Faults:

My alternator has finally gone. Talk about getting into a tight place. My radiator blew about a week ago and the heater core about 4 weeks ago. This is the first set of problems with this car.

General Comments:

Besides the problems that I have recently had, it's been reliable in every aspect.

Excellent gas mileage. A very quick car for what it has and the amount of miles it has on it. Handles very good as well, it's like driving a go cart.

Faults:

Replaced the timing belt at 93,000 miles.

Replaced the airflow sensor at 93,000 miles.

Replaced the water pump at 96,300 miles.

Replaced both CV boots at 97,500 miles.

Replaced the down pipe (whatever that is) at 108,000.

Currently, at 112,000 miles, I need new front struts.

My transmission is failing.

General Comments:

This car has sucked me dry.

It is too bad because I really love the car otherwise.

It is fun to drive and it is very comfortable.

I was shocked when I added up my repairs for this car and found that I have spent almost $4,000 in 2 and 1/2 years.

To top that off, I will spend about $2,500 more to fix the transmission and replaced the front struts.

Faults:

It all started on the day of my birthday. I got paid and saved for a Mazda 626 (big mistake). I drove the car for about a month and after that, down hill it went. First, the battery ($40) blew up in my engine, so I bought another one. Next it was the alternator ($160),not ready for the bill, but hey things happen right. Next it was the distributor, not the distributor cap, but the distributor ($500). Finally last, but not least, it was ready for the grand finale, the transmission ($2600). That was supposed to be fixed three weeks ago, but is it done no. And why is the question, because they can't find some problem in the engine connecting with the transmission. They told me it was a electrical problem and I needed to get a new computer module ($200), so I did. And do I have my car fixed yet, no.

General Comments:

From the day I bought this car it's been nothing but a hassle. If you want a car with crazy problems out the ying-yang buy a 626. When buying this car I strongly insist on telling you don't let the price of the car fool you. The money that you don't spend on the car is going to come out on just the maintenance. My birthday gift that I wanted so much became my worst nightmare, making me spend money some not even mine left and right.