1986 Mazda 626 LX 5 door 'touring sedan' review from North America
"This is my 20th year driving this 626... love the comfort and utility of hatchback"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
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
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| 1985 - 626 4 door LX A 2 liter diesel 4 cylinder I wish they would make cars like this one now, but they don't |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1986 |
| Year of manufacture | 1986 |
| First year of ownership | 1989 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.0 litre SOHC injected Manual |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 66000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 304000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Honda Civic |
| Date of Entry | 25th October, 2008 |