I have a 97 626 with the 2 liter four and a 5-speed. It is rapidly approaching 240,000 miles and the only major repair was replacing the catalyst at about 120k due to damage sustained from a misfiring cylinder (has anybody else had that problem with a Mazda?). Other than that, tune-ups, tires, brakes and stuff have been the only expenses. This car has outlasted three car stereo head units also. It still runs great other than some oil burning.