21st Jul 2004, 10:31
I have a 97 626 DX that currently has about 107,000 miles on it. I also have had the eternal check engine light, therefore failing a few smog checks. Two days ago I was driving home on the freeway and a loud airy type sound was coming from my engine. I opened the hood and it seemed the noise was coming from the engine. I took it to the shop, they took everything apart and found that it was a tension bearing. I was charged $426.00 to have it replaced. Ugh. Now theres a constant clicking sound (as if I was out of oil, yet there is plenty of oil). Since I purchased the car, it has been very bouncy, causing any passengers to feel ill when riding with me (I assure you it is not my driving!). The seats are very uncomfortable, no support.
6th Jan 2005, 19:01
I also have a 1997 Mazda 626 DX. I had a similar problem as the first post. I found that it was the O2 sensors--not the converter. I replaced both sensors--one before and one after the converter--myself by cutting and splicing the new ones in. The cost was < $100. I found the sensors on the Internet, followed the instructions, and reset the codes myself--I bought a code reader too (good to have anyway)!!! In general, converters don't GO bad. If it did, the engine light would ALWAYS come on after a few miles of driving.
9th Feb 2008, 19:11
I've had my '97 Mazda 626 dx 5-speed since 1998 and with normal maintenance I've had very few problems all of which were emission related; easily fixed, and at 200,000 my car is still quiet and runs like new. Thanks to experience I am glad to have this little car.
9th Mar 2004, 13:01
I own a 97 LX model and it's a 5 speed 4 cylinder and besides it only needing a new set of wires at 113,000 it is a totally awesome car. Granted it won't do very well at the track for any reason, but I owned a Ford Taurus and that was a piece of crap. Every time it needed an oil change it needed front motor mounts, so by far the Mazda is a much better car!!!