1996 Mazda 626

LX Sedan

4 - Cyl.

Automatic

1YVGE22C4T5539984

Gasoline

Thanks for stopping by to take a closer look at this one-owner, super-clean, low mileage 1996 Mazda 626 LX Sedan. Color is what I'd describe as metallic blue green which appears to be accurately portrayed in the photos (font color is similar). And as you can see, the tan interior shows to be almost unused with no evidence of wear, tears, stains or sags. Pirelli Tires and DieHard battery (both premium items) have been replaced within the last few thousand miles. This 626 has been regularly maintained by the local Mazda dealer and is mechanically excellent. It runs, shifts, rides, handles and steers virtually like new. It's the perfect size for traveling, commuting or grocery getting - large enough to be comfortable and small enough to easily negotiate crowded parking lots. With the 4-speed automatic and overdrive 4th gear (note finger-touch OD control at top of shifter), cruising is quiet at freeway speeds. The two-liter, dual overhead cam 4 gives plenty of punch for on-ramps, while providing 30+ MPG on the highway. If you look at listings of similarly aged Mazdas, you'll find that most have mileage approaching 200,000 - a testament to longevity of the Mazda dohc 4. (Note the engine compartment is in its original, undetailed condition) Here's what one owner has to say about his 626 with 182K miles: Review: "I bought my 626 used in 1999 with 33,000 miles on it. The only major repairs I have done besides the usual maintenance, tires, brakes, exhaust was the radiator. This car has been excellent. It still purrs like a kitten with 182k on it. People don't believe me when I tell them it has the original clutch. I am looking to buy something new this year and plan to give this car to my niece. It is extremely reliable, feels safe, very quiet. I have taken great care of this car changing the oil every 3000k and doing preventative maintenance. It certainly is no sports car and you won't win any races with it but it is strong". Back in '96 when my friend Jean was looking for a new car, I recommended she buy a Mazda 626. Mazda has a reputation for superior engineering and the LX offered a long list of standard equipment - most of which were options on Camrys, Accords and Jettas. Included were keyless entry, AC, pwr steeering, brakes and windows, cruise control, remote electric mirror adjustment/trunk, gas-filler-cover release and stereo radio with tape player (in the days before CD's). Body metal of the car is close to perfect and without dents, scratches or repairs. Recently, another car swiped by the left, front corner and as a result the plastic front bumper, grill piece and left headlight were replaced. Neither the hood nor any of the frame/suspension components were damaged and repairs were made by an authorized body shop (note, though, the front, left running light has a broken lens not attributed to the accident). It was that accident, however, that led Jean, in her late 80's, to give up driving and she asked if I'd sell her Mazda for her. The car has been garaged under her complex's carport (pictured) and although it could use a waxing, the paint is not oxidized and there is no lifting of the clearcoat - unusual for the car's age. Jean used the car to commute to work for the few years before she retired. Since that time it's primary use has been to visit her son and brother who both live in the Escondido/Fallbrook area (120 mile round trip) - which means most miles are highway miles. Jean walks to local shops/restaurants and South Coast Plaza. Although the car has a clear title, Jean hasn't yet located the original title ("Pink Slip"). The Auto Club assures her, however, that its DMV agents can transfer ownership of the car to a buyer with a California address. For an out of state buyer, it may take a few weeks to obtain a duplicate title. It is recommended before you bid that you ask questions or make arrangements for you or your agent to see and drive the car - to ensure its compatibility with your needs - bearing in mind the car is sold As Is/Where Is and that shipping is the buyer's responsibility. A $500 deposit is due via PayPal within 48 hours of auction end and payment in full within 7 days. Cash is preferable, otherwise, the car will be released when an acceptable instrument clears the bank. Reserve has been set at the low end of the value provided by Kelly Blue Book. Please look closely at the photos. I look forward to answering your questions. Thanks for your interest. Good luck bidding! And Merry Christmas! (this 626 could make someone a nice present) On Dec-10-11 at 01:38:58 PST, seller added the following information: Recommend, if you're interested in this car, reviewing the Car Check report which wasn't available when the car was listed. It has an unusually high rating and confirms this is a one owner car. You can also note the car passed California's comprehensive emissions test some 2000 miles ago in August, 2010.