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Saloon

Mazda can be summed up in a single word: bold. Not only do its cars generally look like nothing else on the market, but it’s also invested heavily in innovative engine technology.

So, while many car makers have moved to smaller turbocharged engines, Mazda instead offers larger motors that are still efficient. For example, the entry-level petrol option in the Mazda 3 is a 2.0-litre unit –&nbsp;far larger than what you’ll find in most rivals – but it remains very clean.

Highlights of Mazda’s line-up include the MX-5 sports car, which has won our Convertible of the Year Award multiple times, and the CX-5 large SUV, which was named as our inaugural best car for dog owners.

MAZDA

It puts dependability above everything else - it's all competence and no sparkle

Used Mazda 626 Saloon 1997 - 2002

If you're sold on the idea of anonymous but practical, trustworthy family transport, the low sticker price on the 626's windscreen will scream out at you from the forecourt.

It's also likely to be cheap to run. Even if you end up with a (rare as hen's teeth) rogue one, you should be okay. Mazdas are among the very cheapest cars to fix, according to Warranty Direct. And, when the routine services come around every 9000 miles/12 months, they're reasonably priced, even at franchised dealers.

All models will be wallet-friendly at the pumps, too. The three petrol engines should average mid-30s to the gallon with sensible, everyday use and the turbodiesel is capable of nudging 50mpg.

Insurance renewal won't drain your bank account, either. The 1.8 is cheapest at group 8, and the turbodiesel is in group 9, one below our favoured 113bhp 2.0 petrol. The more powerful 2.0 sits in group 13.

It puts dependability above everything else - it's all competence and no sparkle

There are three body styles in the 626 range - hatchback, saloon and estate - but this saloon is arguably the least practical of the bunch.

If this is just your cup of tea, though, for the perfect combination, we recommend you go for the less powerful (and cheaper) of the two 2.0-litre petrol engines. The 113bhp motor is just as refined as the 136bhp version and does a decent enough job of hauling the 626 around.

By comparison, the 90bhp 1.8 petrol just hasn't got enough grunt, and even the 99bhp 2.0 turbodiesel isn't up to the job. Mind you, even if it was, we wouldn't be able to put up with its rattling.

There was a face-lift in early 2000, but you'd struggle to notice it, so don't worry about desperately trying find the newer car. However, for the record, it brought in a new grille, redesigned tail-lights and a two-tone interior, while the Sport model gained black wood inserts, two-tone leather wheel and white dials.

All models do well for kit and most have air-con, four airbags, anti-lock brakes and traction control.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plenty of practical space </li> <li>Low running costs </li> <li>A comfortable ride </li> <li>A healthy equipment list </li> <li>Quality materials and thoughtful touches inside </li> <li>Rock-solid reliability</li></ul>

Family cars arguably have the toughest brief of all: they have to be good at pretty much everything. They’re used as the daily drive, on the school run or work commute (often both), and have to be able to cope with a family’s clutter on weekends and holidays.

Family

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.

There is nothing exciting or inspiring about a 626, but it will give years of dependable, efficient and inexpensive service.

It's certainly not a looker, inside or out. However, that cabin is efficient, durable and reasonably well equipped, and space is average for the class. The luggage area, too, is perfectly adequate; although, naturally, this saloon isn't quite as practical as its hatchback sister.

The engines aren't bad, either - and they're positively good if your doctor recommends a steady-state-pulse kind of life. He or she won't approve of the stress caused on your spine by the firm ride, though.

And, ultimately, that's the real trouble with the 626 - after all its other qualities, the drive is a real let-down. The gearshift is inaccurate, the clutch hair-trigger and the throttle very sensitive. There's plenty of wind and road noise at speed, too.

Used Mazda 626 Saloon 1997 - 2002 review

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There is nothing exciting or inspiring about a 626, but it will give years of dependable, efficient and inexpensive service.,It's certainly not a looker, inside or out. However, that cabin is efficient, durable and reasonably well equipped, and space is average for the class. The luggage area, too, is perfectly adequate; although, naturally, this saloon isn't quite as practical as its hatchback sister.,The engines aren't bad, either - and they're positively good if your doctor recommends a steady-state-pulse kind of life. He or she won't approve of the stress caused on your spine by the firm ride, though.And, ultimately, that's the real trouble with the 626 - after all its other qualities, the drive is a real let-down. The gearshift is inaccurate, the clutch hair-trigger and the throttle very sensitive. There's plenty of wind and road noise at speed, too.

Read the definitive used Mazda 626 1997 - 2002 review from What Car?. We tell you what you need to know before you buy.

Used Mazda 626 Saloon 1997 - 2002 review

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