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Anyone knows the answer? Not like 5 hp makes a diff but just curios to know why ...
#17
Since its introduction in '93, the 2.5 has gone from 164 to 170 to 165; the 2.0, from 118 to 114 to 125 to 130 and back to 125 for 2001.
-juice
I would like to exchange the factory CD player on my Mazda 626 2000 but don't know how to take the player out.. Can anybody help me with this?
Another question.
On that factory CD player there is a button #1 (where you see "Disk" written).
It is used to connect CD changer. Can I instead of CD changer connect a wire with Audio input so that I will be able to plug in tape/MP3 player?
Thanks,
k.
Thanks.
I would also point out that the new coast/forward clutch assembly on the CD4E tranny (used in the four-cylinder 626 this year) wasn't phased in at Batavia until January, so early '98s will not benefit from this upgrade.
Apart from these two considerations, they're pretty worthy cars.
Though that was the year they de-contented. For 2000 they added everything back. You may want to get a '97 or 2000.
-juice
-juice
Also, the only draw backs I see for the 626 vs the Accord are
1)depreciation- not a problem for me for resale since I keep cars way long term but maybe an issue if I were to have an accident while I am paying on the car
2) gas milage...
I am uncertain about maintainance costs/comparison. Any advice appreciated!
Going rate in my neck of the woods for the 30k service is around $350; for 60k (which involves changing a timing belt), about $550. In between, you shouldn't need much beyond oil changes (I always suggest 3-4k) and transmission service (20 to 30k).
Gas mileage is highly variable, but my 626 experience suggests that the EPA numbers are reasonable. The V6 expects premium unleaded, which will add to your costs somewhat.
Our V6 has been very good and only required one out of warranty repair in 66k miles. We average about 22mpg on regular 87 octane gas, which has worked fine for us.
-juice
I appreciate any comments and ideas.
Thanks!
My 2000 LX (yes, it's a four) came with Bridgestone Turanzas; they're a touch on the loud side, but they did better in this winter's snow than I expected, and they have decent grip on the dry stuff.
Once you get yours you'll have to let me know all the details..
Thanks
Yes, you still get the rebate and/or low-rate financing with the S-Plan.
At least three posters - again in another thread - jumped in and offered Mazdas as examples of affordable driving fun and extolled their virtues over Camrys, Accords, etc. Two of them - including me - named the 626V6.
That started an interesting discussion to see if the rather cultish ( in a nice way ! ) Mazda clan would be more likely to move up in price to this same marque than any other. It seemed from that end like there was a connection.
So here's the question ( and no cheating looking for my posts ! ) I'll give you the list of cars I tested and see which if any would likely be your first choice if you were willing to spend that much. No particular order. The idea is not really to guess my choice but to see if there is some kind of idiosyncratic quality that defines the fans of both cars.
Lexus ES, Lexus GS, MB E class, BMW 5 series, Audi A6, Chrysler 300M, Acura TL, Infiniti I30.
Knowing that Mazda folks pick their cars usually because of that indefinable quality that sets them apart from other more prominent midrange cars like Camry and Accord, I wonder which one of those seems to appeal to you guys.
Thanks for participating !
Yes, cultish in a nice way.
Now imagine you want to spend 35-45K on a car - where do you go ?
OK,OK, but you know that I will have to confession for having thoughts about other cars.
I pick the Benz.
E class is nice. Very solid. However not what you would call a driver's car. Actually almost identical to the 626 in interior dimensions, it was my second choice and originally the one I thought I would buy. It's an MB with all the quality that entails but to be honest they also degraded the interior a little on the E class to get it - just - into that 45K range.
As far as the choice of MB, I have not driven it but rather picked it for its reputation. My foul. I guess, I just haven't reached that place in my life where I feel the need to sink $45k into a car(read: I don't have 45K).
She puts on a lot of miles though and if HB Protege is still around in 2-3 years it will definitely be first on the list to replace the Focus.
Personally, I like the new MB C class over the E class...better looking to my eye. But tough to turn down a BMW 5 series.
I don't own a Mazda myself, but my mother is on her second (1999 Protege LX). Terrific car.
Looks like a good choice for our next smaller car purchase.
The 2.0-liter FSD engine, for some reason, is tuned to deliver 5 more hp in the '01 Protegé ES than in the '01 626.
"Your [2.5-liter] Mazda will perform best with premium unleaded fuel having an octane rating (antiknock index) of at least 91 [(R+M)/2 method].
"You may use a regular unleaded gasoline with a rating from 87 to 90; this will slightly reduce performance."
A similar statement was in the '93 manual, when this engine was introduced, so I suspect that this "requirement" is indeed somewhat flexible.
If you are an enthusiast and performance oriented driver, go with the Bimmer 5-series.
If you like to cruise, and want a powerful cushy ride, go with the Mercedes.
If you want the most bang for your buck, go with the Acura TL, or the new improved 2002 TL, it is an amazing deal considering all the amenities and performance you get at the 30K range. Better deal than I30.
Lexus is the quietist ride of all, but it is hard to justify when you could get a toyota avalon that is built just as well for 10K less.
My personal preference, the Audi A6. The 2.7 Bi-Turbo 6cylinder will blow by all of these vehicles, and the fit and finish is even better than a Mercedes. 4yr/50K warr. includes ALL maintenance except tires. Plus AWD - great if you are in a snow climate or rain. The 2.8 A6 has some aggressive pricing - 4-5K off MSRP now.
Just my 2 cents worth...just depends on what kind of driving experience you want. I would definitly seriously look at the european products. At that price range, they are so far ahead of their japanese competitors.
Good luck - Curt
However what really sold me on the Audi other than the fabulous interior - way more so than BMW or MB - was that undefinable feeling that Mazda has in its class - kind of a " I'm more than the sum of my parts" car. Consider the Camry v6 vs 626 V6. More power. More torque. More everything. Now have you driven them both ? Why is it that 626 then is so much more enjoyable to drive - feels so much more spirited and athletic ? Damned if I know but Audi, to me, has it in the next price bracket up.
Both too are somewhat quirky marques with not much of a marketing presence compared to bigger name rivals. I'd never leave Mazda if I wasn't in the fortunate position of being able to blow $40K plus on a car and even then I tried everything waiting to find the one that gripped me like the 626 did. Audi was one of the last I tried. It beat the others by a country mile. Do yourselves a favor if you ever want to spend that much and give the Audis a shot.
But rest assured my Miata isn't going anywhere and if finances ever get a little tighter again I'll be right back in the 626 world without a regret or a minute's hesitation. Meanwhile anyone who may be interested in a 99 LX V6 black ( had to have the gray interior ) 5sp with 18K babied miles in perfect shape drop me a line.