1991 Mazda 626 LX review from North America
"Best car I have ever owned, no/low maintenance and cheap to keep"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Cracked air intake at 75,000. This is a known problem and is easily repaired with duct tape.
Replaced CV joints/wheel bearings at 100,000. Cost about 400.00.
Have gone through 3 stainless steel mufflers or one muffler every three years.
Replaced transmission at 130,000. Cost for a used one was 1,500. Probably broke due to lack of engine oil (says my mechanic).
Replaced clutch at the same time as transmission. Cost about 200.00. While they were in there... it probably did not need one.
Seat belt light recently stuck on (150,000).
General comments?
Great car overall. Only stranded me once when the transmission broke. Engine is strong even if the other parts of the car are starting to wear out.
I have not maintained the car through its lifetime and it has hung tough. Oil changed every 6K to 10K miles or until the oil light comes on. Did not flush radiator for until 140,000 miles had passed. No AC recharge and it still blows cold. This car is bombproof.
Only complaint is the chassis noise. It is rather noisy at highway speeds due to finish of doors/windows.
I have had this car on one cross-country trip, many trips to Moab, etc. and it has never failed me. Love this car!
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| 1991 - 626 GT Hatchback 2.2 gasoline Comfortable, economical, fast when I want to, and utilitarian |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1991 |
| Year of manufacture | 1991 |
| First year of ownership | 1993 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.2 4 cylinder. Manual |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 6 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 36000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 153000 miles |
| Previous car | Ford LTD |
| Date of Entry | 11th December, 2005 |