1995 Mazda 626 LX from North America

Summary:

OK car with some big problems.

Faults:

Transmission rebuilt at 120,00 miles.

Struts and strut bearings replaced.

All five engine mounts replaced at 141,000 miles to fix vibration.

Drive axles replaced twice.

Water pump leaked at 125,00.

Oxygen and airflow sensors.

General Comments:

Car has been reliable with a few big exceptions. I feel 626 owners pain.

O/D light started flashing, $1500 to fix transmission.

Car was vibrating at stops. Just replaced all engine mounts for $900. The mounts were $600 just for the parts.

Motor is running good at 141,00 miles.

Have used synthetic oils since we bought it.

I will not buy another Mazda. There has to be a better made car out there.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 9th July, 2005

16th Jan 2006, 10:57

Hi, I saw your comments, $1500.00 to fix the flashing o/d light??? that's insane!!! What was making it flash? a bad switch on the shifter?

1995 Mazda 626 LX 4 cylindar from North America

Summary:

This car sucks! I hate this heap of junk!

Faults:

5 engine mounts cracked and broke, causing engine to tilt inward.

Had to replace line between gear shift and engine 2 days after purchase.

Replaced water pump at 92000 miles.

Axle, cv boot and all 4 brakes 92000 miles.

Engine mounts cracked again (3 months later)

Now stalling (5+times a day) 143000 miles.

General Comments:

I knew this car was a piece of crap as soon as my husband brought it home. He bought it with the help of our friend, from a used car lot, as is no warranty. 2 days later the cable that runs from the gear shift to the engine snapped, had to have it towed to a shop. The car soon after started vibrating while at a stop light. At 92000 miles about 6 months later we had to replace the water pump, axle and cv boot along with the brake pads which now squeek continuously, but the mechanic said that was normal. 3 months ago we replaced 5 cracked and broken engine mounts (the engine was tilting to the right side). Now they are cracked again. The mechanic said this is a problem with Mazdas. I am ready to call a car wrecking company and try my hands at another car company. With a warranty! And no friends!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 16th June, 2005

17th Jun 2005, 13:47

I am sorry, but what do you expect for 143,000 miles. before you start commenting on this car know what you are talking about.

11th Aug 2005, 17:19

I just had my CV boot and axles changed, as well as my breaks. I noticed the squeaking too. It was worse when I first started the car for the day. My father used a impact gun to put the lug nuts on and my boyfriend's father said they were on way too tight. After they were put back on I heard no more squeaking.

Make sure your lug nuts aren't too tight. Also, there are different kinds of brake pads. Yours might be harder pads that last longer, but in turn they squeal. If you want you can buy pads that are softer, but you will end up replacing them more often.

14th Nov 2005, 02:56

It's not hard to have all of those problem occur at that mileage. You should have had the car looked over before you bought it. I have a 1995 626 that has been an excellent car from 70k on. Sounds to me that you are being to rough with it.

22nd Apr 2006, 10:30

I am having trouble with the fact that your mechanic claims that cracking motor mounts are a major problem with Mazda vehicles. As was previously mentioned, you should have taken to car to a mechanic before the purchase to have it looked over. If they are treated right, then you won't have this sort of problem.

4th Apr 2009, 06:02

Just rolled over 260k on my 626LX... The water pump is leaking a little bit but that is the only issue I've ever had on it. You got a rare bad one (if it was manual anyway).