1970 Mazda 1300 Special review from Australia and New Zealand

Required a new alternator after 200,000 kilometres.

Clutch required replacing after 80,000 kilometres.

I bought this as my first car in 1996. At that point the car was already 26 years old, but I bought it off a mechanic who wouldn't budge on the asking price, as he felt the car would speak for itself, and it did.

My Mazda 1300 survived 10 years with me - I only replaced the alternator and the clutch in the whole time I had it.

Extremely fuel efficient.

Extremely reliable.

Unbelievably comfortable for such an old car.

It had quite possibly the best heater I've ever come across in a car (including cars of family and friends).

Extremely easy to handle and drive - the car turned on a pin-head, and 3 point turns were never necessary with the steering wheel at full-lock.

I can't say enough good things about the Mazda 1300.

Granted, I had mine re-sprayed, which added to the overall attractiveness of the vehicle, and I had a CD player installed. Cabin noise was minimal.

I only sold the car as I got married, and my husband has a company car, so the Mazda would've made car number 3.