1998 Mazda 323 ZXi V6 2.0 V6 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Speed and Luxury and just so much fun

Faults:

Very Little - the Front Anti-Roll Strut failed, but this was covered by the warranty. Also the exhaust midsection needed replacing. But it was the original and 3 years isn't bad. I have had cars need the same section twice in a year... Very reliable.

General Comments:

A wonderful car although not cheap to run.

Handles like a dream and is docile enough round town, but don't hit 4000 RPM in 1st..YIKES.

Comfortable and well equipped.

A Firm ride, but then it's a sports car so what do you expect.

Not frugal on petrol, but if you buy any V6 you are not counting the pennies for go-go juice.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th January, 2003

12th Apr 2004, 09:43

I've had a 98R 323 Zxi for around 5 months now, and I have just got to totally agree with this review... This car is incredibly quick, and handles beautifully. Every single friend that has been in it so far has commented on how good looking it is, and the glorious roar produced when opening up the throttle.

Sure, 30+mpg is tricky, and you'll be lucky to get 300 miles out of a tank, unless you ALWAYS change gear at very low revs. But then what's the point in buying one of these if you want to drive it like a Micra?!?! You'll become addicted to that noise, trust me!

What's gone wrong? rear washer jet motor doesn't work. That's it!!

And I have to agree again... hit 4000rpm in first (or any gear really!) and hold on for dear life!!

1998 Mazda 323 V6 ZXi 2.0 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Good parts, not good together!

Faults:

Boot pistons failed and it takes about four months for parts to come from Japan. Paint chips very, VERY easily, so tough if you have colour coded bumpers.

There are a number of funny noises coming from different places and the dealer hasn't a clue about what they are.

General Comments:

The engine has been designed to be stupidly docile up to 4000 odd revs and goes stupid above this. So you cannot really drive properly.

The engine has been designed very badly indeed. For a V6 it revs hideously and breaths even worse. After reving, take your foot right off and wait a couple of hours for the revs to come down.

The gearbox is very badly matched to the engine. Fourth gear isn't needed, I just go from three to five. Then at motorway speeds the revs are well into the four thousands. Drink that petrol why don't you.

On the plus side it does handle well, but that is solely down to lack of suspension, so you feel every micronic atom you drive over.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 10th September, 2002

10th Mar 2003, 06:15

My Zxi has had none of the problems you have found. It sounds like you've just been very unlucky.

Why are you needing parts for the engine? Have you revved the guts out of it and destroyed the engine?

The reason the engine is limited under 4000 RPM is that the power the engine produces is so awesome that you'd just be wheel spinning if you floored it. If you think about it, the way the power climbs so dramatically after 4000 RPM is like having a turbo.

I think you should maybe meet someone else with a similar car and have a look at the quality of their car.

I personally have found my car to be wonderful and would buy another one again if they still made them.

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1998 Mazda 323 P 1.3i 16v petrol from Croatia

Faults:

Nothing yet.

General Comments:

Not good power for the size of a car. Good equipment and very safety.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th January, 1999