1982 Mazda 323 SL review from South Africa
"Old, but very reliable"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Wheel bearings needed replacement at approx. 200 000km.
Rust under the wind screen developed into a hole, as well as minor rust in other areas, resulting in rain water leaking into the car.
Light switch broke.
General comments?
Mechanically, this car has never let me down. The Japanese sure know what they are doing.
It is quite old now and the performance is suffering quite a lot, but it just keeps on going like it doesn't want to give up.
The performance rating I've given it is the current performance rating. Brand new it was much better though.
This car has been through the Kalahari desert (and various other nature reserves) as well as through a snow storm in Ermelo (South Africa) and never once broke down. Reliability really is excellent.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1982 |
| First year of ownership | 1984 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.5 petrol Manual |
| Performance marks | 3/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 5/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 6/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 30 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 266000 kilometres |
| Date of Entry | 15th February, 2008 |