1998 Mazda 626 ES-V6 review from North America

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.

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!