Mazda 626
Reliability, running costs, and MOT data across 7 years from 682 real MOT tests.
Avg Pass Rate
72%
Total Tests
682
Best Year
1997 (78%)
Years Covered
7
About the Mazda 626
The Mazda 626 has been tested 682 times in 2026 MOT data across 7 model years (1996 to 2002), with an average pass rate of 72%. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%, so check the year-by-year data carefully before buying. Available as petrol.
Best and Worst Years
The 1997 model is the most reliable with a 78% pass rate from 59 tests. The 2000 model has the lowest at 66%. The 12 point spread between years means reliability varies somewhat, but no year is dramatically different.
Reliability Trend
Older MAZDA 626s tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 7 percentage points across model years.
Mileage Across Years
The oldest model in our data (1996) averages 74,421 miles, while the newest (2002) averages 74,728 miles.
Compared to the Mazda brand average of 81%, the 626 is 9 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Mazda models.
Estimated Running Costs
Higher due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
Full 2002 detailsHow reliable is the Mazda 626?
Mazda 626 by Year
Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.
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