Used 1990 Mazda 626 Consumer Reviews
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Awesome CAR!
Best car ever! Runs with minor repairs: intake tube, clutch, air conditioning long gone, interior feel apart, but replaced it. Clutch problems lately, replaced radiator. Brakes several times. Leaks oil now, quart a month. Automatic seat belt and windows going. Still love it, and trying to hang on to it till it's twenty. Well worth the money!
This car is simply solid!
I've had a wonderful experience using my car. It still stands solid after 12 years of use, almost on a daily basis (bought it used). It's my only car and I'm not even thinking of buying another yet. The AC is superb, the seats are well designed, has a box and tray apart from the glove compartment that allows the additional advantage of resting my right arm while driving. The car's speed is incredible at its age. It routinely shames several other car makes on the highways. Whatever the terrain, I'm never worried in my 626. Rarely develops faults. Just routine maintenance- change of oil, filter and spark plugs + flushing of radiator and AC condenser + regular engine cleaning.
Oldie but goodie
Got my first one in 2002 with 120k on it, drove it for another 100k when the transmission finally crapped out. Liked it so much, I found one on eBay with 100k on it, bought it drove it cross-country (PA to CO) sight unseen and had zero mechanical issues with it. Had a timing belt fail about 6 months later, but other wise it's been great. It has a persistent oil leak (dunno where), and the A/C pooped out a while ago but that's pretty minor for a run-around/short-distance commuter car. I wish it has cup holders (tired of spilling beverages), but it still runs strong, no other mechanical issues. VERY pleased with the quality/longevity of both of these vehicles.
What a Great Car
Purchased it used (1 owner) from a dealer w/32000 miles in 94. Now we drive it only 4-5000 miles a year, but it always has been very reliable. We have the hatchback which is basically a streamlined stationwagon. Very handy for trips to lumberyard. It has 121000 miles and is very peppy(w/ automatic!), handles well and costs nothing more than oil changes and rare tire/brake/exhaust work.
very reliable car
I bought an'89 Mazda 626 with an unbelievable 221,000 miles, and I've driven it to 320,000 miles without a single problem. It still drives great.
old and dependable
I bought this car new and have put 159000 miles on it. The motor is still very strong, but has always burned oil--now about a quart every 1500 miles. I have had to replace a rear wheel bearing, both half shafts, and the radiator. The rest of the car is most original. The paint is badly faded, but I just drive it to work. Overall, the best $12000 investment I've made.
Good daily driver
My wife and I bought our Madza with 103K on the odometer, it is now up to 165K Our 626 has been a very reliable car but is now really starting to show its age. When we bought it the The paint had developed a few pinhole rust spots, there are quite a few more now, not bad, but noticable. We have had to replace the radiator, a half shaft and the air intake hose. A few months ago the AC compressor failed. One of the power window is faiing as well. Other than that the car has been VERY reliable, no problems at all with the drivetrain. I'd love to keep it, but a $800 A/C repair on a car worth only $2000 is hard to justify.
Mazda 626 - best car I'll ever own
I bought this 626 new for $13,000 in 1990. It is an LX 5-speed. This car gets 32 mpg to and from work and as much as 37 mpg on trips. The car has over 205K miles and has never been to a mechanic. I performed all the routine maintenance - oil changes, timing belt chnages, brakes, etc. The only thing that went "bad" was the EGR valve at 160K miles (really this is a maintenance item). I can only hope to own another car this dependable and cheap to operate.
Very Reliable Car
Mine is actually a 1989 Mazda 626, however they are virtually the same car. The only real difference is the steering wheel and the rear tail lights. This car is as reliable as my Golden Retriever. I did change the radiator, both drive axles, starter, the air conditioning compressor, and repaired the clutch master and slave cylinders. The clutch is original. Overall not bad for almost 200k. Much of the work I was able to do myself for not much Mooolaa$$$.
The most Reliable car
I have never had to put a dime into this car other than routine maintenance. It is over 13 years old with 140,000 miles and its just as reliable today as ever. I highly recommend this car.
Like that bunny, this car keeps going.
Excellent mileage with the 2.2 litre. Averaged 40+ mpg last year on a 2200+ mile trip. Interior in excellent shape. Ditto for the exterior in spite of our harsh winter conditions with tons of salt on what passes for roads up here. Problem areas..exhaust system and front brakes. Have to keep an eye on these and maintain regularly. Other than these items, fill up the tank and away you go. Car is very reliable.
Best Car I've ever owned
Thats right, I've had this car since it was brand new. Picked it up for ~$11,500 in 1990. 5 speed, ac, cruise. This is the most reliable, costless car I've ever owned, including several Hondas since 1990. 35mpg. Acceleration decent. replaced CV joints at 100K miles and AC fan at 120K miles ($80). original clutch. routine maintenance only (brake pads, timing belt, oil, etc). Seems to have another 100K+miles left. Straight up the best car I've ever had. Just a jewel of a car.
1990 Mazda 626 5door Hatchback
I just hit 176,000 on the odometer and bought the relatively rare Japanese built 5-door hatchback in April of 1990. I still have the original clutch like others here and A/C. I did have to have the A/C switch replaced as well as the EGR valve mentioned by others around 130K. This reliability has been outstanding; Rather, I have only had normal maintenance of the oil, anti- freeze, CVjoints, timing belt, tuneups, etc. other than the items above. I have never replaced the manual transmission fluid.
Goes Forever!
I bought this car when it had 213,600 miles on it, and it ran great! Even after driving it another 6,000 it was great. I read that this car often survives 280,000+ miles. When I was driving it, I felt like it had at least 100,000 miles less on it. I applaud the designers of this vehicle. Unlike some other car companies these days, Mazda designs their cars to last!
What a Gem!
My son bought this car in high school. I inherited it when he bought a Prelude in 2003. I use it as a commuter. Absolutely a great car! I have 148,000 miles on it now, purchased with 115,000. Of course, it required some repairs and I wonder if it is wise to spend the money. But the car has rewarded my decision by running and running and running. AC is ice cold, power windows, door locks, cruise control, intermittent wipers all work. I love zipping by all the SUV's stuck at the gas pump -- 23 miles per gallon city driving with AC. Love the 5-speed box. My mechanic who is a Chevy man said "Nice little car but don't tell anyone I told you that." This from a Corvette owner.
Unbreakable
My car was purchased by my parents new. I have driven it since 2000. I was an abusive teenager to the car when i got it with over 170,000 miles. It now has 256,xxx miles and runs great. Very little has been replaced. In the 5 years I have had it I have only had to change the original alternator and radiator. The transmission was replaced at approximately 200,000 miles. Aside from this the car is 100% original. Still runs great, with plenty of power and great MPG. The interior shows very little wear and looks great! I love the car! The fold down seats make the car very versatile. I have a '98 Escort ZX2 and prefer to drive the '90 Mazda.
fun car
I recently picked up this car a month ago...the turbo attracted me the most. The sunroof works great, the interior is clean, the alloy rims are kind of showing rust, but that's minor. The clutch already went, however. It was the original clutch. Lasted 14 years...if that says anything. It still performs great, as I've beaten many Acura's and even a 5.0 Mustang. I do have a cold air intake, and am working on a blow off valve. There is no rust on the body. The cooling system is beginning to leak, and the timing belt is beginning to whine. There's also a tap in the cylinder, which isn't good. Overall, this is a great car to have fun with.
almost like having a free car
13 and a half years and 178550 miles-- this car still starts every time. It's called the Mazda miracle; no matter how bad the car looks, it will always start. Would you believe 32 miles to the gallon in suburban commuting (manual transmission). This vehicle still has its original engine, transmission, clutch, exhaust. At $12000 purchase price new, it works out less than $1000 per year.
Great, reliable car
I've had my 1990 Mazda 626 for the past 11 years. For the most part, I've only had to do maintenance like changing belts, oil changes, tuneups. I just recently changed the radiator which is good for a 14 year old car. The transmission is fine. The only thing I wish is that the exterior held up.
Deeply missed
At 203,000K last week, someone totaled my car in a parking lot. What a loss! I was given this car at 140,000 miles from my boyfriend's father, and it was a great car for me. I used it extensively for work, and it was without fail reliable, fun (for an early-90's family car) and safe. I did have to put some work into it, replacing the original transmission, the radiator and a ball joint & axle shaft, but that was not much for a car this age. It was going to need some work soon on the emergency brake and the door seals, due to two New England winters. I'll miss this car.
Fix the rear main seal!
I have just replaced my loyal Mazda 626. Bought it in 1998 and it now has 178,000 miles. Really still love it but it has NO HEAT. Tried everything. The two major problem areas I have found are, 1) rear main seal. Every Mazda I have had leaks oil from the seal. Had this one replaced and it only lasted about two years and started leaking again. 2) Radiator. For some reason Mazda radiators develop leaks at the top where the I.D. imprint is. Car went through two radiators and I gave up. Otherwise I really loved this car and it was great driving, great handling and very reliable.
Great car
Good fun car.Handels well car gets good gas milege and is extremly durable.
good student car
A good student car. The exterior design ages well, and does not look too obsolete after 13 years old. People would believe it if I said it's a '96. The 2.2-liter engine is powerful enough in most situations even with automatic. Reliability - so far so good for me. I can take this thing in a cross-country road trip with heavy load, and I don't have to worry about the car. Recommended maintianance for fellow owners - seal up the "accordion" air intake thingy with an electric tape: Improves mileage and smoothes idle. Flush the radiator before things go horrible. AC convertion to R134a helps to keep the cost low and it also puts new compressor oil in there.
reliable
I would say this is the most reliable thing on the planet earth (manufactured in japan). There's only been small things that had gone wrong with the car that could be done myself. The radiator started leaking at 145,000 and bought a new one did it myself (extremely easy to do). It also burns a lot of oil. I beat the hell out of this car and its still running I was able to get it up to 115 mpg with a/c on so the car is very fast with 115 hp rating. Its also good on gas and has excellent acceleration for a 5-speed 4-banger. It now has 167,000 miles and it runs quite and doesnt shake at all. Will this car ever die?
Great car
Good fun car.Handels well car gets good gas milege and is extremly durable.
Tough smaller car with power to pass anyone on Rd
My realization this car was a good car was when my friend used it to haul clothing for her camp she said it was a GOOD GIRL Truck strong and reliable
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