Hi there, I have a 1999 Mazda 626 and this car has given me absolutely nothing but problems. Long story so bare with me, please...

My parents bought the car from a co-worker who doesn't know a thing about cars. He said all it needed was a starter, and that the a/c compressor was bad. The first week I had the car there was absolutley NO OIL in it. I never checked because I assumed there was oil in it when my stepfather "inspected" the vehicle. I replaced the starter, and so far my starting issues have been solved.
About a week later my radiator blew. I noticed that my alternator/water pump belt had broke off at some point which I'm assuming is what caused the radiator to blow the seals in the first place. I have put a new radiator in, new hoses, new oil lines (feeding to the transmission), and new belts. My belts are still screaming and I've adjusted the tension on them to specs and to touch. I have no other ideas except maybe bypass the A/C compressor (but I can't narrow down where the squeal is coming from).
Now all of the sudden I'm leaking transmission fluid, and I never touched the lines with the exception of the ones that attach to the radiator. I also noticed a black sticky substance (looks like tar -lol-) leaking out of the back of the block (under the manifold). I have NO LEAKS from any gaskets on my car. There are two tiny sensors under the manifold where the leak appears to be coming from.... Any ideas?? Help!! I'm so lost with this car.... I've put more money into it than I paid for it at this point....

Cyndi
1999 Mazda 626
2.0L (L4), AT
200k miles

 

*Update*

I was reading up on things a little more. After rechecking the alignment of the pulleys (they were fine), I tested the bearings. My alternator bearings were bad so I just replaced the alternator today, and the screaming has continued.... The belt seems to get a little warmer than I think it should be, but it could just be due to whatever is causing the belt squeal... The only other thing I can begin to think of is something may have gotten sucked into the water pump?? I am SO LOST on this car... HELP!!!

 

Sorry, your car is so old and hi mileage, not worth fixing, especially with automatic transmission as that requires fluid change every 30-40K miles.
O2 sensors worn out, EGR needs cleaning, Mazda normally doesn't inspect or change PCV valve, throttle body is old---can't trust it or the computer anymore.
Coolant should've been changed every 3-4 years.
Time for a new rad. A/C is just wore out, the a/c clutch could be your squeal.
Water pump could be an issue.
I could go on and on but really, quit while you are ahead.

 

Cindi
not only did the guy have no clue about cars, so did your parents. They should never have bought the car and hand it over to you, as a gift?! This is the gift that keeps on giving ---trouble.
No oil in the engine means: damage to the engine.
A previous owner who has no clue about cars means: deferred maintenance or no maintenance at all. No fluid changes, or changes that were way overdue and done with the cheapest c*** of Dollar General's shelf.
Please do the right thing and sell it for scrap. Ask your parents to chip in some more dollars, find a car and have it inspected by a mechanic before you buy it.
If you are skeptical: take your 626 to an independent mechanic for a complete inspection. It will cost about $100 but it will save you thousands.

 

Thanks guys... I told my parents not to buy this car from the start but they did what THEY thought was best... Whats worse is that I never saw the car before they brought it home... Do you guys think there's any chance of saving it, or should I just put my wallet away?

 

That's your choice: put your wallet away or give your wallet away.

But why would you trust some guys on the internet that you don't even know? Find an independent mechanic, something like "Ron's Automotive " or "Bob's Garage". Let them tell you what they think. If they are nice they won't even charge you.

Once more, this is my opinion:
Sell it for scrap. Ask your parents to chip in some more dollars, find a car and have it inspected by a mechanic before you buy it.