1998 Mazda 626 LX review from North America
"Almost a good car"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The transmission went out the first time at about 50,000 miles. I had it re-built and it cost about 1900 dollars. The transmission went out the second time at about 70,000 miles. this time it cost me 2500 dollars, I had a transmission cooler added as I was told it would help. This transmission lasted 13,000 miles. It is now sitting in a cow pasture as I don't have another 2000 dollars to put in this car, besides I am currently serving with the Air Force in the Middle East for Enduring/Iraqi Freedom.
General comments?
I have not had any major problems out of this car outside of the transmission. But that problem is enough for me to know I will never buy another car from this company. Not just because it is a lemon, but because the company knows there is a major problem with this cars transmission and they refuse to recall it. My car is now worth, if it had a working transmission, about 4,000 and I have already spent almost 5,000 in transmission repairs and it still needs another 2000-2500 dollars.
The car is comfortable and drives very well. I have kept the oil changed every 3000 miles and the oil is almost clean at every change.
Gas mileage has been about 20-23 mpg.
Tire wear has been low as I also rotate my tires at every oil change.
Performance is not great as my car only had the 4 Cyl. But it was OK.
If this car did not have an extremely bad transmission, it would be a really good car.
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| I love my 626 ESV6! |
|
| Pretty good |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.0 4 Liter Automatic |
| Performance marks | 3 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 0 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 0 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 30000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 85000 miles |
| Previous car | Honda Accord |
| Date of Entry | 20th February, 2004 |