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MAD1
10-21-2007, 02:00 AM
The BJ5W series car that is!

Hello from New Zealand!

I am thinking about getting the Mazda Familia BJ5W model with the ZL-VE 1.5 SVT engine in 5 speed. If i can find a SP20 in my price range i will deff go for it but it looks like the ZL-VE for now...

I was wanting to hear from current owners of this model and their overall views about the car.

Like the performance and handling? I know it is a small engine so i shouldnt expect too much from it, but does it have enough gutts to overtake and handle the highways?
How does it perform with a full load of passangers?
Whats the car like on Gas?
Is the car still quite spacious for a small car?
Are there any common faults i should look out for?

I am trying to find a local one to take for a decent test drive but the ones i find dont have the ZL engine so arnt much of a help!

Heres an example of one i would be interested in:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motor ... key=493888 (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Cars/Mazda/auction-122227475.htm?key=493888)

I currently have a Nissan Primera UK GT version. It is 2L but is automatic and would be a bit heavier than the lil Familia so should i expect engine performance to be about the same?

Here are the Primeras Specs: http://english.auto.vl.ru/catalog/nissa ... 7_2/24261/ (http://english.auto.vl.ru/catalog/nissan/primera/1997_2/24261/)

And this is one that is similar to mine: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motor ... 678150.htm (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Cars/Nissan/auction-120678150.htm)

It has a chain driven engine so no need to change cam-belts. Is it expensive to get the cambelts changed on the ZL-VE? Are parts in general for the ZL-VE and BJ5W expensive?

Any info you could pass on to this newbie would be much appreciated!

Thanks in advance
Jono
protege
10-21-2007, 04:37 PM
Hi Jono,

I haven't got the ZL-VE, however the stripped ZL version.
130bhp vs. 88bhp.
Torque is almost the same though.
141 vs. 132 Nm

There are a few ZL-VE owners here though! Do a search and you'll probably find them.

Performance and handling is subjective also depends on what you are used to. You'll have to drive it to judge it.

The ZL-VE is an import by the way, you must have read it in the ad too.
Not sure if this will give trouble with services.
Timing belts and parts aren't too expensive.
(don't chainbelts have to be replaced too? Chains on Bmw's have to?)

PM some zl-ve people, they can tell you more about it.
Wattie
10-22-2007, 05:28 AM
Got your PM.

I've got the ordinary ZL engine, not the ZL-VE. 65kW and automatic tranny.
MAD1
10-22-2007, 02:23 PM
Oh right.
Thanks for your time anyway guys.

For some reason i though the ZL-VE was more available to to other countries.

Theres quite a few over here in New Zealand as we get our cars from Japan.

Hopefully i find one soon to test drive so i can tell you all about it!
MAD1
10-26-2007, 02:38 AM
So how do you current owners of BJ familias find them on long trips?
Are they comfortable for the driver and passangers?
trq
10-26-2007, 05:54 AM
Long Distant Trips are no problem at all.
Its nice to drive long distance, allthough it could have a longer 5 fifth Gear for Driving on the Autobahn :)
MAD1
10-26-2007, 10:05 PM
Cool. How is the brake setup? I understand they have rear drum brakes?
trq
10-27-2007, 09:15 AM
The ZL-VE should have Discs on the rear.

The ordinary ZL has Drum brakes, at least in Germany. I'm not sure if the Brake Setup is the same in other Countries
MAD1
10-27-2007, 04:19 PM
The ZL-VE should have Discs on the rear.

The ordinary ZL has Drum brakes, at least in Germany. I'm not sure if the Brake Setup is the same in other Countries

Nope they seem to have drums. Its not untill the 2.0L SP20 models that rear discs are used.

What are the Disc/Drum brake setups like.
protege
10-27-2007, 04:30 PM
Good enough.

i've never heard of any problems with them. Heard of more problems with rear discs than the drums.
TheMAN
10-28-2007, 12:12 PM
if it has rear drums then it doesn't have a ZL-VE
protege
10-28-2007, 12:50 PM
What is your price range?
MAD1
10-30-2007, 03:09 AM
if it has rear drums then it doesn't have a ZL-VE

Nope, there some info here with the specs on the car: http://english.auto.vl.ru/catalog/mazda ... 9_8/15016/ (http://english.auto.vl.ru/catalog/mazda/familia_s-wagon/1999_8/15016/)

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motor ... key=730708 (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Cars/Mazda/auction-124952331.htm?key=730708)

We get our cars from Japan so they might have different features to your US ones.
kafai
11-04-2007, 01:39 AM
BJ5W
130ps

front disc and rear drum
front disc and rear disc
2 setting available.

Friends,

if your ZL VE M/T shift from Japan, it is very nice to you. Cos the brake pump is thicker than normal ZL or ZM..........Gaining much for stopping. Try to find a carbon air intake set (attached on same loaction of original air intake)
MAD1
11-05-2007, 01:15 PM
BJ5W
130ps

front disc and rear drum
front disc and rear disc
2 setting available.

Friends,

if your ZL VE M/T shift from Japan, it is very nice to you. Cos the brake pump is thicker than normal ZL or ZM..........Gaining much for stopping. Try to find a carbon air intake set (attached on same loaction of original air intake)

Thanks for clearing that up!