Used Mazda 626 Estate 1997 - 2002 review

It may not be the most common car around, but there are enough 626s around for you to be picky over condition. Choose only the smartest, well-cared examples and you should be looking at trouble-free motoring.

Be especially vigilant over the bodywork. The odd parking scrape on the bumper of an older model is to be expected, but watch out for dents, signs of over-spray and bodged repairs. Body parts can work out expensive.

The mechanical parts are all generally robust with regular servicing, so insist on evidence of a service at least once a year; when cars get older and less valuable, it's not uncommon for some owners to skimp on maintenance.

Claims made by Warranty Direct customers suggest that the suspension, axles, brakes and electrics are where potential trouble may lie, so inspect these closely.