2000 Mazda 626 LX - High Expectations

For starters, this is my mother's car - but I drive it extensively, and have nearly 10,000 miles into it since I began driving shortly after the car was bought. It is a 2000 Mazda 626 LX 4-cyl, that now has approximately 135,000 miles on it, after buying it brand-new in late 1999.

In five years, I have never seen such a hardy car. Due to financial concerns, we have not been able to keep up maintenance to what it is supposed to be - changing the oil, tune-ups, and the like. Despite being run practically into the ground, this car still has fight in her. There is hardly anything bad that I can say about this vehicle.

The engine, despite being a 4-cylinder, has plenty of power for a vehicle of this size. I found that at interstate speeds, I am able to pass other vehicles with ease, and the same holds true for narrow two-lane highways. Gas mileage is exemplary - we found that our Mazda gets about 32 mpg in commute traffic.

The car is fun to drive as well. It handles very nicely with crisp and quick response in the throttle and steering, even when it has not been tuned-up for 30,000+ miles. We have routinely run it on oil that has been in the car for over 6,000 miles with no problems, but I DO NOT recommend this.

The only bad thing that I have found with this car rests under the hood. At about 100,000 miles, the car began to stall soon after it was started. A mechanic informed us that the problem lies with a faulty oxygen sensor. After a quick, two-day wait and a hit to the checkbook, the old warhorse was back to her old self.

Overall, an awesome car for both families with a budget and teenagers/college students starting out. If you can find one with low mileage, snatch it up.