PhoenixDownVII

So, my hunt for the most exciting boring car (silly I know) continues.



I recently purchased a 98 Legacy GT Automatic, and while it makes a great practical car, I still don't feel it fits for me. I am planning on, as I always have, having a sports car as well...so in reality this other, secondary, daily driver doesn't need to be super-sporty. Reliable and practical are top priority, but to some degree I don't think it needs to be as boring as my current legacy...



I'm not happy with the Legacy. Probably the biggest reason: Automatic. I know once I get a fun autoX car I'll drive it more often than the Legacy, and it will be Manual, but Suby's reputation with Automatics and the 2.5L isn't that great, and although my car does fine, I just don't feel the 22-24mpg I get in it is worth the AWD I don't necessarily *need*.



So, i'm looking at the legacy's competition, again. Accord & Camry to me are both much too boring, even mated with manual transmissions. My friends 94 Accord 5-speed handled like a truck, and I don't want to lower the car and put 17's on it just to be decent, it takes away from the daily drivability and smooth ride. The camry is just super-boring, and I've test driven two automatics.



I read up on the 626 (reviews and whatnot), and, like the Miata, it seems to be one of Mazda's finest in reliability. I like the styling over the Accord/Camry, and gas mileage with FWD is great, and I can deal with the snow...however...they depreciate fast. Is it only because its considered a domestic? Anyone ever been in one? Are they cheap feelin? Or more towards the solid side of Toyota/Honda.



The Maxima seems very cool. It's the sportiest of them all, but my friends 91-94 model has had nothing but problems. I fear that with the newer model too. Plus its a 6 cyllander so despite not having AWD I think i'll probably net 22-24mpg at best in it as well (like the Subaru).



What do you think of the reliability of the Maxima/626 (those generations specifically?)? I like the Maxima/626 design and impressions moreover than the more successfull Accord/Camry (and even Legacy)..just not sure which I should try next....either way it'll definitely be a manual.

Dramon_Killer

if you get a Maxima, make sure you get like 97 or 98+ because the older ones have problems with leaking oil.

nopistons94

I had a 91, never any problems with leaking oil, my friend eric has a 92, never a problem with leaking oil and drives it 25k a year, my friend victor has a 99 and no problems with it at all currently

1988RedT2

I don't recall anyone being overly impressed with the 626. I drove one of the older ones for 170k miles and all I can really say is that it was economical, dependable transportation.



Just drive the Legacy. It can't be that bad, and you'll lose thousands when you sell it to buy something else. You might be looking for something that doesn't exist.





Or buy my Volvo 945T. With a little suspension work, it might be just what you're looking for.

Dramon_Killer

That's just what my next door neighbor said. And I tend to believe him on that topic.

nopistons94

its cool, not like Ive owned one for 6 years or anything

j9fd3s

well we've dealt with the 98+ 626 since they came out. stay away from the 4 cylinder automatic, the trans says ford right on it, so expect to replace it every 30-60k miles. other than that, and the coolant over flow bottle, these cars are just really dull.



parts for these, other than engine/drivetrain stuff, is and always has been hard to get, back in the day we used to wait 9+ months for doors and fenders, its better now, but these are still worse than any other mazda



personally id skip it, life is too short to drive something this dull

rowtareh

Just keep the Subie. You are worse than my mother.



She wants a Chrysler 300, Volvo C-70, and a Ford Mustang. She can't pick a damn car!!

PhoenixDownVII

I don't expect a dream car, perhaps its just the transmission that is making the Suby so boring. I mean, it's really the only thing I don't enjoy about it. The engine note is awesome, and awd rocks in the snow, having a manual tranny would give me better gas mileage plus a funner car



I read and understand the Automatic (Ford built) issue on the 626, but I just got over saying either car would be a manual.



I don't expect either of all of them to handle like an FD or on "rails" to any degree, but the 94 Accord I drove just felt scarey to turn any faster than 15 mph. The legacy is such a better handling car, I just don't like how clunky the car feels, perhaps due to its weight and build quality? Not sure.



Check the avatar, I'm just a perfectionist what can I say...



I think I am going to look into a 5spd 95+ Maxima or even consider a 2.2l 5spd Legacy (2.2L has a better reputation than their 2.5L).

PhoenixDownVII

Story of my life.