Around 30000 miles a knocking noise appeared in rear when I roll over small bumps, garage says it is rear shocks and mounts, due to lack of funding I decided to wait on repair and just live with the annoying noise or just avoid all bumps on the road.
At 80000 miles a small piece on the Transmission cable that allows driver to change gears from park to drive to reverse, etc broke off. This piece broke while the car was in reverse, so that when the engine was shut off the car wouldn't start again since the engine can't start unless the car is in park. Problem quickly identified and repaired at a cost of only $131.
4 cylinder is very economical for some one who has been driving at least 25000 miles per year. On the other hand a V6 would have been worth a little more money. The 4 cylinder growls loud when accelerating, but it does get the job done.
I really can't complain, this car has been extremely reliable and comfortable, and nicely loaded for a low price brand new. Buying my first Japanese car has been a great experience. I didn't buy an extended warranty and with my Mazda I really didn't need it.
The bump you hear is the bushings. Not the shocks. I have a 626 and had the same problem. The bushings are a lot cheaper to repair. Believe me.
A V6 would probably not be more expensive. In fact it could even be cheaper on gas since a V6 is stronger and would not use all of it's power to do the same operation as a 4 cylinders.
2000 Mazda 626 is an overall great buy.. interior is classy, the external look is genuine. Better than that same old boring Camry or Accord. 30000 miles and nothing has been wrong with it once, just change the oil. 2.0 L 130 hp is just not enough for a car that heavy, acceleration is poor. And a 2.5 L V6 160 hp is just plain sad. Engine and power wise back then Mazda just couldnt compete with the competition. 1.6L Protege 100 hp? what is that a geo metro and a geo was smaller too.
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