1985 Mazda 626 2.0 from North America

Summary:

Get if if it's a good price!

Faults:

Car failed emissions test. Needed a part for the carburetor that wasn't available after market. I had to go to a wrecking yard to get a used carburetor to get the part off of.

Cruise control and electrical suspension did not work when I got the car and still do not work.

General Comments:

Fun car to drive, handles very well and has very good acceleration for a 4 cylinder auto.

Very good fuel economy.

A lot of passenger room and comfort for a small car.

Nice control layout, easy to understand and use. Pleasant appearance.

Poor mechanical design that you would expect from a Japanese car.

Thin sheet metal. Light duty parts used in manufacture.

Overuse of electrical components.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 21st May, 2003

1985 Mazda 626 L petrol from Trinidad and Tobago

Summary:

This is not a good car

Faults:

Engine drive belt burst.

Air conditioning fan switch failed.

Engine was constantly throwing oil into the air cleaner housing, and also throwing it out of the dipstick shaft.

Engine mysteriously used to overheat - never found out why.

Front wheel bearings failed - these are very expensive.

Had to overhaul steering rack due to leakage of fluid.

Starter failed, fuel pump failed, velocity joints failed.

When I finally got rid of this car, it was emitting a 'whistling' sound - never solved that one...

General Comments:

A nice car to drive with very good handling and acceleration.

Seats reasonably comfortable, perhaps a little low in height.

Devastatingly thirsty car.

Not a very reliable car, something seemed to go wrong every few weeks...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 14th July, 2002

22nd Jan 2008, 20:32

Run from this car. I live in Trinidad and Tobago. I bought a 626LX 10 months ago; I paid $1,000usd for it only to spend almost $1,000usd in parts and repairs over the last 10 months. Finally I got rid of it two days ago. I got $900usd for it. Take my advice: RUN FROM THAT.

P.S. I am renting a Mazda 323F and it works great. But burns a little gas. If you can afford it I recommend it.

22nd Aug 2010, 19:19

I currently own a Mazda 626 LX 1.8. This is a very good car and comfortable too. The car is over 25 years old so all those other complaints I've read are only obvious.

The only problem I have had so far in the last years that I owned this car are that the starter failed and the air conditioning blower failed, but parts are very easy to get and reasonably cheap, but the only permanent fault is that the car uses a bit of gas due to the size of the engine (1.8L). If you love speed, you've gotta love to go to the gas station OK... LOL.

1985 Mazda 626 2.0L diesel from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Extremely economical and cheap to run

Faults:

The alloy head cracked due to straining the engine when cold, had to replace it. Have had quite a lot of trouble with front wheel bearings. Front disc brake discs where warped when we purchased it, have had planing twice. Recently having problems with cooling system pressure.

General Comments:

This car is a good cheap car with unreal fuel economy. Can't argue with 800km's on a 50 litre tank. Easy to maintain being Diesel, but lacks power. Has very good handling, replaced rear shockers before they began to sag which is common in this car. Heaps of interior room for a medium car and is reasonably comfortable to drive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th May, 2002