1998 Mazda 323 V6 ZXi from UK and Ireland - Comments

Hi all.

I’ve been reading through the comments on this page and there is some very interesting and useful information on there, I was however a little concerned to read that some of the bad opinions so I have a few comments that I hope will settle any doubt in peoples mind when they come to buy their own Mazda 323 ZXi V6.

I am 23 years old, my parents have been running a Mazda garage throughout most of my life (the garage closed when I was 19 as my parents wanted a change!) so as you can imagine I have lived and breathed Mazda’s since I was born.

I fell in love with the 323F (94-98 model) when it was first released, my first car was an F reg 323 1.3 Javelin, my second car was a 98 323F 1.8 Executive and I have had the 1998 2.0 V6 ZXi for 2 months now.

I like the fact that the V6 is tuned the way it is, it gives you the option to drive hard or just take it easy. It is especially handy on those cold icy mornings; can you imagine 147bhp on ice? Front wheel drive? You wouldn’t get very far! There are many advantages to have an engine tuned in this way; for example, you can conserve petrol when you need to. I have managed to get a maximum of 28 mpg when driving carefully and 18mpg when driving hard which is a big difference, I should imagine if you had all the power throughout the rev range you wouldn’t be able to get figures like that, probably more like 22mpg. Besides, if you want the engine to try and tear itself from the chassis every time you pull away from a set of traffic lights or similar, get it chipped, this costs about £500 and will smooth out the power delivery.

My V6 has just turned over 100000 miles, it has a full Mazda service history and the drive is faultless. When I bought the car I carried out an oil change myself using Forte engine flush and also added Forte fuel treatment. I would recommend using this on any second hand car you buy. Both products work to clean out the engine, cylinders and exhaust system; they effectively take away any of the ageing effects your engine will have suffered over the years. Using both products increased the pressure in my cylinders by 10psi (I don’t know what that equates to when talking about bhp, but it will be an increase of some sort) making the engine perform like it’s new again, by making the power smoother and easier to handle. Ask your local dealer about Forte, they should know about it.

The boot struts regularly fail on all Mazda’s over 8 years old (although the newer models don’t suffer) ; mine are starting to die now. Your local dealer should keep them in stock for this very reason; if not then they are stocked by Mazda UK. It is VERY rare for them to take as long as 4 months, the maximum time you should expect to wait is about 4-10 days.

I think the person who commented “Good Parts, Not Good Together” (the first on this page) should definitely win an award for over exaggeration! Yes, the revs take a second to go down, but has he thought about the fact that this makes the car easier to drive? The engine is always at the right revs for me when engaging the clutch after changing up a gear; this makes the drive smoother for both the driver and passengers. If the revs were to drop too quickly then it would be too jolty. Anyway, EVERY new car I’ve driven (I work in the motor trade so that’s a lot!) do the same!

I do agree on one thing though, the paint does chip easily. Both my 1.8 and my V6 had plenty of stone chips in the bonnet. Touch up sticks are readily available at your local Mazda dealer and the colour match is good (unless you have a silver car!). I have never seen any serious corrosion on any Mazda post 1994, even where the stone chips appear on the bonnet don’t become all that serious, just a slight rusty colour, but it never becomes much more than that. Still, I would suggest cleaning the chips and painting them anyway, just to be sure.

Actually I kind of agree on two things, 4th gear is pretty useless around town, but simply because you can drive at 20mph in 5th gear, so changing from 3rd to 5th is plenty good enough when you’re in a 40 limit, it saves time and effort!!! However, I find 4th very useful when accelerating from 40mph up to about 70mph. For example, if I’m travelling about 40mph in 5th gear and want to overtake someone I will simply change down to 4th, changing to 3rd would be too much and you would only need to change up to 4th halfway through the manoeuvre! All in all I thing that the gearbox is perfect for the engine and the car.

Fuel consumption seems to be an issue for many people who have written in here, yes, the V6 does drink petrol, but the engine produces enough torque to accelerate in any gear from 1000 rpm, so you have the ability to use whatever amount of petrol you feel necessary. Driving at 70mph on the motorway means that the engine will be running at about 3500 rpm, this seems to have been a concern to some people, but actually you shouldn’t be too worried; after all, the engine is tuned to be tamer below 4000rpm. I have done a bit of motorway driving in mine (it was just less than 200 miles) and as long as you stay at a constant speed you’ll find that the fuel consumption won’t be affected too much. It’s getting up to speed that uses the fuel!

For those of you experiencing any “funny noises” I have found this with both my 323F’s and they are pretty easy to find. If the front door inner panels have ever been removed they are often not re-fitted properly, this can be rectified by just making sure that the rubber seal that goes around the panel is located properly and not causing any un-necessary stress. Rattles from the rear could mean that your jack is not fitted properly under the boot floor. I have found that my parcel shelf rattles on the plastic seat that holds it. I stopped this rattle by gluing a bit of foam on the effected part. Other than that, with both my 323F’s, I have found the ride to be as quiet as the day it came out the factory.

Anyone who complains the ride is too hard should be shot!! (not literally!) The ride is firm, and sporty; the handling is almost perfect, I suffer with a little bit of under steer, but that could just be the tyre’s I’m using plus it is only noticeable when you’re really pushing it around tight bends (not that I ever would!), apart from the fact it is cold at the moment so the roads are slippery. The seats are comfortable and hold you in the perfect driving position. The driver’s seat is adjustable for height (at the front and back of the seat), distance from the steering wheel, and the angle of the back. The steering wheel is located dead centre of the driver’s seat and has a height adjustment built in. All of this makes for a comfortable ride.

Going back to the suspension, if you find the ride too hard in the V6, try the 1.8 executive. The car is identical to the V6 on the inside, but obviously the engine and chassis are slightly different. The suspension on the 1.8 is very soft and comfortable although the engine is very underpowered compared to the V6.

At the end of the day, if you find the ride too hard, don’t buy it! More to the point for the person who wrote that first comment, why did you buy the car? Did you not drive it first? Obviously we all have different opinions when it comes to comfort on the road, but if you make a mistake like not trying a car before you buy it, don’t blame the car! Every website about the 323, everyone who I know owns one, all love this car, they are all happy with it, and no one seems to get major problems. The Mazda 323F range (94-98 model including 1.5, 1.8 and 2.0V6) are all good cars, they all have excellent feedback, and they all hold their value well, I sold my 1.8 for £1450 after buying it a year before for £1350!

So in conclusion, if you are thinking of buying a Mazda 323F 2.0 V6 then go for it, try it first and if your happy it “fits” then buy it! If you love the car, but you don’t like the ride of the V6 then buy the 1.8 executive, you can’t go wrong with either car.

Hi there,

I have a 1998 Mazda 323f V6, I bought it after much encouragement from my boyfriend (who loves it). I totally agree with the last comment. My 323f is running extremely well despite the high mileage (145000). However I have been having a couple of small problems lately i.e. the electric aeriel has stopped working, the CV boot on the passenger side needs replacing and there is a strange rattling noise from the engine. I hope to get these problems sorted in the next couple of weeks so I can drive the car for another 140000 miles. I have a quick questions that I hope some one could help me with. What spark plugs and plug leads do you use in the V6?

I've owned two 94-98 Mazda 323f models; a 1996 1.8 Exec which was written off by some Muppet turning right in front of me, and then a 1998 ZXI V6 SE model with all the trimmings.

I have to say that both cars were brilliant to own & run, if a little thirsty on fuel.

The issue with the leccy aerial seizing up is a common problem on these cars, which can be kept in check by putting a small amount of grease on it every year or so.

I never had to shell out any money on these cars other than the usual servicing costs, and nothing mechanical ever failed on them. If anyone is considering buying a V6 version I would say it's definitely worth it, as most are quite cheap now (nearly all under 2 grand) but check it out properly to make sure it's not been thrashed to within an inch of it's life.

Buying one which has had the cam belt changed recently is also good idea, as it's an expensive job to pay for on the V6.

I've now changed to a 2002 323f 2.0l Sport, which is also great to drive and just as reliable, but not as good looking as the 94-98 model. I think Mazda sacked all its designers before it was partly bought out by Ford!

Hi, greetings from Malaysia.

I have owned my 323f (Lantis, as it is know here) for like 2 years now and am very happy with it. Mine is a "type R" version; i.e. it has JDM 170HP V6 engine, LSG gearbox and digital climate control. Power delivery below 3500rpm is a laugh, but after that the car simply takes off until the 7200rpm redline thanks to two VRIS solenoids which open/close the airflow path at 3500rpm and 5000rpm. And the noise is awesome!!

Have had my 323F ZXi V6 SE for 2 years now and have just put it through the MOT today. Passed with only needing a new hand brake cable. Very pleased.

Before this car I had a MX6 (2.5 older sister of the 323!) and I can honestly say that the performance is soo much better. The 2.5 feels enormously more powerful which I was surprised at. The 323F is really nice to cruise down the motorway because the power is at the top end. 0-50 I think any car could beat or keep up. Above 70mph is a different story. There is a never ending source of power.

Fuel economy is poor which is why if you can pick up a good looking non-V6 then I would.

I'm selling mine this week to buy a honda civic. Need more economical miles. Loved it while I owned it though. If fuel prices were sub 80p It would never leave my possession.

Hi all. a few months ago my mate bought a very special red zxi. this car was special because it sparked off a big love affair between me and 323 zxis. after 2 weeks of constant nagging my mate let me test drive it. straight away the first thing you say when driving these cars is wow. after the test drive I was 323 zxi hungry. so I spent weeks constantly looking for a zxi of my own. eventually I found 1 which isn't easy considering the rarity of these cars now. cost me £1850 with 76000 on the clock, 1998 model. the only problem I have is my drop link bars are makong knocks nothing major and easy to fix. nothin else is wrong with her. one thing I was told when buying this car was to look for rust as when it starts it will rust a lot. good place to check is in the petrol cap. I was also told the engines are bullet proof buy two different ppl. i love my mazda, an what you get out of it is well worth the petrol. this car will be a future classic.

I recently brought a 1998 323 v6 zxi and have to say it is the best car I have ever owned, it's fuel consumption is what I expected 25 to gallon during my normal fast driving and I recently had 32 to the gallon on a long run. I work out my economy every time I fill and it seems to me no matter how hard I drive the car it won't do less than 22. I have to disagree with most of the previous comments about stiff uncomfortable ride, fuel consumption and some of the gears not being needed, the Mazda is a very sporty car that is capable of 130mph the suspension is going to be firm or you'll end up in the hedge, and I can't see why people complain about economy as you don't have to be a rocket scientist to realize that a 2litre v6 is going to use a lot of fuel, buy a 1.2 clio if your that worried. The gear ratio's are perfect if you change up a bit before the red line your in the sweet spot in the next gear and so on or you can just put it in fourth and go every where in that one gear just listening to the subtle burble of the V6. to sum it up if your remotely worried about economy, room in the back or cost of spare parts then do not buy this car, but if you want a thrill from driving, and can appreciate where your petrols going and the fact you have the top spec car and nothings cheap then this is the car for you. ps... the thing is good for almost 140mph.

I've just returned to this website after writing the extremely long comment at an earlier date, it is probably too late to advise on the one about the problems someone is suffering, but I thought I would write anyway. CV Boots wear out, it's just a fact of life. I don't know of any 323 with over 100000 miles on the clock that hasn't had a replacement aeriel (they just wear out over time aswell) and as for the rattle from the engine... It will be an exhaust heat shield where the "Y" junction is on the exhaust just corroding and on it's way off, not a problem and it won't fail an MOT, but I would advise getting a replacement soon. Anyway, like I say, the problems have probably been sorted now, but I thought I would write in anyway.

Hi, great series of comments about a great car.

I owned the 1.8 in 1997 in Australia, and when I came to UK found a 1994 GLX (previous name for ZXi) for £650 - who could argue?

It's just been taken off the road, but the Mazda service guy had one for sale for £1500, so I did a deal and got a 1998 version - feels much tighter, I think Mazda really got their production worked out by then.

But... strange thing, the 1994 had more response from 3000 rpm, I've noticed a lot of comments about the later version only kicking in more power about 4000 rpm, and have noticed the different feel when gunning it.

Does anybody know if this is a fact (ie Mazda changed the programming of throttle response) or is it just my imagination/ the particular examples I had?

WOW I didn't realise the Mazda 323 ZXi had such a fan club!

I have owned my SE version since new in 1998 and it was expensive at almost 19k, but it was my dream to own this lovely looking sports car. I actually bought this car for myself, but my late husband (a devoted BMW M3 man) always seemed to need to just pop out in the Mazda whenever he could and eventually we swapped cars he loved it that much! Its done 57k, never had anything break or go wrong and it has passed all its MOTs first time every time. Bodywork does dent easily! I have driven a lot of exec/sporty cars (BMW, Saab, Volvo, Merc) but this Mazda is one of my favorites because as many others have said its fun to drive and delivers the goods (its the combination of low road hugging suspension, good looks, growling engine and sheer speed that does it). Who cares if you only get 20-30 mpg that's the sacrifice you make for having a V6 24 Valve beast at your beckon call! If you are looking for a reliable, fun, but older sports car this is an excellent choice (and I couldn't say that about any other car I have ever owned!)

I owned one of the first 2.0 V6's in 1995. It was a GXi before it got rebadged to ZXi (had one of each). I had it in Germany and my wife and I got 148mph out of it flying down the autobahn to Munich! Great little car with an engine that purrrrrred. Now 12 years on I'm looking to find another one. Great fun, but practical with 4 doors.

Hi! I have had a 323 v6 for two weeks of super fun, but it has a tapping from the engine. Would it be the valves? It likes its oil. Help!

I brought a 323 v6 dohc 97 about 3months ago..., I'm 19, I find this car cheap to run, I pay 360 insurance a year (on my dads), put around £120 in fuel a month.

About 3months ago... after owning it for about a month, my o/s driveshaft pop'ed out... I took it to a garage, and it was behond repair... so I had to order a new shaft straight from mazda, not uk either JAPAN! cost me just over £600 all in + fitted!!! I was shocked at the price, but I just had to get it fixed... its still goin well today... engine sounds mint... recomended car to any one.

Having been underneath my MX-6 enough times in the last four years, I'm still trying to figure what "boot pistons" are in the original review.

Maybe it's a spelling mistake (the original review had enough of them).

Regarding the tapping noise from the engine and thirst for oil, I can probably help out on the latter having just picked my 97 ZXi up from its MOT. I was informed my sump has corroded, resulting in a frequent need to top up over the last two weeks. (suggest you crawl under or get car on a lift to have a look at the sump). Also if ethe xhaust smokes, it's not yer sump, it's a knackered engine!

Incidentally car passed test with flying colours.

The performance of car is gradually improving with frequent caning, as I'm told it led a quiet life before I owned it, and it certainly was a tight and quiet engine when I first picked it up.

Regarding the sound of these beasts, had car for six months now and still not switched the CD player on yet! Just prefer the engine roar combined with the sucking noise of all that petrol being drawn in! Certainly one of the nicest sounding cars I've ever driven, and will continue to do so until it dies. Just a shame they stopped making them.

Paid £1500 quid for mine in June 07 with FSH and mileage of 84,000. Best 1500 I've spent in my life, and I'm old!!!

Apparently I'll be even greyer according to the mechanic when I find out the price for the replacement sump...