Faults:

A CV joint went at 110,000 km i.e. out of distance warranty, but after only 24 months. The dealer said this shouldn't have happened. Mazda NZ supplied the parts at no cost and the dealer fitted them at no charge. The car had been sold and serviced by this dealer. (Obviously I would go back to him again and have recommended him too many people. He has probably sold more than 10 cars as a result of this good service).

The rear window heater switch was replaced at about 80,000 km.

The fan motor has worn out twice at 150,000 km intervals. New fans are outrageously expensive and have been replaced with parts from wreckers. The worn parts are not sold separately, but can be made/repaired by a decent workshop.

The windscreen wiper elbow mechanism has fallen apart twice at about 100,000 km intervals. The original plastic parts have now been replaced with stronger home made parts.

At 320,000 km brake fluid leaked from the rear caliper where the handbrake activation lever is fitted. Both rear calipers have been resleaved and new seals fitted. This has been the biggest repair expense in 11 years at NZ $650.

It is beginning to develop too much movement in some of the electrical switches. The dip beam sometimes switches on and off by itself. The fan regulator is wearing out.

General Comments:

This car has been driven mostly long distances by one driver and is serviced as per the book.

It has never failed in 11 years and is perfectly reliable. The only side of the road issue has been the windscreen wiper mechanism, which is under engineered with silly plastic bits that wear out.

If oil changes are not done at the proper service intervals, it will develop the well known Mazda stuck hydraulic tappet rattle. Always keep up the oil and filter schedule.

This car would typify the Japanese car story. It is pretty boring and does nothing stunningly well, but it goes and goes and goes. If you treat it right, it will always work.

Use it as everyday transport and buy a red Ducati 900 SS motorcycle for the weekend!!

Faults:

Replaced both front CV shafts and boots.

Clips holding trim on door sill.

Front right wheel bearing.

Tappet/Rocker cover gasket.

Distributor O-ring.

Fuel Sender Unit.

Blew 3/5 factory speakers.

Replaced resonator and needed to get it re-welded because of dodgy workmanship.

Only other work is maintenence.

General Comments:

This car is excellent. All of the problems above have been due to negligence by the previous owner. However the parts were cheap and easy to get and fit.

Performance is acceptable for a 1.8L (92 kW and 160Nm). However I would not mind more. Again, cheap and easy to get.

I have replaced to stock stereo system with Clarion gear, and it now sounds excellent. Only done because I blew some speakers.

Switches and buttons are very easy to find and the layout must be inspired by the Toyota Supra, because it is angled towards the driver and is a different colour than rest of trim.

Visibility at night is poor due to H3 globes. Have tried to rectify by adjusting angles, but doesn't have an effect.

I have also fitted a TWM Short shifter kit (nothing wrong with original shifter) for quicker changes and aftermarket pedal pads.

Hardly anything has gone wrong with this car. Only two issues known of by a Mazda mechanic I know is the tappet gasket and Distributor O-ring.

Would recommend Mazda to anyone, especially the 323.

Faults:

The previous owner had removed the fuel sensor unit and hadn't bothered to replace it.

There is a knocking noise from the front right, most likely a CV joint.

A couple of marks on roof lining, nothing some TLC won't fix.

Some paint chips out of the clear coat, nothing too drastic.

CD player didn't work. Perfect excuse to install new Clarion unit.

Driver's door lock a bit shaky due to someone trying to break in.

General Comments:

I love this car.

Performance is pretty much unbeatable (for a 1.8L), especially with a K&N Air Filter (although only makes different at about 5500 rpm).

It has a rounded shape and is very stylish. The colour is also very suited for the shape.

Inside, there is plenty of room (I am 6"4' and can sit in the back with the front seats right back) and the seats are very comfortable. The controls are very easy to reach and it is very easy to memorise the locations of different switches.

Boot space is adequate.

Could use new speakers and bigger wheels, but not urgent, more for personal taste.