1993 Mazda 626 GV 2.0 turbo diesel comprex

Summary:

It does the job

Faults:

Rust is everywhere. Mechanics refused to lift it up on a stand.

Changing tires every season caused hollows on the base.

Clutch refused to function. Some clutch pump replaced. Hey, I got to know now how to shift gears without a clutch.

The whole brake system for the rear wheels changed. The dealers wanted me 370 euros per one. It's the amount I paid for the car, so I got second hand one for 30 euros. It still works.

It has a great thirst for diesel. 16 liters per 100 km. in town. I pumped up the tires to 3.0 instead of 2.2 as suggested. The consumption went down to 8.6 liters per 100 km in town.

The ride is quite sturdy. Extra attention needed on wet roads. During cold days the fan could not clean the foggy windows well and fast.

The seat makes me tired on long roads.

General Comments:

This is a station wagon. It has a cubic shape. It is spacious car with great maneuverability besides its big length.

The electric system is very durable. My wipers got broken because some parts inside glued together. Note, the electric system didn't burn. It broke the bolts inside instead.

Squeaking noises come from the front wheels, but they go away by themselves in a week or two.

The moon roof works perfectly and doesn't leak.

I love the interior materials. Softer and stylish compared to the hard plastics they use these days.

It has child safety buttons for the rear doors. Block button for the rear power windows. Arm rests front and back. No cup holders.

It's a great car besides the sturdy ride. I am to add some stuff with metal dust into the oil to lower the fuel consumption. I would recommend it to anyone, but look everywhere for rust.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st May, 2010

13th May 2011, 22:36

I am back for an update. This year 2011 I've got to change the lower radiator hose and a head gasket of the cylinder block. This stopped the oil leakage. Deflated the tires to 2.5, and the ride got a bit smother. Fuel consumption is now 10L of diesel per 100 km. in town. 7/100 on the country roads.

If I spend up to 200 euros per year for mechanics, the car runs really well.

2002 Mazda 626 2.0

Summary:

Excellent car, outstanding reliability

Faults:

Nothing has go wrong for these >5 years of service! No expenses, other than consumables for the normal maintenance have been made. Fantastic reliability. Take into consideration that our roads condition is not very good, so all cars sooner or later break something on the suspension (usually starting above 60k km)

General Comments:

Although this is not the stronger 2.0 engine (only 115hp), it gives a decent amount of urge. The interior is well laid out, comfortable.

The trunk is big, but not very useful on the "sedan" version, better go for the hatchback or station wagon, they are more practical.

Consumables and labour are rather expensive, I've heard prices of the spare parts above imagination, hope not to see them on my bill :-)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th May, 2008