Hi all,

I'm planning to buy a used car so i went to look for this car, a 1996 Mazda Lantis 1.6M. After half an hour inspecting the car, i found few issues that I am not sure whether it is a bad problem, or reaally bad problem.

- The car produces white smoke whenever I push the throttle. Might indicate leaking in the engine.
- Power window got stuck on the passenger side, but can work if using the passenger side's button. (common Lantis problem)
- Mileage meter says 150K, but there is service check sticker that says 'Last service : 300XXX'.
- Tyre rim got scratches all over the side of it, on both right side tyres.
- Road tax will expire in a month. Might indicate the dealer is trying to push the sale, despite the car condition.

1)Is this a big problem? Is it cost a lot to fix all of this? And most important, should i even think to buy this car?

2)And how can i do VIN check on this car? I dont have Credit Card so I wont be able to check online on Redbook or whatever.

3)Is there a service where I can ask a mechanic to check the car, give valuation on the car condition and also give valuation on the price based on the car condition?

i wouldnt recommend you to buy that car, its just not worth to buy it.

how much is the price?

the price tag will show its worth it or not..

Please please please don't ever buy Mazda Lantis. Sure the looks is sporty and rimless door mirrors. But there is always a common problem after they aged. Rubber sealing will let water in. Plastic parts will come out just like the old Saga. And the engine is hard to get parts. If u haven't seen how many lantis got transplanted with different ford/ mazda engines, u wouldn't know.

I'd say avoid this car by all means. Unless the price offered by the dealer is way below market price and you're willing to spend a lot of time sending the car for repairs. Perhaps the white smoke mean that its time for a full overhaul , easily 2-3k i guess. And about the mileage, probably it has been tempered by the dealer ( also shows that the dealer isnt honest ). Also , take note that Mazda Lantis parts are getting more scarce unless you know where to source your parts. Parts also isnt exactly cheap. Go survey around for better condition ones, im very sure you can find them.

the most common lantis prob ive heard is wit the rubber door seals.. the lantis has frameless doors (which gives the car a very distinguished character coz not many cars in its class during its time has it), hence the prob.. as wit age, the rubber seals starts 2 worn out n therefore water starts leakin in.. also, had a go in a fren of mine's, n at highway speeds, theres a faint but significant wooshing noise comin from these worn out door seals.. kinda like the noise u get when theres a tiny gap at ur windows when u 4get 2 close em when u start drivin.. i know its a faint sound, but it does get really really annoying after a while..

they were asking for RM14700 (though in mudah.my stated 16K+). Normally this type of car's market price is around 15 to 18K.
I am 70% sure that I'm not going for this car.. unless anybody says it's worth to buy based on the given price.

I know some people wouldn't recommend this car to anyone, but is there anyone who actually own a Lantis who would not recommend this car for me?
I'd say for most Lantis users I heard they haven't got complaints, except they had to spend little bit extra for spareparts and stuff.

u could consult the lantis club.. i know it existed (my fren is a member), im juz not sure whether they have a website or a forum..

hi bro...for that price...1.6 is not so worth it...try to push for 12 if can...parts not hard bro...watver ppl say... i aso had a 1.6 lantis..now going for v6..

its jus tat u must rajin abit to find half cut...but lots of parts still around...but if white smoke better leave it bro...got alot more lantis in the market...but 1.6 stick wot 13-15 for a good 1...but if u can afford it...go for 1.8 manual..got 1 for sale in johor..check mudah...black..

as for windows its usual problem for us...but got alot of custom bushes around and DIY solutions...

good luck bro....if dealer 100% meter tampered....

wow lately noticed many thread regarding lantis. also more and more on the road. this car gaining back popularity now? well, can't help to say something since i also drive this car.

first thing first, for a 1996 model, u can push the price lower than 14k. afterall u already noticed much of its problems. use this as ur bargaining points

- white smoke when pushed, most likely piston ring worn out. total overhaul is the answer. but transplant is the better route imo. u have a 14 yr old car in front of u, even if u dont see white smoke now, how sure are u that it wont come soon? not only for this car, any car for that matter. buy this car if u already have a plan for transplant. 2.0 v6 worth every penny. the sound, the power, the fc, digital aircond.... just make sure the body is perfectly straight, no rust, all rubbers are good, etc..

- power window, common problem yes. unrepairable, no. spare some 300 bucks, i know someone who can get it back to perfect working condition.

- mileage definitely been tempered with. find another dealer if u doubt he might not be honest about everything else

- scratches on rims, no big deal. but it might indicate previous driver was a lousy one

- road text going to expire, ask for more discount!

bro...a word of advice...if u can afford the higher roadtax, go for the 1.8... much better den the 1.6 in terms of fc... 1.6 auto abit laggy sumtimes...but if manual den not too bad

agreed with icyd and shalz. i am a lantis owner too. dont listen to non lantis user, most of them bs tbh, no offence

if got white smoke then better dont buy, get another one. mudah alot.
windows problem can be fixed, i know few guys can provide this service, like what icyd said.

PS: parts is easy to get. easy yes easy. new 2nd halfcut all no problem.

have u got the ride TS?

still looking for Lantis 1.8MT. if anyone sees PM me!

white smoke...engine need overhaul

bro..found a few 1.8 auto and manual while i was searching for my JDM V6. pm me if u want more details...wud love to help out another lantis lover

go to mudah, there is plenty of them, and cheap too!

went to mudah all the time. but to find Manual 1.8 quite abit hard lor. Got one la but in Penang.

shalzkasbsp, where did u find that car.

I have driven MAzda Familia 1985 and Ford TX3 for 4 years....

My only complaint is the 1.8MT gearbox which is almost extinct in Malaysia. And it is a popular gearbox for the BPT and BPD (1.8 turbo engines).

Besides that, it is a good robust car.

join the killerbees group for more info.

I was a killerbee group member once