1991 Mazda 323 SE 1.3

Summary:

The best buy

Faults:

The battery has had to be replaced.

The drivers side door window had to be repaired.

The doors needed to be aligned.

General Comments:

I bought this car from a relative without seeing it for £400 I cannot believe it is so good. I have took my Calibra of the road and am using the Mazda all the time. It is one of the smoothest cars I have ever driven. There is not a spot of rust on this vehicle and it has only covered 3000 miles a year for the last eight years. My mates have given me a bit of stick, but there is only one word for this car quality.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th April, 2004

1991 Mazda 323 F GT 1.8 DOHC

Summary:

Rocket sports car with lightning speed and cool looks

Faults:

All 4 brake pads needed changing @60000.

Windows are starting to stick a bit.

Sunroof leaks!

General Comments:

This is a real monster of a car. 140hp as standard is very fast and responsive.

Loads of gadgets e.g. e/s/r 4e/w p/s.

Huge boot takes loads of stuff.

Lights are a real head turner, but take a while to flash!

Seats are great and driving position is superb.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th April, 2004

1991 Mazda 323 F SE EXEC 1.6

Summary:

A reliable car that is great to drive

Faults:

CV joint replaced at 90,000 miles.

Front exhaust section 120,000 miles.

Plastic boot lid colour is fading.

Passenger side electric window motor failed (Not replaced, too expensive!).

General Comments:

I can honestly say that during the 5 years I have owned this car I have enjoyed every minute of driving it. It is a 'drivers' car, responsive and fairly low to the flow that gives you a great ride.

I currently drive over 400 miles per week and the Mazda has enough power and comfort to take me from A to B without complaint.

It has also been extremely reliable, although when things do go wrong the parts can be very expensive.

If you are considering buying a 323, make sure that it has been regularly serviced (including the timing belt changed) and it will give you many, many miles of trouble free motoring!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 8th March, 2003

1991 Mazda 323 F GLX 1.6

Summary:

A very reliable, different and fun to drive car, but make sure you look after it to avoid high costs

Faults:

The central locking unlocked the car one night during the cold winter months - problem strangely rectified itself.

General Comments:

Deceivingly quick and a little bit funky at times.

The car is very reliable and has started first time through all weather conditions. However, if you don't take good care of it, it punishes you with a hefty service bill.

My only negative point is the ventilation - there is none unless you open a window.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th August, 2002

1991 Mazda 323 GT 1.8 16v Twin-Cam

Summary:

A Escort-sized rocket car

Faults:

Nothing at all.

General Comments:

This car is excellent. I have only owned it for a short while, but I have been happy with both it's performance and reliability. It also has groovy pop-up headlights which impress people that I see along the road...sometimes. Its' very, very fast too.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th July, 2002

1991 Mazda 323 F GLX 1.6

Faults:

This is my second 323f, I liked the first one so much. I had a 1990 1.5 Jap import, and now I have a 1991 1.6.

Both had these problems:

Passenger door lock is disconnected from central locking.

A lot of engine noise compared to newer cars.

Windows open and close very slowly.

My 1.6 has these problems:

Driver's window auto-stop not auto-stopping, causing loud clunking.

Light switch not working for sidelights, had to install push button switch.

Noticeable lack of power with less than 3,000 revs, then I get a sudden burst.

General Comments:

Smooth manual gearbox.

Reliable car - never not started and low fuel consumption.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th January, 2000

27th Jan 2001, 18:00

I have the same problem with my Mazda 323F's windows, can you suggest what the problem is and can it easily be fixed?

11th Jan 2002, 10:04

My Mazda 323 also has a sticky passenger door lock, which usually has to be unlocked manually. The seals on both rear doors have become detached from the frame and therefore are prone to leaking. The headlights are currently playing up by suddenly cutting out when on main beam, which is 'cured' by flicking to full beam momentarily. No mechanic has been able to sort out this irritating habit.

High lip to the boot is a pain too, particularly with baby clobber.

In the main, though, it's a brilliant car, very reliable.

31st May 2003, 10:00

I have owned my Mazda 323f for five years, and love it. It has never let me down and compared with other car owners and the money they spend out it has cost me next to nothing to run. It is looking a little tatty now and things are starting to "go". The electric window ratchet on the drivers window needs replacing. It has several rust spots particularly on the door pillars and sunroof. However it sailed through it's mot and when I replace it, it will be with the later model because I cannot find another 5-door car that looks sporty, yet functional and has so much room. (much needed for a woman driver)