|
Don't neglect Nissan Primera 2.0i. Superb engine and outstanding roadholding. Parts more readily available and rather cheaper than the Mazda. If you can live with unimaginative styling then they are a great car.
|
|
|
honda accord is definately worth a look though
The only problem with the accord's in this age and price bracket is that they are 4 door saloons. The hatch only came along in 1999, so will be much more expensive. I also think they are not as spacious as either the 626 or the 406.
Jonathan
|
>> honda accord is definately worth a look though >> The only problem with the accord's in this age and price bracket is that they are 4 door saloons. The hatch only came along in 1999, so will be much more expensive. I also think they are not as spacious as either the 626 or the 406. Jonathan
The 406 is also a 4 door saloon and was never offered as a hatchback. In fairness the rear seats do fold to allow a load through but still may not be as flexible as proper hatchback. The estate version should provide ample space for most though.
The majority of 626s I've seen are hatchbacks and seem to be very spacious. I think someone (Aprilia?) mentioned that the the auto boxes can be a bit of a weak point.
Chad.
|
Weaknesses on 626s in my experience are...
HLA noise
Auto failure (change fluid every 24k to help avoid)
Notchy manuals due to brass synchro failure
Rear brake capliers on earlier models (some reports on later ones too with redesigned seal) - £200+ to replace each
Hatchback body is too flexible
tailgate creaks/rattles due to body twisting
Flimsy interior trim
Anti-roll bar link problems.
Peeling clearcoat
Check all doorlocks and tailgate lock work with key.
They hardly ever break down, true, but do everything but.
|
Weaknesses on 626s in my experience are... HLA noise Auto failure (change fluid every 24k to help avoid) Notchy manuals due to brass synchro failure Rear brake capliers on earlier models (some reports on later ones too with redesigned seal) - £200+ to replace each Hatchback body is too flexible tailgate creaks/rattles due to body twisting Flimsy interior trim Anti-roll bar link problems. Peeling clearcoat Check all doorlocks and tailgate lock work with key. They hardly ever break down, true, but do everything but.
Not doubting Sooty tailpipes has seen all of the above, but my sample of 2 [bought one for father-in-law] suffered none of the above - his had a handbrake problem that could have been the caliper problem above, though. Don't know what "HLA noise" is.
Keys, good point - Mazda do a key for when you get your car valet parked (all the time, of course!) that doesn't open the boot. Make sure it's not the only key with the car.
V
|
I guess the 406 has lost then!
--
groups.msn.com/honestjohn - Pictures say a thousand words.....
Reply |
Report as offensive
| Link
|
Not saying don't buy the 626, I'm just giving things to look for seeing as thet's what seems to have won here....
A couple more, are to pull out the spark plug leads, and check there is no oil on the tips, as this signals a leaking timing cover, not a big job, but it can ruin the leads and make them swell and hard to pull out as they create a vacuum as you pull them out.
Also both V6 and I4 engines have timing belt tensioner issues.
These should be replaced with the belts (but are often not)
Listen for a noise under the bonnet which is relative to engine rpm, this could be a loose belt whipping and making a ort of Citroen 2CV noise.
|
You should avoid a 626 auto at all costs. It uses the Ford CD4E transmission and seems to be even less reliable in the 626 than in the Mondeo. I believe that in the US there is a 'class action' against Mazda due to so many owners experiencing premature failure (60k miles is a typical failure point). I was asked to look at one that kept 'dropping out of drive' - it only had 12k miles on it and was owned by a vicar - unforunately the box was burnt out!
Otherwise the 626 is not a bad car.
Do consider a 2.0i Primera though:
1. Bodyshell is much more rigid
2. Higher safety rating
3. Cheaper spares, and more pattern parts available.
4. Far better handing and roadholding.
5. Lovely smooth chain-cam engine which is more powerful.
6. Saloon, hatch and estate body.
Look at some P11 models (mid-96 - 99, or P11-144, 99-2002).
|
|
