2000 Mazda 323 FGSE review from UK and Ireland
"Great runabout, but not really too useful for long distance work"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Paintwork on the bottom of the door sill flaked off after a stone bounced from the road at speed. The underside of the sill appears to have some sort of rubber undercoat which apparently is designed to flex when hit. Unfortunately, the paint doesn't.
General comments?
I've only done a thousand miles in the car. I came to the 323 from a Mondeo Estate TD. It's a different world.
No longer beaten away from traffic lights by little old ladies in Micra's.
This little beaut goes round corners like it's glued to the tarmac.
The seats are a bit harder than I'm accustomed to.
Headlights are a bit strange. The beam gives various zones on the road and the car could use a set of driving lamps.
Top gear seems very close, in ratio, to 4th. The car feels as if it could use another gear. Gearbox can feel a bit muddy at times especially if the change is a bit on the quick side. I've had one or two crunchers over the past week.
The ride is a bit on the lively side. At speed, concentration has to be 100% as Scottish roads, even Motorways, can tend to be a bit uneven.
The wiper control must have been put in back wards. I still have to look at the control before I use the wipers. Why would I want to spray water on the rear screen and not use the wiper?
The car does have several saving graces.
Loads of legroom both front and rear.
The boot is good for a car of this class.
Security is good. Alarm, immobilizer and remote central locking.
The electric windows have a safety cut out in case of body parts getting in the way. (I've not tried this one out yet)
Aircon...I LOVE IT!
I did make one modification. I changed the radio out for a Radio/CD/MP3 unit from Sony.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.5 Injection Manual |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | |
| Comfort marks | 5/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | |
| Distance when acquired | 10200 miles |
| Most recent distance | 11200 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Mondeo |
| Date of Entry | 15th May, 2003 |