Bloody great
The seats have started to wear badly, and the car is slowing down.
Great value, but bloody great performance!
Can match the space and performance of the Corolla and Civic
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 29th December, 2010
My brother called it a slug
Fine and dependable, a typical japanese motor which never missed a beat. Top marks for first time starting any time of the day, any time of the year.
During the purchase it drove smoothly absorbing pot hole ridden roads with ease.
On driving it home (90 miles) I noticed the CV joint clicking on full lock noticeably on left turns... funny I don't remmeber this on the test route as most turns were right!!! Therefore hiding the fault. Devious dealers for you!!!
The drivers seat had a slight rock to it which I put up with for the 2 years owned.
Apart from the above I could always rely on the 323c.
The shape of this particular model was the biggest attraction initially.
Very distinctive, most people glanced twice with its CRX style glass boot rear panel.
It was a compact car not the regular run of the mill.
Bought for 1800 sterling in 2005. Sold for 825 sterling in 2007.
The power of 1.5 DOHC was probably more appreciated in a manual than the auto box, which is one of the reasons for selling.
I found the automatic gearbox, as you'd expect, smooth and changed easily everytime with no hesitation.
Fuel consumption was another story, how does 60 miles to 10 quid (at 90p per litre) sound? (combination of motorway city driving)
I was bemused, was it due to the engine or auto box?? Or sunday driving style. Which I had to adopt on permanent basis.
Whatever it was, I will never buy another auto. EVER.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 22nd May, 2007
Cute, ultra-reliable and tough-as-nails
The Mazda 323 is the first car I have ever had the pleasure to call “mine.”
This mini-powerhouse delivers a feisty performance and great handling despite only having an 80-something horsepower engine.
The interior is nothing fancy, but it has the essentials.
The seats are not ultra-comfortable like the ones made these days, but they are good enough to give a decent ride.
My 323 has NEVER broken down or given me or my family any problems. It delivers far more than you would expect for the price.
For all those who own a 323, I advise you to hang on to it and care for it well.
I adore this car and I plan to keep it until it kicks the bucket.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 18th January, 2007
Absolutely reliable every day transport
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.
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!!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 10th November, 2005