1996 Mazda 626 from North America - Comments

Car shakes like crazy, alignment off, leaks each drive, gets super hot to the H, wants to stay at same gear on freeway.

What more can I say? these people are all with me on the mazda to blame. I just bought this first timer car---and already I'm seeing dollar signs of debt in the future. everything about this Mazda gives me a headache--even driving it! I have been bumping up and down like a rollercoaster. when I drive it, and even when I don't. wasted money. too bad I can't get a refund now. gloom on the 626 makers. you the kine people with your huge houses. hope your pillow feels like a rock with all of these un answered complaints. do somethin!!! -=----unsatisfied Danielle.

"everything about this Mazda gives me a headache--even driving it!"

THEN WHY ARE YOU KEEPING THE PIECE OF JUNK???

I hope this makes you and others realise that there is no sense in buying a car without taking a long test drive, during which most of these faults should have been apparent. An hour or more is reasonable, and if the owner or dealer hesitates you can offer to fill up the tank.

If they still don't want you to take a long test drive, walk away. I learned my lesson the hard way a long time ago, I took just a short test drive in a Chevy Caprice.

Then on the long drive home the car slipped out of top gear then into a lower gear. Soon it wouldn't move altogether.

The transmission was going and that's why the owner was selling. Now I know enough about cars to tell you how to check most things out, but there isn't time to go into all that here.

Take a knowledgeable friend along with you if you don't feel confident of judging the car by yourself.

I feel sorry for you, but you only have yourself to blame.

It's not the car's fault.

Danielle,

Could you re-write this review in English please so I can understand it?

You say it leaks.

Simple thing like a water leak or letting the coolant boil (sometimes as a result of a faulty thermostat) can cause a lot of damage.

If the coolant boils away and the engine overheats it could seize up and be badly damaged.

If damage isn't so bad, you might get a leaking head gasket which can cause more damage and more overheating.

Water pump can be ruined by running engine dry for just a few minutes.

Water splashing onto alternator can ruin it.

What I'm saying is that a small fault can lead to major damage so keep up with the car's maintenance.

The original post had legitimate comments, I thought.

I have a 1996 mazda626 es v6 and have no problems. I bought the car in 96 for $22000 and have been driving it for nine years. I have seen problems with the 4 cylinder models however I treat my car good and it does the same. I currently have 89000 miles and going strong. My car is very nice with all power option leather, sunroof, power seat, fog lights, wood graine to name a few. I would only recommend a V6 and 5 speed though. The car also has great fuel milege and in a v6 I would recommmend using premium fuel only. Remember if you take care of your car it will take car of you!