Thread: Inline vs. V6
View Single Post
  #36  
Old 08-05-2003, 12:14 AM
blackmercedes's Avatar
blackmercedes blackmercedes is offline
Just a guy
 
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: St. Albert, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 3,492
Our odo is measured in kilometers, so we're actually at about 160K-miles.

It runs perfect. It drives well (for an old FWD car...) and everything works. The struts have been replaced once at about 140K, and the fronts are weeping. It's got a new rad and alternator. One MAS. Other than that it's been routine stuff.

The engine is still strong, but the hydraulic lash adjusters make a peep if the car hasn't been driven for a few days. Noise goes away right after start up. It uses a bit of oil, but nothing to get excited about. A litre every 3000km's (2000miles) or so. Ours is the G4A-EL 4-speed electronic automatic, and it's held up really well.

The body is starting to show it's age. The Japanese makes were not double galvinizing then, and we're getting some rust spots on the wheel-wells. The interior rattles.

The air seems to be not quite as cold, but it's been REALLY hot until today (35C or close to 100F) so it could just be the extreme heat. It still cooled the car, but not the ice-cold air the C230 or Outback can make. The Outback makes good cold air, but is still not as good as the C230.

We kept the 626 even though we need only two cars. It's worth way more to us than we could get for it. I use to go to "high-risk" shopping malls, and the flip down seat allows transport of crap we wouldn't soil the other cars with. I am doing some backcountry camping later this month, and it's great to leave at the trailhead. No worries!

It's an LX with air (rare in these parts back in 1988) and automatic. Power toys, cruise and sunroof. It was $18,800 back then. The most expensive non-turbo 626 you could get.

We've got a great dealer here that is super with older Mazdas. They kill themselves when I bring the car in ($14.99 oil/filter parts and labour, why do it at home?) at the condition. The engine bay is as clean as the rest of our "fleet." I subject it to my "MB" service regiment, and it's worked well. It's always in top shape and I don't let anything go.
__________________
John Shellenberg
1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

http://img31.exs.cx/img31/4050/tophat6.gif
Reply With Quote