Mazda 626 Saloon (2000 - 2001) 2.0 Sport 4d (2001/X) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Id like to think it says that quality and image is important to me, sporting good looks and the fact thats its a very uncommon car mean it's a bit of a head turner. I suspect though some people mistake it for a chaved up Vectra though! lol

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Most of them really like it, its quite a young looking car (compared with the grandad like standard hatch back version). They think it looks very stylish and fast, well faster than it actually is! Most people assume it's a V6 2.5 litre.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I'd definitely look at buying the newer Mazda 6 sport yes.

What are you likely to buy next?

I am hoping to go back to my favorite BMW 5 series next, but I would defiantly consider a newer Mazda 6 sport.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£2,500

When did you buy the car?

February 2008

Did you get a good deal and why?

Yes got a decent deal, got the car for £2100 plus my knackered S reg Mondeo LX. The price was half less than half of my budget and got a good price for my Mondeo at trade in.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Stylish understated looks, good performance and good extras. Reliable Mazda engine.

What was the dealer like?

Very good for a used car salesman! He wastn pushy, didnt pressure me, gave me the keys and said to take it out for a spin. Left me to have a good look at the car on my own without being sat on my shoulder pestering me. Was very friendly and very helpful when I gave him a "bug list" that I wanted fixing. ALso threw a full MOT in.

What's it like to drive?

Drives very well, particularly on the motor way. Long drives are very comfortable and the car is very at home on the motorway. Around town its quick and nippy for a big car, feels much smaller than it is. Gears change nicely, acceleration is smooth (& quick!)and because of the 4 disc brakes, braking is also taken care of nicely.

What's it like to park?

It's a long car so can sometimes be a bit difficult with the long wheel base. It's a saloon with a spoiler so it means visibility at the rear is compromised slightly, so reversing is done mainly through wing mirrors and side window!

Have you had any problems with the car?

It had a problem with the TCS control sensor when I first bought it, but that was replaced by the dealer and it's been fine since then although I believe this feature was deliberately disabled by the previous owner as it's a bit of an inconvenience and kicks in when exiting a roundabout sometimes if gear changes are too quick or high. Something I'm looking into. Developed a slight "tick" noise in the engine, nothing alarming. Might just need tappets adjusting.

What's most practical about your car?

It's size. Massive boot, good back seat with good leg room. Also has lots of added features, all round electric windows, electric sun roof, CD player, foglights and aircon.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The alloy wheels are nice (although they aren't standard) but I also like the sporting looks with the spoiler.