1996 Mazda 626 DX review from North America

This vehicle's transmission has been slipping from the first day I bought it (used).The check engine light has also been on for as long as I can remember. I noticed that on long trips the O/D (over-drive) on light would start flashing even though I did not have the vehicle in overdrive.

Last weekend, while on a long drive, the car began to slip and I noticed smoke coming from the engine. I stopped the vehicle a couple of times to allow the transmission to reset, this had worked in the past, but each time the vehicles performance simply got worse. Eventually, the vehicle stalled and I was forced to have it towed to a mechanic who informed me that the costs of repair would range in the upper $2,000 range. I read now about how Mazda transmissions are known for their failures and how some people have chosen to file complaints with Government agencies and even lawsuits to recoup the damages they have incurred in performing repairs on these vehicles. I have taken steps to do so myself.