3k: Rare Wheel Drive: 1982 Mazda 626 Coupe

Modern automakers get flak for changing their
numerology (I’m looking at you, BMW) and confusing everybody. Is it a
greater sin to change major driveline and layout characteristics and
keep the same name? Find this rear-drive 1982 Mazda 626 coupe with
40,000 miles for $2,800 in San Antonio, Texas. Words and tip from DT commenter & contributor  slowcarSLOW-MPGlol. 

 Everyone knows that the Mazda 626 is an uninspired
front-drive family sedan from the 90s, which makes this rear-drive coupe
a rarity and also a melon-scratcher. It’s the kind of car Mazda should
bring back today: a 2.0l four-cylinder, five-speed manual transmission,
folding rear-seat coupe. Update the solid rear axle, give it direct
injection and an airbag or two, and sell it as a FR-S/BRZ competitor.

From the ad: “It doesn’t get more JDM than this.”
Well, it could be a right-hand-drive gray-market import from Japan with
red Type-R floormats and a bodypillow in the passenger seat, but we see
the seller’s point. Lightweight (around 2,100 pounds), slow (80
horsepower), FR layout, rectangular taillights, and a boxy profile doing
its best Volvo impression.

This one is likely the cleanest example you
could find today, with no rust and no modifications except minor tint
and deep-dish Diamond racing wheels, included in the sale, which
probably look like this except
in black. The seller says a 12a or 13b rotary drops right in. Putting
two and two together, this 626 survivor is just a few eBay Motors clicks
away from becoming slammed, stanced, and sticker-bombed. Please save
this car.

See another rear-drive four-cylinder for less? Email us at tips@dailyturismo.com

Big thanks to slowcarSLOW-MPGlol to sending in this tip complete with a functioning story to surround the images!