1987 Mazda 323 SE review from North America

Axles failed almost at once. Easy to fix, but cost as much as I paid for the car.

A couple weeks later a rear wheel bearing failed.

Last summer the ignition module failed, which was $300.

Just the other day the speedometer/odometer quit working. Don't know how much to fix this yet.

The gas gauge has been funky the whole time I've had it. It is accurate for about the first 1/3 of the tank, then it drops right to empty. I have no plans to fix this unless I cannot fix the odometer.

The struts are shot, the car dances all over the road when you hit a pothole. It is something you can live with, but it sure catches you off guard the first few times. I have no plans to fix this unless someone donates the parts.

All in all, I cannot fault this little car. I paid $125 for it from a tow yard, and have put 17,000 miles on it in 10 months. It gets 37-40 mpg consistently, and everything including the A/C works fine. The body is in good shape and the interior is like new. I wish it had a radio and this may be remedied soon. Since the last time it broke, it has been running well, with no disabling problems. It starts every day, and the wrecking yards are full of parts cars. It has become affectionately known as The Amazing Hundred And Twenty Five Dollar Car. I am really amazed at how well it runs with 215,000 miles on it. I fully intend to drive this car until it craps all over the road.