1987 Mazda 626 LS 2.0 turbo Gas

Summary:

Royal pain it the rear

Faults:

First the radiator went, then at around 100000 miles the turbo seized so I had to spend $750.00 to get a new one put in. Then the clutch went. After another 150 miles the right wheel bearing cracked in half (the bearings are pressed on so good luck trying to change them yourself). Then short after that my water pump se seized to and with it my timing belt got busted.

General Comments:

The car is nice to ride, but it's a money pit. one thing breaks after another and the parts are a pain to get. Suspension is great, gas mileage is excellent.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 8th May, 2003

1987 Mazda 626 2.0 gasoline

Summary:

The most reliable car I have had so far!

Faults:

The engine had a small oil leak (one quart per two weeks).

The clutch was slipping (had to replace the clutch disk and it worked super!).

Manual windows were very tight and one quit working.

General Comments:

I am very satisfied with this car.

It really never got me stuck, even though it had a big mileage.

The engine always started when I needed it -- very reliable! During wintertime (0 degrees Fahrenheit) it always started at the first attempt!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd November, 2001

1987 Mazda 626 LX 2.0i L four cylinder

Summary:

A workhorse

Faults:

Driver's door power window regulator (x3).

Lost some speaker connections (blew one of the 2 channels on the amplifier).

New clutch at 275,000.

Power locks stopped working somewhere in the low 300,000's.

By the end it needed new struts - going through front tires every 30,000 km's.

General Comments:

Besides the above minor details, I loved this car. Originally my dad bought it, it became the kids car in 1995 and we drove it until 2000. Ultra reliable, only once did it ever 'die' on me, and that's when it needed a new ignition coil.

To date it and the new (2000) Mazda Protege are the only cars that are still comfortable after a 6 hour drive. Everything important still worked at the end, sun roof, cruise control, radio, transmission was great.

One warning to the do-it yourselfer though: The front rotors for this model are pressed on, not bolted on. This makes them very difficult to remove and replace, especially after 200,000kms. We ended up having to take it into a shop and they removed the entire drive shaft from each side and then stuck them in a hydraulic press to get the rotors off.

I loved this car. Not too sporty, but very reliable, comfy, and practical. I was sad when I had to let it go.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th April, 2001

25th Sep 2001, 22:11

I now have 220,000 miles on this 87 626 which I bought new for 13K; I've replaced both front axles once.

At 160K I had to replace the head gasket; I also did a valve job and replaced the rings (very good idea).

The AC has never cooled the car and I had to replace the window gear motors/ratchets (found two at a junk yard for $20 each).

The engine is sound and I haven't done a brake job in 3 years (no blue smoke). I've also replaced the clutch (150K).

Only one speaker (right front) works and I've had trouble with the tail lights burning out. Just now the left front axle has begun to click and I'm hoping I can get away with replacing only that one; by the way, according to the shop manual there really isn't an actual axle just a joint between the drive shaft and the wheel. Whatever.

A fine, dependable car. Oh, I also had a fender bender in this car, and the engine caught on fire once; I put it out with a garden hose. I didn't mention this to the mechanic who did the head job. This is between me and my car, only.

1987 Mazda 626 DX 1.8L

Summary:

Nothing flashy, but keeps money in your wallet

Faults:

Original clutch gave out at 149,000 miles.

Electric window opener (driver's side) replaced at ~97,000 miles.

Manual tranny bearing blew at 75,000 and 130,000 miles.

General Comments:

Dependable. Vehicle kept outside for 13 years and started showing rust only 2 years ago. Best car I have had to use for commuting.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st February, 2001