MAZDA 626 (1999)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 153 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
73%
Total Tests (2024)
153
Avg Mileage
92,110 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 1999 MAZDA 626 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 9 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MAZDA brand average of 81%.
At 25 years old, 73% of MAZDA 626s from 1999 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 153 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 92,110 miles.
How does the 1999 MAZDA 626 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1999 MAZDA 626 has 92,110 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Best year to buy a MAZDA 626?
The most reliable year is the 1997 model with a 78% MOT pass rate, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 66%. The 1999 sits between the two at 73%.
How much does a 1999 MAZDA 626 cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
MAZDA 626 by Year
Checking a specific MAZDA 626?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1999 MAZDA 626
The 1999 MAZDA 626 is a family car with a 1840cc petrol engine. 153 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1999, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 92,110 miles at 25 years old, MAZDA 626 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
1999 MAZDA 626 Fuel Costs
The 1840cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1999 MAZDA 626?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,017 (£168/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 73% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
MAZDA 626 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.
Buying a Used 1999 MAZDA 626
At 25 years old, the MAZDA 626 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 1997 model has the highest pass rate at 78%.
Alternatives to the 1999 MAZDA 626
The MAZDA 626 is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol family cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FOCUS (2001) 68% pass rate (-5%) from 10,188 tests
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (same) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (-2%) from 8,442 tests
- HONDA CIVIC (2001) 70% pass rate (-3%) from 8,335 tests