1986 Mazda 626 Reviews

Almost everything - master cylinder, starter, rear brake, hand brake cable, front axles and boots, and discs, radiator, gas tank and hoses, alignment issues, electrical issues with burning lights, contacts and switches all the time, power window motors, sunroof motor, fuel pump, gaskets, oil leaks, etc...

Besides it was GT turbo and performed well, it was a nightmare experience, and the only positive thing is that I learned how not to panic, and how to analyze and inspect the car, and fix many issues without having to go every time to the shop...

Great auto mechanics training alternative - buy one, and you will learn how to inspect and fix cars...

New timing belt 220.

Gas tank (rust) gummed injectors and fuel filter 240K.

Fuel pump / sending unit failed 243 K.

New clutch / motor mounts 280 K.

Head gasket @ 180 K dealer R&R.

Head gasket @ 303K driveway R&R.

Weakest link on this car was OEM adjustable struts... switched to Monroe sensatracs for less than half price at 160K after going through 2 sets of OEMs.

This car is easy to work on... installed complete gasket kit on my own with Haynes manual (right down to head gasket)

Parts are expensive due to manufacture distribution system.

At 2008 most parts are recovered from bone yard or rebuilds.

Glad I didn't buy a turbo ... too many problems, too expensive to fix ... all turbo models of this car are long gone to car heaven

Valve cover gasket leaking.

Front right tire wearing unevenly.

Wheel pulls slightly to the right.

Shifter bushing a little sloppy.

All of these were noted before I actually bought the car.

This is more of a first impression than a true review as I've only had the car four days.

The clutch is good, not too heavy and I can feel where it engages. Thumbs up.

The steering (aside from a slight right-hand pull) is good (no slop, responsive). Thumbs up.

The grey paint is faded on the roof and hood. If I was concerned about paint I would give it thumbs down.

Visibility is good. The mirrors are easy to adjust and the aft pillars are unobtrusive. Thumbs up.

Seats are pretty comfy. Not in bad shape for being 20 years old.

Performance. You won't win any races in this one. If I was 15 years younger I would give it thumbs down, but I just need it to putt to work.

Little touches. Big door pockets, locking glove box, fold down rear seats. Thumbs up.

I'll post more once I've put a few miles on her.

One of the fuel injectors went to crap.

Engine was missing badly when I got it it was misfiring, changed spark plugs cap and rotor. that fixed it.

Emergency brake cable snapped; $50 to replace.

This car is really fast for a 4 cylinder.

Especially when the turbo kicks in.

It starts in the cold just as easily as it starts in 100 degree weather.

This thing never fails to put me back in my seat.

The turning radius is unbelievable. I got her to turn around on a 1 lane without having to back up.

The bucket seats are really comfortable.

Overall I LOVE this car and would recommend it to anyone; although nothing is better than the 87 Nissan 200SX I had before it.