My 1998 Mazda 626 4cl 2.0 engine has approx. 71K miles on it. The transmission starting having problems in August 2003, at which point we had the transmission fluid flushed, & the spark plugs changed. The mechanic told us to drive it a little while and let the conditioners take effect, but the car shows no difference in driving. The O/D light flashes now on occasion, and the RPM goes up to 4 or 5 before it shifts to a higher gear. We are not driving it now..its been sitting in our driveway for a week & a half. I called the Mazda dealership and before seeing the car they said it needed a new transmission. I have a extended warranty thats good thru 90K, but they may or may not honor it, I can't afford to take the chance if the warranty company dosent reimburse me. This is our only car, and I still have 2 years of payments left. After reading 56 pages of comments on-line with people experiencing the same problem, I have no faith that a new tranny would even solve the problem...it looks as though even with a rebuilt one they go out right after the rebuilt warranty. I have not seen a carfax on my car, but I would not be surprised if this wasn't the first transmission. We can not afford to buy a new car without selling this one, but how can I sell a car that dosen't run, especially when I still owe money on it.

- Holualoa, HI, USA

Since approximately June, 2002, the immobilizer has been turning off the engine immediately after I start the car, even though the alarm is deactivated. I usually have to wait 24 hours or so for the alarm to reset itself. This occurs every 2 months or so, but when it happens, it continues to occur for several days. It has happened even when the car wasn't locked. June, 2002, replaced battery; Dec. 2002, installed new fuel pump; Jan. 2003, installed fuel pump again; April, 2003, bought new key and clicker; Sept. 2003, dealer wants to replace immobilizer @ nearly $800. All of these repairs are at dealer's request, and are interspersed with many tows and alarm resets.

- Hilliard, OH, USA