1986 Mazda 626 GT Turbo 2000i 2.0 turbo from North America

Summary:

Avoid, or get one as a project to learn how to fix cars..

Faults:

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...

General Comments:

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

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 14th October, 2010

26th Jun 2015, 05:34

I owned a 1986 626 Turbo GT, manual transmission, A/C, 2-door (no moon roof *thank heavens*) for 10 years. I bought it 1 year old, with 14,000 miles on it. I sold it with 186,000 miles on it. For 93,000 miles it was the soul of reliability. I loved it.

At 107,000 miles the wheels fell off (figuratively). I paid $10,500 for it 1 year old, and sold it for $1,500, ten years later. In the meantime, I spent approximately what I paid for it again on repairs just to keep it running. When I sold it, it went through emissions with "0" unburned hydrocarbons, and it still had the original turbo and the head had never been off.

During its tenure in my life, it was a fun car to drive, with good power, excellent handling, fine stopping power and well-thought-out sporty feel.

If it hadn't been for the period above 110,000 miles being punctuated with periods of cursing its Asian manufacturers, their families, and their ancestors, that little car would have rated a strong 9 on my scale. It was designed to fall apart at 100,000 miles, and those Japanese engineers were spot-on. Pity. Otherwise a great car.

1986 Mazda 626 LX 5 door 'touring sedan' 2.0 litre SOHC injected from North America

Summary:

This is my 20th year driving this 626... love the comfort and utility of hatchback

Faults:

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.

General Comments:

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

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th October, 2008

1986 Mazda 626 2.0 from North America

Summary:

A lot of car for less than a grand

Faults:

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.

General Comments:

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.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 23rd May, 2006

28th Aug 2006, 15:37

Update on the Mazda. Started overheating. Turns out it's more than the water pump. I don't plan on resurfacing the head on a $900 car. It wasn't overheating when I got it, this came on fast. I am less than pleased.