1986 Mazda 626 LX review from North America

Revived car from being parked for several months, seems to have very little of the seals left. Changed oil, and it blew a huge cloud of smoke for 2 weeks every morning.

Left strut blew out top of housing, repaired. Awaiting similar fate for the one on the right.

Voltage regulator went bad, blew up 3 batteries before quit listening to other people. Cost the price of the car (300) to procure new alternator and install. (I had to order one from halfway across the USA. No one has parts for this vehicle in stock anymore)

Clutch is going, I anticipate this will be what stops the car. Since the motor doesn't want to stop.

Rusty gas filler line. There's also a leak somewhere on the tank, it smells strong of gas when I top off the tank. (so I don't)

I love this car. It's old, but can still snap my head back. There's plenty of push-you-in-your-seat as you go up the transmission.

Great mileage, pulls between 30 and 35 mpg. Which is still better than a lot of new cars.

It's not pretty, but it's comfortable and drives very smooth. As long as nothing goes wrong with it (slipping clutch!), I anticipate plenty of time for me to save up to get a newer vehicle.

I've driven several cars over the years, and few have been as reliable and durable as Mazda's have been. This nearly 20 year old car included. It starts right up on the very 1st crank by the starter. I love the manual steering. You get a great feel for the road with that type of steering. I love this car.