1986 Mazda 323 review from North America
"A good little city car"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Nothing really had gone wrong with the car up until around the 315,000KM mark.
I blew the head gasket at about 315,000KM.
I also needed to replace the radiator at about 314,000KM.
The car has multiple oil leaks, but it doesn't burn oil.
The dash is starting to crack in some spots.
New brake calipers are required. The car shutters when you apply the brakes. I've had this problem since the day I got the car.
Wiper motor needs to be replaced as well. It doesn't wipe as fast as it should.
General comments?
For the most part, this car has been good to me.
My mom bought me the car after I graduated from high school. It's a good little city car, but long highway trips aren't the greatest to take in it. Mainly because it's a small car, and there isn't a lot of room, especially if you're 6'4 and 230 lbs. like me.
I would have liked more power for passing and merging into traffic when I was highway driving, but the car was good for city driving.
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.6 Manual |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 8/10 |
| Comfort marks | 3/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 289000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 315000 kilometres |
| Date of Entry | 16th July, 2003 |