Faults:

Odd thing, my Mazda shut off once in a while when driving. But it was a manual, so I just put it in neutral, and turned it back on and kept going. Good thing it didn't have power steering to begin with.

Brake lines and fuel lines rusted out bad, but I live where we douse our roads with salt, so that is expected.

General Comments:

Best car I've ever owned.

Economical and cheap to maintain. Buy the manual; gives it more pep.

Water leaked in the back hatch.

Never came with power steering or a radio; it was a factory option (ha), but that's the reason I loved it so much. It was no frills, just money saving and fun.

I owned a 2006 Mustang. Bought it new, and after 4 years I sold it. I will probably never buy a new car again. To me, I enjoyed my 323 more than the Mustang. But I guess money saving factors into what I enjoy more.

Great, reliable 323, no real issues, always got us to where we needed to go. Amazing in the winter with our snow tires on. So light it would cruise over the snow, even when we had a big snowstorm. Gas mileage was amazing, city and highway.

Faults:

Nothing seems seriously wrong with it so far. Just the seal on a bit for the rear widow is a bit loose, so it leaks every now and then.

In cold weather, some of the central locks don't open, which isn't too big a problem. Taking it in for a warranty this week, so fingers crossed!

General Comments:

For a first car, it's magnificent! Only had it for about half a year, but she still runs problem free.

Great to drive, very economical, which is essential as I am on a bit of a tight budget. Handles great.

I have only driven my parent's cars in the past, and have not owned any others, so I don't exactly have the experience to rate it well, but those were the marks I feel the car should have. Let's hope she lasts for a long long time!

Considering the low kms, $2000 was quite a bargain. Highly recommended car!

Faults:

Cam belt snapped last year. Bought a new one for £25 and fitted it (easy). (Engine is non-interference).

Fitted new tail pipe 3 years ago for MOT.

Driver's electric window needs a new motor.

Driver's seat a little worn on RH back.

Gave it a service last month, LOL.

General Comments:

Amazing car. So reliable. Always starts first time.

Plod it around town, and it is so economical.

Put the pedal to the metal, and there ain't much that can catch it!!

Still looks good for an 18 year old car.

No rust at all underneath or the body. Just a few spots on the electric sunroof.

Doesn't use oil.

Always passes its MOT.

Faults:

The motor died, valve stem seals apparently. I have never seen so much smoke from an engine. Had another engine fitted, alternator died, now it's leaking oil and using excessive amounts of petrol.

The left window now doesn't work, drivers window won't go all the way up.

The heater barely makes heat.

The rear demister doesn't work.

The knob fell off the door mirror.

The brake pedal has gone spongy.

The cigarette light socket power surges and destroys appliances plugged into it.

General Comments:

This car has been a disaster. Nothing works and it has been a big disappointment. I will never buy a Mazda again.

The alternator etc is made by Mitsubishi, that can't be good for a start.

The only positives have been it hasn't rusted, the paint is good and it is a nice looking roomy vehicle.