2000 Mazda 626 review from North America

I love the Mazda 626, I've had two so far.

The first was a 1994 V6 and it was great, driving in the hills was awesome and the car hugged every curve so nicely. I had to sell that car because after 12 years of use it was acting up, the alternator needed replacing, etc.

So, 2 years ago I got a hand-me-down Mazda 626 V6, year 2000, from my mom that we've had since it's manufacture date. This car isn't as suave as the 1994, and on top of that it's had some serious issues with overheating. Between my mom and I, we've had to replace the coolant tank (or reservoir) FIVE TIMES, each time we had to buy the replacement from a dealership (for around $90 each time!) because it was the only place who has them in stock on a regular basis. Of the 4 times I have had to replace the tank, myself, I've been on a long trip and was stranded in the middle of nowhere until a tow truck could find me.

The new tanks usually last me about 6-8 months, but this last one only lasted 2 weeks when the car overheated AGAIN. We replaced the tank and the car still overheated, so now I'm at a loss as to what the problem might be. When I parked the car the other day, coolant fluid was seeping out from underneath the engine, forming in a large pool by my feet. Now I have to tow it again (my second free tow out or 4 for the year) to a mechanic to see what the problem is this time.

I've never had a problem with my transmission (mine is an automatic) and my power locks have been fine, but I'm so sick of the issues with the engine cooling system.

I love the Mazda 626 and I'm not opposed to getting another one, a newer one, but I'm very tired of it's overheating issues.