Faults:

Have had all the door weatherstripping replaced (glue failed) twice. The dealer did it once since it was under warranty, but when it failed a second time, they told me it was my dime.

This car has overheated since the day I bought it. The radiator had to be rodded out at 30000 miles, both radiator caps had to be replaced (less than 25000 miles) and the overflow bottle failed this summer (the seam failed, causing a pressure loss).

At 37,000 miles, the right front CV joint is going out. It will have to be replaced shortly.

The clear coat on the paint is peeling on the roof, trunk and hood. This is a common Mazda/Ford problem in the desert. They refuse to acknowledge this and won't cover it.

This car has less than 40000 miles on it and looks and runs like a car with 100K.

Faults:

Transmission went out at 51,000 miles.

General Comments:

Car too young to have this type of problem. Mazda denied knowledge of transmission problems in this model although there are many people who have had transmission problems with this car.

Faults:

The brake pads had to be replaced at 85,000 miles.

I replaced the timing belt and the transmission fluid at 90,000 miles.

The only "problem" I have had so far is that the weatherstripping around the door jams have had to be replaced at $25 each.

General Comments:

I have heard of the trouble Mazda has had with the automatic transmissions in these cars, so I am glad I bought a manual. The dealership service department tells me that my car, with the V6 motor and 5-speed, is "bulletproof." When they changed the belts they said everything on the inside of the engine looked great.

This car has never failed to start with a few clicks of the starter and has never threatened to cut off. With 100,000 miles I thought of replacing, but have decided against it; It performs so well (0-60 in about 7 seconds) with the low-geared, close-ratio 5-speed and 170hp motor I can't justify the expense of a new car. It also handles great; it doesn't under steer like many front drive cars, including my old Accord. You can throw it into a curve at high speed and though it will lean a lot, it won't just plow straight ahead. Even in the wet it remains very neutral.

I have seen on "eBay Motors" V6, manual transmission 626's auctioned with over 300,000 miles; I want to see if mine can make it, and I bet it can!

Faults:

Alternator went at 85,000km. $300 to replace, installed it myself. Other than that it has been a great car. The rear brakes squeak a lot. This is a common problem for this car. The front brakes also wear very quickly.

General Comments:

Great car for the money. Cost only $23,000 brand new with leather, power windows locks mirrors and sunroof with a Bose CD player. Dealer added 15" ROH aluminum rims for nothing. Comparable to an Accord or Camry, but in my opinion better. Can't beat the quality.