Mazda 626

ateixeira · September 2001

Sounds good. I'm just glad I have a V6/5 speed!

-juice

jstandefer · September 2001

I can assure you that Mazda will keep its identity while platform sharing. Take a look at the Ford Escort ('91-'00) and Mazda Protege ('90-'98). They both sat on the Protege platform and shared their top-of-the-line engines (Mazda 1.8L DOHC BP-series, also used in the Miata). There was absolutely no identity crisis there. Another example is to take a look at the Kia Sephia. To this day, it still sits on the 1990 Protege platform and uses a derivative of the Mazda 1.8L BP-series engine. Again, absolutely no identity crisis.

The Escape and Tribute are pretty close. However, other than the drivetrain, the platform, body, and suspension were designed by Mazda. It was Ford's choice not to differentiate the Escape FROM the Tribute. The body cladding is different, as well as other styling differences (badging, grill, accents, wheels). The suspension, although basically the same, is tuned differently. Even the transmissions are tuned differently. The steering in the Tribute uses a quicker ratio. A simple test drive won't show their differences, but when really pushed hard, the Tribute handles and accelerates better. The interiors are basically the same, but the Tribute uses higher grade plastics and better seats. One would never guess that the Escape/Tribute sit on the 626 platform.

Other examples of currently succesful or planned, identity-keeping platform sharing are:
- Lincoln LS/Jaguar S-Type/Ford Thunderbird/2003 Ford Mustang (DEW-98 platform)
- Mazda 626/Mazda MPV (626 platform)
- Ford Mondeo/Jaguar X-Type (Mondeo platform)
- Mazda 626 replacement/Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable/Volvo midsize (new Mazda platform)
- Mazda RX-8/2004 Mazda Miata/future Jaguar roadster (RX-8 platform)
- 2004 Mazda Protege/2004 Ford Focus (new Ford/Mazda platform)

I have a lot of faith that each one of the vehicles mentioned above will have, or already have, their own identities.

ateixeira · October 2001

Interesting example you mention, because I drove a '91 Escort GT with a Mazda engine for 107k miles.

The powertrain held up well and was fun to drive, but the car had lots of annoying problems. The fuel gauge was always wrong, pieces of insulation fell off from the doors and peeled off around the windshield. The motorized mice belts didn't work on the passenger side, intermittently not opening when they should. It has more squeeks than a mouse trap and rattled more than a snake. It had loose carpeting, and just generally poor fit and finish.

So maybe that's not a great example. I felt like it was a wannabe-Mazda.

I have only seen Escape up close, and the interiors looks cheap to me. Vinyl on the seats, exposed stitching, and the column shifter don't appeal to me one bit. The Tribute looks better, at least from the outside. I do like the idea of 200hp combined with its light weight.

The LS and S-Type are nice cars but there are some quality issues there. We'll see how the others fare, but I'm skeptical.

-juice

tomcat630 · October 2001

"One would never guess that the Escape/Tribute sit on the 626 platform."

The Escape/Tribute rides on an all new platform, no parts shared with the 626. this is according to numerous reports when the pair were introduced.

ateixeira · October 2001

I heard the new platform was loosely based on the 626, also. Anyone have hard data?

-juice

isit1 · October 2001

Does anyone have a suggestion for a fair price to pay for a new 2001 626LX 6 cyl with auto, Bose and Luxury Package (seems to be a freebie)?
Input would be appreciated.

maltb · October 2001

Edmunds TMV.

csuftitans · October 2001

Carsdirect.com show price of $18,192. You can usually show this to any dealership and they will sell you the car at that price. Remember the 1.9%APR for three years and 4.9%APr for up to 5 years.

arklow · October 2001

The transmission won't go in reverse or neutral. Mechanic says need another transmission. Only have 72,000 miles on it. Looked at a Mazda board and this seems to be a common problem. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get this fixed cheaper than the $1800-2000 quote?
Someone said that Mazda would pay for the tranny and I just need to cover labor..
Help..otherwise I love the car. We had the catalytic converters fail and melt and the Mazda people covered it as it is a California car. Had trouble with local Washington dealer till Calif called and said to fix it.

mrdetailer · October 2001

My mazda specialist does this with a tranny repair:

1. uses factory remanufactures transmissions.

2. Installs a GOOD after marked transmission cooler.

3. Uses Lubegard or Wearguard to lower the transmission operating temperature

4. changes fluid and adds the additives above every 15,000 miles.

When I checked on a friends car a few months ago, the bid you were given was inline. Unfair, but correct.

ateixeira · October 2001

Add me to the list of tranny problems. This on our 1995 V6 5 speed.

Our tranny service light went on for about a second, then stayed off. I checked the level, and it was low, so I added about 1/2 quart.

Well, we took a road trip and the light came back on another time, for about 3 seconds this time.

I'm going to do a full change this time, instead of just adding oil. 75w90, and I'll probably go with Mobil 1, which has worked well in my Miata.

So, questions, anyone know the capacity so I know how much to buy? The Miata took 2 quarts.

The clutch grabs nicely, so it's not slipping. I'm surprised but the problem seems to be in the tranny itself. Any suggestions or thoughts?

-juice

mrdetailer · October 2001

It's not the infamous automatic.

Everyone I know of with a Mazda manual has not had serious problems as long as they change and maintain fluids. My mechanic recommends every 30,000 with synthetic. He does lots of automatic transmission replacements, but hardly ever does manuals.

The only problem you see is a light. In my experience if manuals have serious problems, you know it right away.

I think replacing the fluids should be sufficient. Try Lubegard. It reduces acids and operating temperature.

ateixeira · October 2001

I hope you're right. The light went away, and didn't come on when my wife drove it yesterday.

She'd forgotten that I'd asked her to park it. I'm off tomorrow so the gear oil will be drained and refilled. We'll see. Fingers crossed that it's no big deal.

-juice

skibry1 · October 2001

Onr of the reason I picked the Doubleought Freeport,juice,was to keep the wife in her car...
..she don't like my left-leg-flexor ! Bryan

ateixeira · October 2001

OK, gear oil has been drained and refilled with Mobil 1 75w90 GL5 synthetic. Took about 3 quarts, and the light has stayed off. Fingers crossed.

-juice

piceno · October 2001

Mazda...what are you waiting for? Everyone is
quickly and soundly leaving you in a cloud of
dust! The 626 is an old, tired horse and needs to
be re-designed as quickly as possible!!! Compared
to the new designs of Altima, Camry, Passat, even
the Protege.....the 626 is a JOKE.
Mazda Wake up!

ateixeira · October 2001

So, tell us how you really feel? ;-)

It's on the way. I'm sure the design is ready, they're just fine tuning it. Sketches look very nice, too. Anyone know which car show it'll debut in?

The current 626 costs much less than any of the others you mentioned, except the Protoge. An Altima 3.5SE with leather and a moonroof cost a whopping $31,300 at a Nissan dealer on Rt. 450 in MD.

-juice

maltb · October 2001

around July/August '02. In the looks department, it's nice but not thrilling. As far as drivetrain and suspension it should be a real winner.

piceno · October 2001

Do you know where I can see a picture of the Mazda 626 re-design?

maltb · October 2001

http://www.motortrend.com/april01/mazda/mazda_f.html

ateixeira · October 2001

That makes it look like an A6 clone. The sketches I saw were nicer.

-juice

maltb · October 2001

where did you find them?

theparallax · October 2001

Oh yeah, forgot about that!

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=128418&page=1

ateixeira · October 2001

Ah, much better than the A6 sketch, IMO.

It's funny. I saw the new Millenia at the dealer last week, and it looks a lot like the current 626 (I actually mistook it for a 626 at first glance).

Now the new 626 has headlights that look like the old Millenia. I think they just swapped them! ;-)

Let's see, I could do without the straight line above the grille, which doesn't match up well with the chevrons. I'm sure the US will get that chrome strip instead. I could take it or leave it. Other than that it looks good up front.

The profile is IS300-ish. I like it. The rear is nice too, those tail lights are en vogue right now. If you don't like 'em, you're too old, they would say.

Note that the blue is a sedan, while the yellow is actually a 5 door hatchback. But my pick is the stylish red wagon, easy.

Are those US models? Usually Japan gets different variants off the same platform. I doubt we'll get the 5 door hatch, for example.

-juice

csuftitans · October 2001

WOW, I'm so happy to see how the new Mazda 6 (626) looks. It's aggressivly mean, european look and very sophisicated. Sweeeeettttttttt. If the advertise this car right, it could be a hit; eventhough those camcord dorks might say otherwise.

Since Mazda is probably not going to replace the Millenia, this is definitely my next car. Hope the bring in the MPS model of this car.

BTW, Edmunds got a preview of the new Mazda6

http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/preview/articles/47610/article.html

Our patience with Mazda finally pays off.

Zoom-Zoom-Zoom-Zoom-Zoom-Zoom - That's 6 Zoom:-)

csuftitans · October 2001

BTW, how do those ppl over at vwvortex.com got pics of both RX8 and Mazda6 even before anyone else does. and it's a detailed pics too.

ateixeira · October 2001

There are lots more VWphiles. These (626) boards aren't very active.

Nice preview from Edmunds. Looks like a big improvement. The 4 banger will have 35 more horses, the V6 another 49! Both with variable valve timing and chain driven cams.

You guys were right about Mazda re-engineering the Ford Duratec.

I don't buy autos, but a 5 speed auto will be a selling point.

-juice

ruski · October 2001

that sketch actually looks a lot like the new Altima. I think the sketch artist was exposed to the wrong car when he did the drawing.

tomcat630 · October 2001

The upcoming '6' makes the current 626 look like a 1989 Hyundai!

vonn1 · October 2001

I have a 1996 626 LX with the 4cyl engine and automatic. The car has 67000 miles on it. It has developed an annoying issue where it stumbles at 2100 and 3500 rpm when driving. It does not stumble if the car is reve'd in park or neutral. I gave the car a tune up, but this did not help. My local shop could not find a problem and sent me to the dealer. The dealer charged me 80 bucks and said the codes checked out. It would appear that I have stumped the experts. I am hoping someone has had this issue and found a solution. Thank you in advance for any help to be offered.

ateixeira · October 2001

Sounds like the tranny is slipping. I would flush the ATF ASAP, see if that helps.

-juice

frank58 · October 2001

Sounds like the dreaded transmission issue. I would have it checked out. This can be a very expensive repair. I think after 96 they can update the software to help this but not 96 or older

vonn1 · October 2001

Thanks for the advice. I have now taken the time to read this post from the beginning and I don't like what I am reading. My first response is to dump this car ASAP. Problem is my wife is rather fond of it. We have two other cars, a 2001 Volvo V70 T5 and a Chevy S10 truck. I want to keep the truck as it is paid for and dump the 626, but my wife is tired of driving a stick. Perhaps all this transmission failure talk will allow me to pry the 626 out of her fingers. It is a nice car, but I do not want to have to drop 2 grand on a new transmission. I will change the fluid and see what happens. Thanks for the tip.

rponseti · October 2001

I have a 1999 LX 4cyl automatic (68k miles). Mine hesitates as if it's running out of gas. It does it when accelerating and when in neutral. So I don't think it's the transmission. I took it to the dealer and they said I needed a major tune up. They wanted $489! I said no thanks. I have changed spark plugs, fuel filter, air filter and had the throttle body cleaned. Seemed better for a couple of days and it's doing it again. Also, the 'check engine' light has come on and blinked for about 5 seconds and then it goes off. It has done that a couple of times. The only thing I have left to try is the spark plug wires. Anybody think that could be it? Thanks!

ateixeira · October 2001

Spark plug wires are very likely the cause. On Miatas they are notorious for being problematic.

Swap those and then swap the PCV valve and the O2 sensor (causing the CEL?) while you are at it. You should be all set.

-juice

maltb · October 2001

he didn't like your answer.

rponseti · October 2001

Why did my message appear again? Sorry. I'll try the wires first. The dealer wants $75. Why are they so expensive. I found a set of Bosch at Expressautoparts.com for $38. I'll give them a try. I'm not too car saavy, so I hope I don't have to deal with the PCV valve and O2 sensor. Thanks.

ateixeira · October 2001

Spark plug wires are very easy to swap, just make sure you don't criss-cross them (change one at a time if you can).

The PCV valve just takes a crescent wrench and about 2 minutes. It's right on top of the engine.

The O2 sensor is the only hard one, because of difficult access. It's on the exhaust and can be hard to remove.

-juice

rponseti · October 2001

I know I can handle the wires. I've heard about the pcv valve. That'll be next if the wires don't solve it. Guess I better go order those wires. Hopefully that'll get it running smoothly again.
Thanks.

Richie

ateixeira · October 2001

You can test your PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) valve. It's one-way, and supposed to allow air to blow out but not get in. Just remove it and test it by blowing into it from each side (clean it first of course). Then you'll know, at least.

-juice

rponseti · October 2001

Will do! That's if the spark plug wires don't work. Thanks for all your help. I may be back with more questions eventually!

ateixeira · October 2001

The wife's car began hesitating, but the fuel injection service is what made the difference for us. We changed the wires, too, just in case.

-juice

csuftitans · November 2001

Where did everybody go? Just because the new Mazda 6 is coming out next year doesn't mean this forum have to go away. Heck I drive a Millenia and I still love to see post in this forum. I owned two 626s before, an'88 hatchback and a '93 ES sedan; Great cars.

zoom-zoom

ateixeira · November 2001

OK, I was able to trace the problem I've been having. I found grease inside the right front wheel, while doing a routing tire rotation, and traced the problem to a torn rubber boot near the axle. The grease leaked out and left a mess. The only symptom was a little "whir-whir-whir" at higher speeds.

We made an appointment tonight, but any guesses as to how much it might cost to replace the boot and repack the grease?

I have a photo but PhotoPoint isn't letting me login right now.

-juice

maltb · November 2001

depends on where you go.

ateixeira · November 2001

OK, here's the photo. It is just a simple matter of replacing the axle boot and repacking the grease?

-juice

maltb · November 2001

the boot is torn all the way around. Is it making any noise on sharp turns? If it is, add another $150 to the price.

ateixeira · November 2001

Oddly, no. The only noise is the whirring I hear at higher speeds. It's not bad at 55, but gets awful at 70.

We're not driving it until it goes in for service.

-juice

lngtonge18 · November 2001

It's cheaper to just replace the whole CV shaft. They have to take the shaft apart to replace the boot, which adds to the labor cost. It's much easier and cheaper to just unbolt the whole shaft and put on a new one. Besides, once the grease leaks out, the bearings immediately start wearing (the loud whirring you are hearing) especially if its been torn for awhile and water has got in there, so you are better off replacing it now or you will just have to replace it a little further down the road anyway. Expect the price to be in between 200-400, depending on where you take it.

ateixeira · November 2001

Thanks for the tip, I will ask the mechanic about that. With all this info I should be able to resolve the problem quickly and inexpensively.

Even $400 is just one car payment. This car has been fully paid off for about 4 years.

-juice

Mazda 626

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