1987 Mazda 626 (base model) review from North America
"Incredibly dependable, long-lived car with some rust issues"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Clutch, 170,000 miles.
Mufflers and exhaust systems tend to rust out often, once every two years in midwest US.
Water pump, finally leaked at 220,000.
Rear struts replaced at 130,000 miles and at 190,000. Front struts started to feel bouncy around 255,000 after car sat for a while.
Rear strut towers are the Achilles' Heel of the body. Don't buy an older 626 unless you've inspected these areas thoroughly. They can rust out pretty badly, even so that the whole tower tears loose.
General comments?
This is the best car I owned, and I would be driving it now if the rust hadn't pretty much ruined the rear strut towers.
At 250,000 miles, it still made a round trip from Minnesota to South Texas without problems. Always used 1/2 a quart of oil in 3000 miles, never more and never less.
Had a very smooth, precise 5-speed manual shift.
Recommended Reviews:
  | 1987 - 626 LX 2.0i L four cylinder A workhorse |
| 1986 - 626 GT 2.0 liter turbo gas A great value with sleeper appeal |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1987 |
| First year of ownership | 1995 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.0 4 cylinder FI Manual |
| Performance marks | 6/10 |
| Reliability marks | 6/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 102000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 260000 miles |
| Previous car | Pontiac 6000 |
| Date of Entry | 2nd March, 2005 |