1989 Mazda 323 Astina review from Australia and New Zealand

No mechanical failures yet.

The muffler was rusted through, but was replaced before purchase.

Runs a bit rough when cold (although not abnormally so for a 20 year old car).

water collects itself in the boot floor, eating away my spare wheel, so it needs to be drained every now and then.

I purchased this car only 5 months ago, but so far it has given me no problems.

Being a Japanese designed and built car, it feels well screwed together and thoroughly engineered.

The car is a good size, and in my opinion strikes a good balance between space, comfort, performance, and low running costs (important for a young student like myself).

Its ability to accommodate a mob of 20 year old 6 footers is excellent (there's even a center armrest in the back!), and with the seats folded and boot card taken out, it's revealed itself to be a capable transporter of bulky cargo.

Practicality aside, it's a nice car to drive. The front end grips well (despite its old tires), and the gear changes on my car are smooooth. The engine also runs and pulls well once its warm.

Overall, this car performs well, and its futuristic looks, with consideration to the fact that the design dates back to 1989, have secured it a place in my heart. It's pop-up headlamps and wraparound aircraft like glass area, give it more visual character than most other similarly cheap, sensible, and Japanese (because in Australia Japanese is cheapest) cars.

I would highly recommend this car to cash-strapped individuals looking for a car that is brisk, practical and a bit different.