About the Mazda Premacy
Hayden Shannon purchased this Mazda Premacy used for $4,400 (including all on-road costs) in 2020. Hayden Shannon would buy this car again because: “Despite its age, it’s still a very capable little car that I love. I’m saddened that the craze of SUVs took hold before the mini-MPV style of car really had chance because I think a lot of people would be surprised at just how much better suited they’d be. “
How reliable has your car been? Tell us about any issues.
During my ownership, the Premacy has been remarkably reliable despite its somewhat iffy service history, with only a few relatively minor hiccups in nearly three years.
At the time of its purchase in July 2020 it came with some receipts that suggested it had overheated and needed some head work and new cooling system components and it also had a minor starting issue that was identified as clogged fuel filter. The in-tank filter and pump were easily replaced and the issue was gone.
The front passenger door window regulator was also replaced early on in my ownership, something that was raised by the company doing the window tint, hilariously, as I’d never used the window myself!
Until very recently (March 2023) there had been no further issues with the car when the car decided to spit its drive belts and leave me stranded an hour or so south of Canberra while on a camping trip.
In saying that, I can’t really rag on the reliability of the car itself for this one as the culprit was a $30 belt that decided to end itself.
What do you think of the ownership experience with your car?
I’ve loved almost every minute I’ve had the Premacy.
It’s been ridiculously handy to own, proving itself capable with nearly everything that’s been thrown at it.
It was initially meant as just a second car to cart two large Rottweilers around in and to satisfy my need to drive a manual again, but it’s since been used to move houses, transport large home appliances, and to travel interstate for camping duties.
Being a rarely seen car by most people, it’s kinda cool explaining to people what is and I think shows skeptics that being a car enthusiast isn’t just limited to things that are fast/loud/low etc.
I don’t know how to explain it properly but I love driving it and actually using it, it always makes me smile.
Are you happy with the price and features of your car?
As a used car, you really can’t complain too much.
A car from 2001 is going to have a features list that cannot compare with anything from 2023 but let’s get into what it did have.
At its launch in February 2001, Mazda chose to offer the Premacy as a single specification, with the only factory options limited to paint colour, a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic, and you could ditch the hubcaps for some alloy wheels. If I recall correctly, your dealer could fit some genuine accessory fog lights.
Standard features extended to four power windows, power mirrors, power steering, remote central locking, air conditioning, four speaker AM/FM radio and single disc CD audio which had neat (and deceptive) steering wheel controls, dual front airbags, and anti-lock brakes.
Some other neat and not quite as obvious features you’ll also find are the under-seat storage drawer under the front passenger seat, the front passenger seat also folds flat which allows the back of it to be used as a table for the rear seat passenger.
Speaking of seats, the rear seats are actually three individual seats that weigh a couple of kilos each and are easily removable in just a matter of seconds. And should you desire, the centre seat once removed allows the two outboard seats to be moved inwards for more room.
It’s also worth noting all three rear seats have a three point seatbelt too!
The available features weren’t bad for their day, but the Australian market missed out on a few things available in other markets though I suspect Mazda already had a tough job on their hands trying to flog off an oversized 323 Astina for thousands more than the car on which it was based. Had it sold better, who knows what might have been in store for later updates?
As it was, the 2002 facelift was modest at best.
Minor styling revisions to bring it closer to the then family look, an upgrade to a bigger 2.0L engine, the addition of traction control and rear disc brakes and some improvement to NVH and ride comfort.
What do you think of the performance and economy of your car?
Being a box shaped thing with a 1.8L engine to move it along was never going to break any land speed records but even still, performance is best described as “almost adequate.”
With just 92kW and 163Nm on tap, I suspect motorway on-ramps are the length they are to allow a Premacy to reach 100km/h in time to merge with traffic safety and should you brave the open roads in one, it’ll sit at 100-110km/h happily enough if the roads are flat.
Overtaking manoeuvres require a booking and happen in three to five business days, and you’ll be rowing the longish throw five speed shifter to get up even a modest incline.
Perhaps I’m being unfair as the Premacy’s main duties were only ever meant to be around town where its thoughtfully spaced out gears make the most of its modest power and allow you to keep up with traffic without having to work too hard.
Efficiency isn’t the Premacy’s strong suit however, around town averaging around 11-12L/100km (startlingly close to Mazda’s official claims) and a more reasonable 8L/100kms on the open road.
With its 60L tank, I was able to get from Melbourne to Canberra. It’s also rated for 91 RON where the 2002 facelift 2.0 models require 95 RON.
What do you think of the technology in your car?
There isn’t much in the way of technology, even by 2001 standards let alone 2023 but it’s not a completely bare pantry.
While lacking a proper trip computer (something we missed out on) there are dual trip meters in the instrument cluster and the drivers door window is auto up AND down, exactly like a 2023 Kia Seltos GT-Line. The addition of a 12V outlet in the boot is also nice, exactly unlike a 2023 Kia Seltos GT-Line.
The standard traction control in the facelift models is always something that astounded me because hardly anything had that back then but it was testament to Mazda making this car one of the safest in its class.
What do you think of the ride comfort and handling of your car?
Being based on the 323 of the era, the Premacy had a good base to begin with with the handling, all-independent suspension gave it a big car feel on the road and it was pretty well tuned for local conditions.
The hydraulic power steering actually offered good feel and feedback and can really only be (slightly) criticised for having too many turns lock to lock which hampers the fun in the corners, though it’s not a sports car and will never be driven as such by anyone. Other than me, of course.
The long travel suspension and 15-inch wheels with actual tyres instead of slivers of rubber make it more comfortable than it has a right to be and is only spoiled by a drivers seat with adjustments that are too basic.
