1993 Mazda 626 LX
Summary:
I like this car, I just wish I didn't have to replace every single part!
Faults:
Car overheated and sensor did not indicate this, causing a series of replacements including:
1.Timing belt.
2.Spark plugs and spark plug wires.
3.Radiator.
After these were repaired the transmission went out. Literally, right after these repairs. Luckily, this was covered under some warranty that I didn't know I had (I bought it "as is" but I believe the dealership had pity on me by this time).
When I received the car back again after what was now 3 weeks of in service time (almost officially a lemon) the transmission slipped out again. And no, I did not drive this car hard at all.
I then received my car back again, and this time it did OK for about 1,000 miles and then it started overheating (mainly in traffic jams). Then I noticed it started burning oil and prepared for yet another horrible conclusion : (New head gasket.
General Comments:
So now it is 3 months later, and the car is actually running very well now. Not one problem in 8,000 after all of these repairs, and hopefully not jinxing myself when I say that I don't really expect any right now either.
The car and I have bonded, and I only have $300 more to pay for all of the repairs ;) She is now reliable, good with gas, and comfortable.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 26th October, 2003
17th Mar 2006, 14:50
Mazda 626 V6 manual transmission: bought it at 6 years old. Every year, I put $1000 of work into it: central computer chip; distributor (don't use after-market distributor--it died three years in a row) ; spark plugs and wires; wheel boots; expensive 60k, 90K, 120K maintenance (because V6 engine requires more work to get deep into it).
29th Dec 2005, 21:24
Preach it! I love my 6er, but its costing me an arm and a leg! I got my car a year ago, I had slight problems, but that's to be expected with an older car. 7months having the car, I got my breaks done, a month later had a $500 steering system done. I couldnt tell the difference either way. A year and a week on the dot. It all went down hill. My car was fine then out of the blue it starts "jumping"..2 days in the shop I got my needed spark plugs and wires done along with some belts changed and other stuff that cost 1100 bucks! 3 days later (on christmas) my car OVER HEATS! The gague never moved, filled with water and let cool down. Next day $300 bucks later the radiator flushed and new thermostat and new top hose was done. Drove it home, and the check engine light still came on! Popped the hood and sure enough it still over heated! Next day went back where I had the radiator work done and they said it was a small leak in the water pump. Went back to the place where I had the spark plugs done to see what was going on. They tried to "help" me out with 10% off, but its still gonna be $400. That brings a grand total of $1800 in 2 weeks and in a year $2600 with is more than I paid for the car. I think a new car is in the near future! Looking at the newer 626s or a 6.
I love the car because its my first and picked it out myself and have paid for everything. Its been a real lesson, but wouldn't trade it for the world!