Faults:

Had to get both left and right outer CV joints replaced. Apparently this is uncommon, but luckily not expensive.

When I first bought it, the hold switch would lock, putting the auto into "fail" mode. Naturally, the dealer fixed this at no charge.

The rear engine mount broke, replaced at minor cost.

Replaced power steering belt, as well as other small general maintenance items.

Occasionally, the electric drivers seat will refuse to budge. I've tried cleaning and oiling the mechanism, but it seems to have a mind of it's own. Doesn't bother me because no one else drives this car, so haven't had it checked out.

The clearcoat on on the panel above the rear windscreen has started to peel, but the rest of the paint is in excellent condition.

Weather seals around the doors and windows have begun to wear, but this is to be expected with a car of this age.

General Comments:

This car is, overall, wonderful. For the money, I can't think of another 4-door hatchback with sporting pretensions which is as reliable, good-looking, and fast.

The problems I've had with it (so far) are minor and in keeping with the age and kilometres.

The interior is much nicer than most other cars of this age, although the door panels are a little on the flimsy side. I've put some decent component speakers in the front doors, and added a fair amount of sound deadening material, which helps sound quality greatly.

The engine is beautiful, even with an automatic transmission - it is powerful and responsive, with enough torque for light towing and enough power for high-speed overtaking. With a pod filter, it sounds great. However, fuel consumption is quite poor - this seems to be isolated to this particular vehicle, as these MS6s are usually quite frugal.

The automatic is a little sluggish, but again this is to be expected of a car of this type and age. Lock it into gear with the hold switch and it's actually quite good.

Handling-wise, it is better than most similar cars. Despite being front wheel drive, understeer is easily controlled, although the lack of independent rear suspension can be a little annoying when you're really pushing hard. Suspension is a little soft, but maintains loads of grip. The ride is fairly comfortable too. I have 15" alloys with wider, lower profile tyres than standard, so this helps the handling greatly.

Faults:

Hold light flashing, harsh gear changed into 2nd and will not engage into 4th gear.

General Comments:

Transmission does not need replacing in these models. It is the computer behind the dashboard, which are supplied by Mitsubishi not Mazda/Ford.

Faults:

Clutch overhauled at 210,000 k's when release bearing collapsed.

Electric aerial stopped working (fortunately while it was "out").

Have no intention of getting it fixed for a while.

Cassette didn't work, replaced with CD player along with speakers.

Hinge on glove box broken, still opens & shuts OK.

I think an engine mount may be loose or worn because while accelerating it shudders slightly at 35 kph which then stops as speed increases, more noticeable when going up hills. I might get it looked at one day.

Apart from the above, nothing else.

General Comments:

I bought this car when we were meant to be going to war with Iraq in 2003 and I was scared petrol prices would rise, or else I probably would have bought a 6 cylinder. I'm glad I didn't. I needed a well priced and reliable car and I knew a Mazda 626 would be just the thing as my parents have one in NZ (1988 NZ built with 2.0L carby engine, also a wagon, but auto) which has proven itself to be bullet-proof over 270,000k's. Although it's slower & noisier than mine which is built in Japan. They were the most popular reps car in NZ, but in Australia they were aimed only at the private car market which prefers mainly Fords & Holdens for company vehicles, which they do very well size-wise.

Mine had to be a wagon, manual, with air-con. Not white as they rust quicker. Found a dark stormy grey metallic one. Looks great with tinted windows. No rust and no sign of any coming up.

I was (and still am) fed-up to the back teeth with the build quality & design of most locally built/designed cars in Australia. Good for leasing, but not for owning. So I looked to Japan.

The Mazda had 193,000 k's when I bought it, but so far has proven to be the best second-hand car I have ever owned.

It does not leak any fluids, uses only minimal oil and can take 2500k trips with ease. The 2.2i engine with manual transmission performs very well on the open road and around town considering it's roots stem back to 1987. Previous owner put a low-restriction exhaust system on it so it sounds quite throaty, but not too much. Hasn't shown any sign of being thrashed by the previous owner. Engine starts first time and doesn't rattle or knock.

It's not the biggest wagon around town, but it's much easier to park than the local offerings.

I can see it lasting at least another 200,000 k's so I'm going to keep it till it falls apart. Which won't happen for a while. Thanks Japan.

Good reliable car.