1999 Mazda 626 LX 2.0 petrol

Summary:

Solid car, but very boring

Faults:

Radiator needed replaced.

Oil leak.

Brake fluid leak.

New alternator and battery.

Rust in its final years was getting really bad everywhere.

General Comments:

My '99 Mazda 626 was a reliable car but nothing special. It was very cheap to run and I had it a long time. I doubt any car made in recent years will last as long and be as cost effective.

Pretty good looking, mine was black with alloy wheels.

To drive it was boring, handled OK but the ride was way too firm, this effected comfort. The seats were OK and the interior had enough electric features on this LX model, but that ride ruined things, far too bumpy on roads that were anything less than perfect. Cruised on the motorways OK however.

2.0 petrol engine was a solid and reliable unit. Decent performance along with a solid 38 miles per gallon.

Not a memorable car at all, but I must give respect where it is due - it lasted many years and never let me down. After almost 150K miles and at 20 years old it was scrapped; just far too rusty to keep welding!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th June, 2024

1999 Mazda 626 LX 2.0

Summary:

An exceptional car

Faults:

With the exception of wear and tear items, I have only had to replace two headlamp bulbs.

General Comments:

The car is very well appointed with the inclusion of climate control, full electric windows, remote locking etcetera.

However it does lacks other essentials such as ABS and heated wing mirrors.

Fuel economy has been exceptional (38-40mpg) given the fact that it is a large vehicle.

Performance is very good, reasonable acceleration and a rapid enough to put nine penalty points, for speeding, on my driving licence.

I have never ever had a car that has proven itself to be so reliable. With the exception of items such as brakes and belts, I have not had to have anything changed or replaced, the car has never yet refused to start at the first attempt, nor has it ever broken down.

The first set of tyres were replaced at fifty two thousand miles, the front two were replaced again at eighty five thousand miles and all four tyres are currently in fine health at one hundred and three thousand miles.

The seats could be more comfortable and the passenger seat features a rather annoying gap between the base and the back, papers, reports etc slide gleefully onto the floor in the rear passenger compartment.

The car has oceans of room and a capacious boot that is capable of swallowing enormous loads.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th January, 2002

1st Mar 2004, 12:04

I am in full agreement with you. Especially the performance part, after paying for lawyer fees, court costs and other miscellaneous costs, it may have too much performance. For those that may not believe in the performance attributes of the 626, I have the paperwork to prove that they will get to 162 mph. (the bad thing is I was still picking up speed when I noticed the flashing lights.)

7th Nov 2004, 05:34

Having had my Mazda owned and Mazda modified 626 LXI for 2 years now, I have only just discovered the amazing difference changing Tyres and Wheels can have, Add 17" alloys Shod with 215/40,Tyres and you have a completely different vehicle.

In the two years I've owned the car only one problem has occurred, I had to have the Air con re gassed. beside servicing that's it.

8th Dec 2004, 05:40

Two things, how can a Mazda 626 get to 162mph???

Secondly, 52,000 miles out of one set of tyres. ummmm, I don't think so, unless they were the rear ones or you drove them right down to the metal!!

13th Apr 2008, 16:38

You wouldn't catch me paying lawyer fees etc for a speeding fine like that, the first thing I would contest is that the cars top speed is about 30mph lower than that! (That speed would still lose your licence, but you could cast some considerable doubt on the evidence against you).

Certainly appears to me that you're either making it up as you go along or (I certainly hope this isn't true), you got shafted good and proper by the legal system! Anybody who thinks getting fined (and probably banned) for getting caught at a speed the car can't even do is something to brag about is a right plank.

17th Jun 2008, 15:48

I have never had any problems with my Mazda other than the normal wear and tear. I have 145,000 miles on the original motor, how about that. Love it and would buy another one. Thank you, the proud owner of a 1999 Mazda 626.