Faults:

The seats deteriorated and fell apart.

A wire corroded that connected to the positive side of the battery causing a minor problem with turning on the engine.

Muffler and exhaust system were shot when I bought the car. New one installed at about 170,000 miles.

Tune up was given to car around 170,000 and again at 205,000.

A new windshield was installed at 200,000.

The very top of the radiator where the identification plate was welded on developed a hole and was melting all around it at 205,000. I drove it that way until a new radiator was installed at 208,000.

General Comments:

Aside from the wear and tear of the car as to be expected for a used car, especially one with over 200,000 miles, it has been a gem of a car. This car has great turning ratio and quick pick up power when needed.

This car has never left me stranded yet, except for my own fault of locking myself out. (oops! ;}) It was very hard to break into the car!

The car has always started up for me without fail until the spark plugs and distributor cap wore out. As soon as the car had a tune up, it started right up again with no problems.

Faults:

Had to replace/retune the 3rd gear detent; it was driven in town a lot before I got it, so that probably explains why.

A few instrument knobs and switches have broken off on the dash, (interior parts are made of cheap plastic), but they were easily and cheaply replaced.

Stock stereo and speakers are disappointing, but can be easily replaced or exchanged with little or no hassle -- also, no CD player, obviously.

Needs to have a serious exhaust upgrade if you want to take full advantage of the engine's power...

General Comments:

Generally an awesome car to just get around in...

Typically very cheap to buy used, so these cars are great for college students (like myself).

Not exactly a car I'd like to race without serious modification, but this thing packs torque like no little rally car you've ever seen, and acceleration is a dream; 0-60 faster than a civic, escort, or any of the other popular little "quick" cars.

Redlines in 5th (and starts to feel like it's falling apart) at about 120-130mph... which is not bad for such a small car/engine - though the RX7 packed awesome power for it's engine, as well.

Upgrade the exhaust, install a turbocharger/intake and a nice suspension system, upgrade or install a new stereo and satellites, and you've got yourself a nice-looking, great sounding, quick/fast car that you could rally with success...

Seats are super comfortable and come with pretty cool looking stock seat covers (optional, of course).

AC and heat both work perfectly, which is amazing for such an old car.

Mazdas are famous for their 300k+ (miles) engine lives... this car is no exception.

Not a bad looking car, especially after some repainting and accessories... looks great with a (trimmed) body kit, professional paint job and matching exhaust/intake.

Faults:

Exhaust replaced from the Catlytic Converter, back.

Rear axle bearings replaced at 177,000

Changed the original fuel filter! 177,000

Tune up as well at 177,000.

General Comments:

I can't believe how well this car runs with 179,000 miles on the odometer.

This car has all the power options and they all work properly.

The air conditioning blows as cold as my brothers brand new Subaru!

If you can find a 323 in good shape for under 1600.00, jump on it.

These are reliable cars and they are pretty quick to boot!

Faults:

Complete exhaust system replacement twice.

Paint protection on hood flaking off.

Misfire around 100,000km.

Timing belt replacement at 80,000km.

Rear hatchback lid pistons useless.

General Comments:

Excellent power to weight ratio.

Very reliable engine & transmission.

Driven very hard under highway conditions and at altitude (6,500ft) and even surpassed vehicles with V-8 engines!

Not comfortable - but what do you expect from a 323 - leather seats???

Great positive handling.

Only paid $4,200 for it in 1994 and it is still going strong.

The only complaint is an intermittent misfire problem during city driving. Annoying, but acceptable considering it is a 13 year old car.