1998 Mazda 626 (buy, replace, Ford, transmissions) - Car forums - City-Data Forum

topher5150 · 09-14-2011, 07:54 PM

I have a chance to buy a 98 mazda 626 for next to nothing, but the only thing is the transmission is on its way out. I did some research and found that these transmissions have reliability issues. My question is would it be worth buying and fixing and is there a solution to the transmission issue?

DrEarth · 09-15-2011, 02:46 PM

I have a 99 with 160K miles on it so far. It's in great shape, and I receive compliments on it all the time. However, it's still not worth more than $4000; probably less.

As for the transmission problem with those models, there is a mazda 626 forum (I was surprised too) where people have stated that installing a transmission cooler may prolong the life of the transmission.

I suppose it's up to you if it's worth it or not.

Checkered24 · 09-16-2011, 08:35 AM

I had a 97 Ford Probe (same drivetrain/chassis) which had all kinds of transmission problems. First one died at 11K miles. It was replaced, and an external cooler added. The second one was dying by 39K miles. At which time I traded it in (warranty was expired).

If your going to replace the transmission anyway, your likely going to be good for a while. Failure rates on those trannies are high, but that doesn't mean they all go bad.