1999 Mazda 626 GLX review from Zimbabwe

At around 25 000km the aircon packed up, but was replaced under warranty.

The door rubber on the driver's side has worn out, well within the warranty period, but the dealer refused to replace it.

The driver's side central locking solenoid started to exhibit an intermittent fault; this was reported to the dealership several times, but eventually I replaced it myself after the warranty expired (wty was 60 000km).

Most recently, the engine starts to misfire when hot at low revs, when it is approaching a service, but still has some way to go (service interval is 10000km, but starts to misfire at around 6500km). Dealer blames poor spark plugs, as they claim to be unable to obtain quality ones.

When I had the opportunity to buy the "new 626" as it was then, I was a little apprehensive, since my previous model was not exceptional, and with an 1800cc engine was exceptionally heavy on fuel. The new model gives me around 12-13 km/l if I don't go over 120, and even more if I keep it below 100, but what is most surprising is that it gives me between 11 and 12 km/l in town driving!

I compared the 626 against a 3 year old C180, which was really well looked after, but I chose the Mazda because I honestly thought it was a better buy, since their prices were virtually the same. The shortage of space in the rear of the Mercedes was concern for me, though I understand they have resolved this issue now, and in keeping with the previous Mercedes that I owned a few years previously (a 1972 220D), I wondered why Mercedes at that time had still not managed to get the glove compartment door to fit snugly!

The new model 626 has impressed me so much that I certainly would not hesitate to buy another. It is and exceptional car, with surprisingly rapid acceleration, given its power/torque rating, it handles very well at high and low speeds, and the only change I made to the standard spec was to put Bridgestone Europas (195/60) on in place of the Dunlops (185/60) it came with, but this was more of a personal preference when the replacement became necessary at around 45 000km rather than because the car really needed them.

I am taking delivery of a V5 Jetta this week, but only because it offers more gadgets and more power, and because the opportunity to get a V5 doesn't come up often. The dealer through whom I bought the Jetta is also a Mazda dealer, and there was a 1.9TDI standing next to a new 626 in their showroom, and to be honest it was a close call. The 626 is more of a lounge than the Jetta, and I'm sure it will tell on a long journey, but that's the sacrifice I've had to make.

Build quality much better than previous Mazda models, though not quite up to VW standard, and even after 4 years the upholstery, which has been looked after, but has never been protected looks almost as good as new. No trace of any rust yet either. Knocks spots off the build quality of the Nissan Sentra which my wife drives, and which is only 1.5 years old.

Congratulations to Mazda for reinventing their version of the car - I have recommended it too many of my peers, even against the Hyundai Sonata - with everything - that I owned for a short period and loved dearly!

I hope the new Mazda6 is as good.