1989 Mazda 323 Hatchback review from North America
"Excellent, reliable, bargain, low end vehicle."
What things have gone wrong with the car?
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.
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| 1989 - 323 SE OHC in-line 4 cylinder Low-end, but decent car |
|
| Over-looked and under-loved, this is a great car!! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1989 |
| First year of ownership | 1994 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.6 Litre Manual |
| Performance marks | 10 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 6 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 65000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 145000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Mazda 323 |
| Date of Entry | 23rd June, 2002 |