Is the Mazda MX6 a good first car?

[doug]

Hi all,
For the past 3 years i've been set on buying a Mazda MX6 as a first car. With finally enough cash saved for it I take a few for a drive and fall in love with the handling and general feel of the car. So I take one down to the local mechanic to get his opinion. He tells me and my dad NOT to buy one because the maintenance is too high and the kids that buy them can't afford to pay the repair bills.

Living in Australia, I know they are relatively scarce with parts quite expensive, but are they generally so unreliable that they are going to empty your pockets just to keep it running? I thought Mazda's were reliable, even if they have a relatively complicated platform such as an MX6.

Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks, Lamont

[Stefan]

mazda are awesome cars. i have a 323 protege and i love it, it runs superbly and i have 150000km, never changed anything on it.