1998 Mazda 626 ES review from North America

Right after we got the car the immobilizer coil went bad and the car had to be towed to the dealer for repair.

55,000 miles check engine light came on, bad O2 sensor.

65,000 miles replaced brake pads and tires

At 80,000 miles changed timing belt and water pump.

85,000 miles could smell burning rubber smell after driving on highway and it would hesitate and lurch, it needed a tune-up and transmission service. Also had to replace the sunroof switch @ $5...did it myself and it took 5 minutes.

Just replaced a CV boot and back passenger brake caliper along with brake pads all around.

Check engine light was also illuminating intermittently, code came back to EGR valve, cleaned it and will see what happens.

Only unresolved problem is a lighting issue... when I press the brakes the parking lights illimiate, when the headlights/parking lights are on the 3rd brake light is on, and when the headlights/parking lights are on the cruise control does not work... I think it is due to a faulty brake light switch, but not sure... Any suggestions.

I love this car. The stock Bose stereo is awesome. It zips around town in zoom zoom fasion. The car's coolest feature is the center ocsillating vents, keeps the ice cold air flowing throughout the car on hot summer days. Have not had too many problems with the car, mainly routine problems and wear and tear that is relatively cheap to fix. I don't think I would want a 4 cyl. though, other folk have had too many problems, and it is too slow for my zoom zoom spirit.