1989 Mazda 626 LX review from Finland

During my two years of ownership, the auto-choke would never work correctly. No matter how many times it was in various shops it still ran too fat for too long.

It died on the motorway, the ignition module was at fault. This was fixed very quickly and it wasn't even that expensive, but I still don't like it when a car breaks down on the motorway.

One year later it started running really bad all of a sudden. Turned out it was nothing more than the ignition leads, although this was very expensive to fix.

Then once a rear wheel bearing went (suppose that's normal) and two weeks later a component in the rear suspension failed, causing the same symptoms as the failed wheel bearing.

Radiator was doomed at 215000 km.

But the car's worst problem is rust. This car rusted very fast once it got started. The rear wheel arches completely disappeared in two winters. Also the sills rusted. But miraculously, the doors never showed any sign of rust.

Bumpy suspension, but a quick car that was quite good to drive.

I bought this car to get a cheap, reliable car. However, I have to say I was disappointed. I know it's an old car, but still. I thought the reliability would compensate for the lack of character, but I was wrong.

So I sold it (very hard to sell), and now own a Citroen XM instead. At least, it doesn't rust!