Video summary
Чем дешевле тачка - тем дороже ремонт...
Main summary
Key takeaways
Product reviewed (what the video is about)
The video is not reviewing a consumer product with ratings. Instead, it documents the revival/restoration of a first-generation Mazda MPV (1989–1999)—diesel, with AWD on this example (though RWD versions exist).
In practice, the “product” is the specific Mazda MPV being restored.
Key features / context of the car being restored
- Model: Mazda MPV, first generation (1989–1999)
- Drivetrain: AWD on this example
- The speaker also discusses AWD vs RWD generally.
- Engine type: diesel
- Estimated fuel use: roughly 6–7 L/100 km
- Diesel character noted: it “smells” like diesel and runs with harshness/vibration.
- Mechanical era: lots of mechanical systems, minimal modern electronics
- Example: no immobilizer; key presence sensor concepts are discussed.
- Used for real needs:
- Store runs
- Transporting large items (e.g., boards, firewood)
- The car is valued primarily for space and practicality
- Condition baseline: described as a “dead person” revival
- Mentioned mileage: about 467,000 km
What was done / main restoration work (user experience style)
1) Starter (major starting issue)
Problem
- The starter “doesn’t work” initially.
- The retractor clicks but doesn’t properly engage.
- Electrical checks showed the battery isn’t dropping below about 9 V.
Fix approach
- They consider a new non-original starter (from the trunk).
- An expert warns that Chinese starters can fail unpredictably, and because there’s no nearby service, they prioritize reliability.
- They decide to repair the original starter rather than swapping to the replacement.
Result
- After ignition-related work and starter tests, the car starts.
- Starter engagement improves dramatically (they show multiple start attempts; it becomes “1,2,3 tries” rather than ~30 earlier).
Cons noted
- Chinese starter reliability is debated.
- The original starter still needed repair, removal, and follow-up diagnosis.
2) Ignition switch / key mechanism (could stop starter/starting)
Problem
- Ignition lock disassembly reveals:
- The key/switch mechanism isn’t returning properly
- A broken spring/stopper inside the contact group causes starting/ignition behavior issues.
Fix approach
- They can’t source the exact contact-group part new.
- They order a Mazda CX9 contact group to harvest the spring.
- They also fix the gear selector interlock / ignition-key logic using a makeshift sleeve (rubber/plastic tube) due to a worn/loose selector mechanism.
Result
- Ignition turns on properly.
- Glow plugs work.
- Starter works reliably afterward.
3) Wiring repair (Oleg’s work)
- Wiring is described as in terrible condition due to years of wear and “collective-farming” shortcuts.
- Oleg spends several days:
- cutting out bad sections
- soldering/repairing connections
- restoring connectors
- redoing grounds and power wires
4) Suspension / brakes (later guest: plan to make it “ideal”)
After lifting the car, they find many suspension/brake issues.
Goal
- “Make it ideal for 5 years,” replacing what’s necessary.
Planned replacement scope includes
- CV joints + boots
- Stabilizer bushings
- Stabilizer struts
- Control arm bushings/silent blocks
- Ball joints
- Shock absorbers
They also note that some stabilizer components might be inspected and evaluated rather than replaced every time.
Pros
- They want thorough work because the car likely won’t return to a “good service center” again soon.
Cons
- Cost/profitability concern: restoration can become expensive.
5) Steering related discovery
- Steering wheel had major play; the car couldn’t even be steered properly.
- Suspected causes include:
- steering rack/column mounting issues
- coupling/belt/elastic connection deterioration
- other steering mechanical play (including mentions of crosspieces/U-joints)
Further parts likely needed, but the video frames this as an identified mechanical problem requiring attention.
6) Central locking / trunk lock issues
- Attempts to diagnose central locking and trunk latch operation.
- Ended with awkward/manual access needed to inspect.
- The interior also reveals accident damage signs, including compromised seat-belt anchor area.
7) Windshield glass replacement (big guest: glazier)
- Windshield was removed by string sawing because the glass was glued extremely tightly (a Japanese-style method).
- Discussion includes two approaches:
- quick primer/glue vs.
- full paint-shop restoration to prevent rust.
Their decision evolves
- For a 5-year target, they initially consider the simpler approach.
- Once serious rust is uncovered beneath the peeled glue, they push toward paint-shop-level work.
Result
- Windshield replaced with what appears to be OEM-like original glass.
- “Greenish” tint is mentioned.
Cost mentioned (humor/jokes, not formal quotes)
- Glass gluing: ~5,000 rubles
- Later teased amounts: ~5,500 / 5,600 rubles
Pros mentioned about this Mazda MPV (as a platform)
- Huge interior space and strong practicality for hauling items
- Potential: even with neglect, many components are still workable
- Praise for Japanese mechanical engineering
- easier disassembly than expected
- designs that still allow repairs without irreversible electronics
- Owner attachment:
- they avoid forcing a move to a different car because this one already fits their needs
Cons / problems highlighted
Diesel running character
- Harsh vibration and “low revs” feel from the old diesel.
- Air conditioner not working
- likely not recoverable within the restoration scope.
Electrical / controls tampering
- Ignition/lock mechanical wear and “hacks”/shortcuts.
- Wiring in very bad condition—very time-consuming to repair.
Safety / accident damage
- Seat-belt anchor area shows damage and compromised mounting—framed as a major safety concern.
Steering wear
- Steering column issues and likely steering rack/coupler deterioration.
Cost blow-up / low economic profitability
- Some parts aren’t cheap:
- shock absorbers estimated 8–10k per piece
- Parts budget estimate: could approach ~200k rubles
- Comparison:
- an MPV sold around 380k rubles
- “next generation” costs discussed around 400k rubles
- The restore may approach the price of a newer alternative, reducing economic sense.
Comparisons made (internal/alternative options)
- Restoring vs replacing the car
- Short term: cheaper than buying another car
- Long term: restoration may stop being economically rational
- Using other Mazda parts
- Because MPV parts are scarce, they use Mazda CX9 parts for compatible springs.
- Starter reliability
- Contrast: “Denso-like” starters described as durable vs Chinese starters described as unreliable.
- Rust strategy
- quick primer/glue (5-year target) vs full rust removal + paint shop approach
Numbers / ratings explicitly mentioned
- Mileage: about 467,000 km
- Diesel consumption estimate: 6–7 L/100 km
- Parts budget estimate: ~200,000 rubles
- Cost comparisons:
- car sold around 380,000 rubles
- next generation mentioned around 400,000 rubles
- Shock absorbers: ~8–10k per piece
- Windshield/gluing humor amounts: ~5,000–5,600 rubles
- (presented as jokes, not formal quotes)
No formal star rating system is given.
Unique points mentioned about the product (major review-relevant points)
- First-gen Mazda MPV (1989–1999), diesel, AWD
- Diesel consumption roughly 6–7 L, diesel smell noted
- Used for store runs and hauling (boards/firewood)
- Restoration framed as technical work only (no bodywork planned)
- Goal: reliable use for ~5 years
- Starting/idle issues addressed (glow plugs, ignition behavior)
- Starter failure traced to engagement/electrical/mechanical issues; original starter repaired rather than relying on a Chinese swap
- Ignition contact group spring/stopper fixed using a CX9 spring
- Gear selector interlock logic fixed using a sleeve/tube to restore play and correct behavior
- Wiring severely deteriorated; extensive soldering, re-grounding, and connector repair
- Steering has serious play; likely mechanical steering/rack/coupler/crosspiece problems
- Air conditioner not working; stove/heat issues mentioned as problematic (AC unlikely to be restored)
- Brake/suspension has many issues; planned replacement for 5-year reliability
- Central locking/trunk lock malfunction; manual access temporarily required
- Accident damage found in seat-belt anchor area; likely dangerous
- Windshield replacement required string sawing due to tight Japanese glue; rust found underneath; paint-shop vs quick fix debated
- Economic skepticism: restoring a ~380k car may require ~200k parts; less sense vs ~400k next-gen, but they proceed anyway due to mission/attachment
- Praise for Japanese mechanical design and disassembly quality
- No immobilizer; key presence sensor concept discussed
Overall verdict / recommendation (based on the video)
Recommendation: If you need a 5–10 year working vehicle and the owner is attached, the video shows the Mazda MPV is salvageable—but the process is high effort and potentially expensive.
Biggest risks identified
- suspension/steering wear
- wiring rot
- ignition lock mechanical failures
- hidden rust and safety issues
Bottom line: A great practical platform with space, but the restoration is a project, not a quick fix—best suited to skilled hands and ongoing parts-hunting.
Speakers / roles and their differing focuses
- Main narrator / channel host
- overall mission
- explanation of plan and strategy
- economic/profitability debate
- ignition/selector logic and starter story
- Oleg (MPV expert / technician)
- hands-on diagnostics and repair
- especially strong focus on wiring
- later suspension inspection and parts planning
- Invited glazier (Alexey) / windshield specialist
- windshield removal/install
- string-saw technique
- rust/paint durability discussion
- Other implied workshop specialists
- under-car diagnostic segment (suspension/brakes planning); references include general talk about components like brake lines/shock-absorber-related parts