man for my liking bar that running sweet as a nut.

 

[pugheaven]

Hi. Yes I sold it. However, during the sale I tried to explain how rare these are and what a great car it was but I got the sense the new owner will just be using it as reliable transport.

I agree with your idea of wrapping the wood. The wood takes the sporty vibe from it, so I would wrap it in carbonfibre effect. That would certainly make the interior more modern.

I noticed I was getting a lot of water in the passenger footwell, on the last few days of ownership. I traced it down to the rubber on the door, as the water would run down the side / rubber and then as the rubber curved around it would come into the car, over the foot plate and in to the foot well. This happened to me on my pajero and hte fix was to cut a V into the rubber as it turns / follows the curved part of the door which stopped the water coming in. So, go check yours.

I also started to noticed a slight slip when changing from 2rd to 3rd too. Was going to drop the fluid a couple of times to see if that would help.

Was a lovely car, enjoyed the short ownership of it. Looking at your one, feel quite sad but nice to have room back on my drive.

SBK

Looks like you sold at right time, well, checked mine and all is good there. Rubbers in right position and no water etc.

Just took it to an LPG specialist to see about fixing the LPG conversion which doesn't work. Because it's a 14 year old system, he may find it difficult to find the parts, however, he's going to let me know. There's a cheap fix and a little more than I want to pay fix to replace the front end of the system... I'm 50/50...

Worked out I'm getting around 23-24mpg which isn't great and LPG would consistantly give me 40+... would've spent say £250 to get it fixed, but if it creeps up... there comes a point... not sure what to do. On the flip side I intend to keep this car...

Just checked on howmanyleft and looks like there could only be 46 left licenced in UK now... from how I read it one, if the V6 Auto's is the 2.5ltr and the other is the Millers due to lower initial sales, and the way its going I reckon they'll be less than 20 registered in the UK within 24 months... nice to have a niche car... infact probably the rarest car on the roads for a "mainstream" car.

 

[pugheaven]

Yeah tbh, I think I'll be getting it fixed, that way the car is 100%. Annoys me when there's something not quite right and tbh, I'd get that cost back either in fuel or if I sell (not that I plan to sell obviously).

I run LPG on my Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0ltr... on petrol it'll do around 18mpg, on LPG it's around 16mpg so loses circa 2-3mpg... but then again it's 49p where I live less than half price to so me, it's doubling the economy of thre car. This Xedos is around the 23-24mpg, so I reckon 40 easily is acheivable. Think I'll get it done in a week or two and booked in.