1996 Mazda 323 review from UK and Ireland

Clutch is slipping, dampers are gone, exhaust fell off, front bearings, whole front end probably needs a full rework incl bushings, brakes are completely worn, water leaks into the compartment, and the car rusts like MAD.

These are things that you could expect from a 10 yrs old car that has covered 90.000, but my point is that Mazdas are not anymore durable than Ford, Vauxhall, Rover or any other brands out there despite all the hype.

I'm writing this review on the behalf of my brother in-law. He just loves this piece of junk for some strange reasons, and he would probably kick my behind if he saw this. I have never understood why he loves this car so much, because it is not especially fault free, actually it is falling apart around him and he is not noticing, but he is really not interested in cars.

The ride of this car is really bad and the wind and tyre noise is high, and the engine is surprisingly gutless for a 1.5, I though it was a 1.3 or smaller. Plus the dampers and front end are so worn that keeping this car on the road at 60 is almost impossible. I'm not joking, this car is the worst I have ever driven. This includes rental Seats and Citroens when on vacation to Spain.

In a couple of years this will not be a problem anymore since it will be rusted to pieces and fail the MOT. I have never seen a 90ies car rust so badly, almost like the Leylands of the 70ies.