1988 Mazda 323 Turbo 4x4 review from UK and Ireland
"The most capable car £500 will buy"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Rust here and there.
What do you want for £500?
General comments?
This car is a reliable, capable little rocket that is great fun to drive. Looks naff, but packs a 135 bhp 1.6 turbo motor, permanent 4wd and 0-60 in 7.5 seconds. Destroys 5 GT Turbos, Nova GTE's etc, especially in the wet, and doesn't blow up every week either. Handling is amusing with shedloads of grip eventually giving way to a 4 wheel drift which is so controllable. Run it on cheap remoulds and it all happens at nice safe speeds.
Treat it to an oil change twice a year and plugs / air filter once a year and it just keeps on going. Zero oil consumption, zero breakdowns - typical Japanese efficiency. Mind you it will do 22mpg if you really give it death.
Must go - have a 5 turbo to bait on the way home. And he'll lose, just like he lost yesterday.
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  | 1988 - 323 BF 4x4 Rallye 1.6 turbo Go out and buy one now! |
| Reliable Cheap and Sturdy |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.6 16v turbo Manual |
| Performance marks | 10/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 97000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 133000 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Escort |
| Date of Entry | 19th June, 2002 |