Faults:

C.V. joints started to go...

Valve seals went.. I had my own smokescreen in the mornings until the engine warmed up!!!

Rear wiper on hatchback never worked until I found out wiper switch on steering column was from the saloon version...

That's it.. Everything else was absolutely perfect.. Not even a blown bulb...

General Comments:

I bought this car in 2003, and still wish even now that I kept it even after all these years.. I've owned a lot of cars in my time, but this 626 was, by far, the most reliable car I have ever owned...

Apart from the problems above, it was utterly reliable...

Servicing was done when needed, and as a result it probably would have driven all the way to the moon and back..

Fuel consumption was very reasonable, even for a 2.0 litre engine.

Once drove myself and my partner all the way from Ireland to the North of Scotland, and back, without missing a beat.. Seats were comfortable, the car was fast and quiet, the air-con kept us cool, handled like a sports car and went like a scalded cat... The only car I've ever owned that would make me feel refreshed after driving nearly 3000 miles in a week without needing surgery!!!

Faults:

I replaced the clutch at 154,000. Not bad considering I couldn't drive a manual when I bought it. Let's say, it was literally a rough beginning.

Paint (Ruby) had started to oxidize.

Engine (4 cyl) started to burn oil at 200K.

General Comments:

My brother called it the "stripper model" (DX), but it had AC, stereo, cruise. Perfect first car. I drove it all over to and from school in KS (from CT). At 232K, I gave it to a coworker -- it was still running.

Faults:

Cooling system failed when some corroded piping burst. Easily repaired.

Crack in throttle body caused computer to misinterpret the air/fuel mixture, and resulted in poor idling and fuel economy. Again, fixed reasonably cheaply.

General Comments:

For it's age, this car has given very little trouble. It is well maintained and has benefited as a result. Never loses water or burns oil.

The engine gives a good compromise between power and economy.

My only grizzles are:

This model requires the higher octane fuel to run at its best.

Changing the cam belt is a major job - big bucks!

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.