Mazda 626 Problems

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Used Ford Telstar and Mazda 626 review: 1983-1987
By Graham Smith · 22 Jan 2009
In the 1980s carmakers reckoned badge engineering was the key to success, and in some case survival. Model sharing was rife, with Toyotas badged as Holdens, Hondas as Rovers, and Mazdas as Fords.Ford and Mazda formed an alliance, with Ford acquiring a financial stake in the Japanese company, and many of Mazda’s models were ‘badge engineered’ and appeared in Ford showrooms.Among them was the Telstar, Ford’s remake of the Mazda 626, which was on sale at the same time in Mazda showrooms.MODEL WATCHMazda introduced the new front-wheel drive 626 in 1983 to some high praise, winning many friends and a number of awards.While the Mazda was imported Ford built a slightly different version locally, and it too won its share of friends among local car buyers.It was a good looking car, nicely equipped, and came in four-door sedan and five-door hatch versions in both ranges, with the Mazda also offered as a coupe.Power was from a single overhead camshaft four-cylinder engine, which had a carburettor and put out 70 kW and 158 Nm. Buyers could choose between a five-speed manual gearbox or three-speed auto.The base 626 had manual steering and there were a few complaints about the steering effort needed, particularly when parking. Other models, however, had power steering, as well as air-con, cruise, power windows and mirrors, and central locking.It was much the same story over at Ford dealers where you had to put up with manual steering on the base model GL, when the Ghia not only got power steering, but also power mirrors and windows, and radio-cassette sound.A 1985 update brought better ride and handling, improved brakes, and a new dash, with power steering an option on the base models. Another update in 1986 brought with it engines able to run on unleaded fuel.IN THE SHOPAs with any car of the age of the Telstar/Mazda 626 it’s vitally important to approach them with care and your eyes wide open.If they’ve been in regular use since the mid-1980s they will have accumulated well in excess of 200,000 km, some will have done more than 300,000 km, and that generally means trouble is never far away.The best policy is to search for a well kept car with low mileage. One that has a service record that tells you it has been regularly serviced.Walk away from any car that looks as though it has been parked under a tree all its life, has bumps and scrapes on all panels, the seats are ripped and torn, and its oil is black and thick.Look for oil leaks around the engine, particularly from the rocker cover, and perished radiator hoses which can lead to problems if they fail on the job.Make sure all accessories work, power windows and the like can be expensive to fix if they’re not operating.Checking for evidence of a crash is even more important with older cars as the likelihood they have been in a crash is high.Have someone drive the car down the road, back and forth and carefully watch to see it tracks straight and true.Carefully inspect all panels for imperfections, colour mismatches, and varying gaps. Open and close all doors, hatches and bonnet and observe for smooth operation.Finally look for rust, particularly around the rear and side windows.IN A CRASHWell before the advent of airbags occupants in the Telstar/626 have to rely on much more rudimentary protection systems in a crash.Of primary importance are the seat belts, and these should be checked for function and any sign that the belt webbing has deteriorated. It’s really a good idea to replace the belts to be sure you’ve got the best protection possible in a crash.The Telstar/626 was rated on average with the fleet norm in terms of protecting its occupants, but better than the average when it came to protecting the occupants of the other car involved in the crash.OWNERS SAYNeville Kretschme has owned his 1985 2.0-litre manual Telstar GL since 1987 when he bought it with 75,000 km on the clock. It has now done 158,660 km, low for its age, and remains in excellent condition. Overall it has been reliable, Neville having replaced a head gasket, alternator, exhaust system, brakes, rear shock absorbers and a radiator.Lyndall McLean drives the Telstar auto sedan his mother bought new in 1986. It now has 170,000 km on the odo and has been reliable and cheap to run, his only complaint being the heavy non-power steering. Apart from normal services Lyndall has replaced one drive shaft boot, an ignition module, exhaust system, a couple of oil seals and a water pump.Anthony Jones owns a 1985 Mazda 626 Super Deluxe hatch that’s done 210,000 km and it still runs like clockwork. It gets around 9.0 L/100 km on unleaded fuel, is reliable and handles well although he says the suspension is a bit hard and choppy.LOOK FOR• Economical to run• Overall quite reliable• Rust around rear and side windows• Comfortable ride• Reassuring ride and handling• Low odo reading• Verifiable service record• Evidence of crash repairsVERDICTCheap reliable transport for young drivers if you can find a low mileage well cared for example.RATING60/100
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Value of old 626?
Answered by Graham Smith · 01 May 2015

Not very much is the short answer. A car that has been sitting unused for 15 years or so is likely to need a lot of work, and money to get it back to decent roadworthy condition, despite the low mileage. It needs tyres and a battery, and the back seats are missing, it's worth maybe $250.

Ask Smithy Xtra leaky Mazda 626
Answered by CarsGuide team · 30 Aug 2010

It’s an old car and you have to expect some wear and tear over what is now coming up for 20 years. Smoke on a cold start isn’t necessarily oil related; it is often condensation and nothing of concern. The oil leak is probably just a gasket that has hardened or split and needs replacing. If it is burning oil it could be due to wear in the valve guides or it could be worn piston rings or wear in the bores. If it’s not leaking a lot, just leaving a spot on the driveway, and it’s not using much oil I wouldn’t be too worried about it. The worst-case scenario would be that engine might need reconditioning.

Ask Smithy Xtra ABS in Mazda 626
Answered by Graham Smith · 18 Jan 2011

Although the normal braking isn’t affected the ABS system is almost certainly disabled so you won’t have the antilock effect in an emergency. It could be as simple as a blown fuse, or it could be something deeper. Get it checked.

Misfiring 2002 Mazda 626
Answered by Graham Smith · 30 Dec 2010

The first place to start is to check all the engine tune items to make sure they are all in good shape, that's plugs and leads etc. After that I'd check the crank angle sensor and its connections.

Ask Smithy Xtra Changing steer from Mazda to Peugeot
Answered by Carsguide.com.au · 27 Jul 2010

There are a number of things you can do; it really depends on how much money you want to spend. You could start by increasing the tyre pressure by three or four psi above the recommended pressure and see if that is enough to do what you want. Beyond that you could fit sportier tyres, you could fit harder suspension bushes, lower the suspension, fit better shock absorbers, and heavier anti-roll bars. If you do want to modify the suspension I would suggest you consult a specialist such as Pedders or K-Mac.

Toyota Corolla: A good used car?
Answered by Graham Smith · 25 Mar 2010

Your mechanic is correct, but so are you. The mechanic's suggestion of a Corolla is a safe bet, one that won't come back to bite him in the long run, but the other cars you mention are also worth considering. All are solid, generally reliable cars, although I would be cautious about recommending the Astra to you. Stick to the well-known Japanese brands and she won't go too far wrong.

Imported headache
Answered by CarsGuide team · 07 Dec 2007

IT'S a ``grey'' import, so you're going to have trouble finding someone. The best bet is to contact Mazda specialists until you find one.

Auto transmission puzzles
Answered by Carsguide.com.au · 20 Jan 2006

IT IS clearly unacceptable for an auto to fail at such low mileage, and I would be pressing Mazda for at least part of the cost of replacement. Servicing is important on an auto to keep the oil fresh because the most common reason for an auto to fail is overheating. But as you don't tow and aren't a lead foot, it is unlikely that your driving has caused the problem.

Mazda 626 electric window issues
Answered by Graham Smith · 05 May 2011

It's most likely the window winder motor that's the problem and you should be able to switch the motor from one of the other doors to the driver's door.

Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.
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