Faults:

Wheel cylinder was replaced at no cost.

It also shakes when in drive = shiatsu.

General Comments:

Its almost down to a conspiracy how this car is underrated.

Needless to say, I stumbled upon this jewel through circumstance of losing my beloved 300e to engine trouble.

I tell you if the economy stays deprived, buy 1990 626 if you can find one. I haven't touched anything in a year of ownership except for oil changes. I plug my intuition, it obeys without any treats. The 2.2 OHV 12v direct injection with 140hp is more than adequate to gallop through very athletically with every and any competitor in this class.

At 260k, this car still begs for more spanking; at 120kph the rpm is still under 3 grand with the red line at 6g's, while idling quiet to a fault, you won't know it's running if you were standing next to it.

Faults:

Replaced:

Alternator

Wheel bearings

Ball joints

Cat. converter + straight pipe + muffler

Fuel injector chip

General Comments:

Bought this with 160K, had until 250K. During that time only replaced alternator, wheel bearings, ball joints, cat.converter + straight pipe + muffler, and fuel injector chip.

At 250K the front end was bad (usual for Mazda) - but the car being old I decided not to fix it.

Considering relatively little investment over relatively long time I owned it, I think it is so far the best car I had for the money. It was my rust fixing project as well (even though I could never conquer it completely, I would manage to get it looking sharp for the summer)

At 250K the transmission (mine was automatic) started to become problematic, did not shift well.

Between 160K and 200K car ran really well.

The locks on the doors would freeze quite a few times during winters.

At 250K a pickup track ended its life :-(((

Pros: you'd spend about a $1000/year in maintenance

Cons: really none, other than that Sierra pickup that made it into 323.

Faults:

Transmission replaced 320000 Rear wheel bearing 390000km Rocker cover gasket Radiator.

General Comments:

I purchased this car from my friend, so I was familiar with its history since new. I add 45000km on it. Excellent acceleration with manual shift & good cornering for 4door sedan. Over all very reliable vehicle. Car finally died from blown head gasket at 425000km with ORIGINAL CLUTCH!!

Faults:

A/C was gone on purchase.

Secondary ignition coil at 115,000 miles, was a difficult problem to solve. Acted like a bad fuel pump. $108 for the part.

Replaced power steering pump at 162,000 miles, part cost $128.

Also at 162,000 miles replaced header, resonator pipe, and muffler, cost about $300 for parts.

Also at 162K replaced valve cover gasket, very simple job and I hope that the quart/week oil habit is cured.

General Comments:

When I first saw the 626 parked in a yard with a 'For Sale' sign on it, I thought it was a Corolla or the like, budget transportation with no frills. Was very pleased with the first drive, taking note of a good amount of grunt, comfortable seats, sunroof and many other gadgets, and very good feel of steering, brakes, shifter, and clutch. Price was $1,100 and mechanical upkeep was very good as was the interior. The exterior was marked by sun-damaged paint and a couple of rust spots.

An early improvement was a second-hand set of alloy wheels and some decent new tires, which brought out very fine ride and handling characteristics. The 626 is the best-handling car I have owned since my '77 VW Scirocco. The ride is firm and well-controlled, and grip is surprising for a family sedan. Not one squeak or rattle. The engine could idle a little smoother, but it's very happy pulling at low to medium revs and cruising on the freeway at 70 or 80. Fuel economy is just fine in the high 20s overall, low 30s on trips.

I have no idea how long I'll keep it, but I'm thinking of treating it to a low-budget paint job and seeing what the A/C needs.