Mazda 626 LX Reliability, MOT Pass Rate & Common Faults
Free Mazda 626 LX car check
Is the Mazda 626 LX reliable? We analysed 698 real MOT tests across 163 vehicles to find out.
Got a specific Mazda 626 LX? Enter the reg for a free check:
The Mazda 626 LX is below average for reliability based on real UK MOT data. Common problems include constant velocity joint gaiter split, parking brake: efficiency below requirements and tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. Here's everything you need to know before buying a used Mazda 626 LX.
Mazda 626 LX Number Plates
Number plates registered to a Mazda 626 LX. Click on any registration for full vehicle details — including MOT history, mileage records, previous owners and damage history.
Mazda 626 LX MOT Pass Rate by Year
How likely is a Mazda 626 LX to pass its MOT? Here's the pass rate for each registration year, newest first.
Mazda 626 LX Problems — What Goes Wrong?
The most common reasons a Mazda 626 LX fails its MOT, ranked by how often they occur. Check for these problems before you buy.
Mazda 626 LX Mileage — What's Normal?
How many miles does a typical Mazda 626 LX owner drive per year? Use this to check if a car you're looking at has suspiciously low or high mileage.
Mazda 626 LX MOT Data by Registration Year
Full breakdown of pass rate and mileage for each year. Use this to compare the Mazda 626 LX year you're looking at.
| Year | Tests | Pass Rate | Low Mi. | Typical Mi. | High Mi. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 105 | 65.7% | 74,762 | 86,875 | 105,335 |
| 1997 | 101 | 65.3% | 92,368 | 106,313 | 124,062 |
| 1996 | 70 | 60.0% | 92,723 | 106,238 | 119,732 |
| 1995 | 159 | 61.0% | 81,714 | 98,485 | 118,870 |
| 1994 | 124 | 59.7% | 87,786 | 110,828 | 123,333 |
How Long Does a Mazda 626 LX Last?
Based on 163 Mazda 626 LX vehicles on UK roads.
Mazda 626 LX Mileage Distribution
Total mileage recorded across all Mazda 626 LX MOT tests. If the car you're looking at is above the 75th percentile, it's done more miles than most.
Best Year to Buy a Used Mazda 626 LX
Based on MOT pass rates across all registration years with sufficient test data.
65.7% MOT pass rate from 105 tests
59.7% MOT pass rate from 124 tests
The best year to buy a used Mazda 626 LX is 1998, which has the highest MOT pass rate at 65.7% across 105 tests. The 1994 model year has the lowest pass rate at 59.7% — if you're looking at one from that year, budget for potential repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
How Does the Mazda 626 LX Compare?
MOT pass rates compared to similar models. Click any model for the full breakdown.
| Model | Pass Rate | Tests | Typical Mileage | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda 626 LX THIS CAR | 63.3% | 698 | 102,186 mi | 32 yrs |
| Mazda MX-5 | 76.5% | 2,502,760 | 63,190 mi | 36 yrs |
| Mazda 3 | 77.5% | 2,040,939 | 61,041 mi | 22 yrs |
| Mazda 6 | 75.4% | 1,904,140 | 77,387 mi | 24 yrs |
| Morris Mini 1275 GT | 78.3% | 834 | 42,112 mi | 55 yrs |
Compared to the Mazda MX-5 (76.5% pass rate) and the Mazda 3 (77.5% pass rate), the Mazda 626 LX trails behind on MOT reliability.
Found a Mazda 626 LX you like?
Run a full vehicle history check on the specific car. See finance, stolen, write-off, mileage and MOT data for that exact vehicle.
Check a specific Mazda 626 LXShould you buy a used Mazda 626 LX?
The Mazda 626 LX has an overall MOT pass rate of 63.3% across 698 real MOT tests — below the UK average, so reliability should be a key concern.
The most common problems on the Mazda 626 LX are constant velocity joint gaiter split (75 recorded failures), parking brake: efficiency below requirements (69), and tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (67). These are the faults most likely to cause an MOT failure on this model, so check for them carefully on any test drive or pre-purchase inspection. Many are wear-and-tear items that can be budgeted for, but a car that's already failing on multiple fronts may signal neglected maintenance.
A typical Mazda 626 LX owner drives around 6,732 miles per year. If the car you're looking at is significantly above this, expect more wear on suspension, brakes and tyres. If it's well below, the vehicle may have been sitting unused — check for perished rubber, corroded discs and stale fluids.
In terms of longevity, most Mazda 626 LX models stay on UK roads for around 32 years — a strong showing that suggests solid build quality and readily available parts. If you're buying one that's already approaching that window, the data suggests it has plenty of life left provided it's been maintained.
Before committing to a purchase, we recommend running a full vehicle history check on the specific car. This will reveal any outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies that the seller may not disclose — and that the MOT data alone can't tell you.