1998 Mazda 323 V6 ZXi from UK and Ireland - Comments

I have just purchased a 1997 Mazda 323 ZXI V6 24V, and am very pleased with the performance. Unfortunately, the rocker cover gaskets are leaking (the only problem) but still feel I've gotten a bargain. Does anyone know if this is a common problem, and how much this will cost to repair in the garage?

Nice to see this car getting so much positive feedback! ex' review at the top is very helpful.

In answer to the BOOT PISTON mystery, I believe he means the tail-gate lifter rams.

Hi all,

I had a 1995 2.0 v6 323, wow, what a car, so much fun to drive. In response to some of the comments, yes it drinks fuel, but when touring down the autobahn in Germany and Austria for a holiday we managed about 32 mpg at best, ho hum, did a two week holiday with wife and Daughter with all luggage, it did the job well, also noticed that erm, nobody knows how quick these things are, BMW drivers really get taken aback. Onto a more serious note though, got a choice of a Saab Aero or spend 10% of that cost on another of these, strange though it may sound going to get another Mazda, the Saab is an amazing car, just feel that the Mazda will be more fun. You don't really know how well it handles till you take an extended test drive in a car that should be far better and 11 years younger, found I felt more confident in its handling that a BMW Z4 2.5, might just be me though.

I have enjoyed reading all these comments about the Mazda 323F (Fastback) ZXi V6 24v 2.0 - the good and the "bad" (which can be very helpful and keep a sense of objectivity). I love my 'silver machine' which I bought new in 1998. I agree that on occasion it feels like it has an overly hard ride - but that's probably when I encounter a few too many 'road scars' - most of the time I'm enjoying the drive - even just "down to the shops"! I really like the power surge after 4000rpm and am very used to it now after almost 10 years - I think it makes it a much easier car to drive round town etc and a tad more economical too. On that point, it isn't that frugal which is a concern with petrol prices as high as they are but I can't say I notice it - I think on the whole Mazda got the whole power/economy balance spot on - but then I don't commute or travel for work in it and that perhaps makes a big difference. I must say I loved the comment from one lady who said her hubby was a BMW M3 man (ie a real driver's driver) and yet found excuses to use the 323F on a regular basis - that for me speaks volumes! I also agree with the comments about the 323F's fabulous looks (in most colours), sound (especially 4000rpm+) and road-holding capability. As an illustration of its prowess (and I do mean the car, not me) several years ago I was in Bishop's Stortford where there's a tricky bending hill and it had snowed heavily and the roads were very icy...well, I had no problems even though I had to slow almost to a stop on the steepest part of the hill but there were several cars parked unusually, ie abandoned, at the bottom (you could see sliding tracks of two) because they could not negotiate this hill. I recall one was a Saab, one was a BMW 5 Series and there was a brand new Jag! Boy, I was chuffed to bits that "Sylvia" had no problems at all!! One last little anecdote I really must pass on. In its first summer, I drove up to Scotland and parked behind a touring coach at Rannoch Moor... walked around for a bit taking pictures, etc. Came back to find 5-6 lads (late teens/early 20s) gathered near the car, obviously admiring it (her). Anyway, I blipped the locks and they realised it was my car, whereupon they all smiled and several said what a lovely-looking car. Their nationality? Italian!! "Nuff sed!!!" I still have a warm glow over that...ciao, and happy driving all my fellow 323F owners.

Hi. I am a Mazda 323f fanatic. I first owned a 323f 1500 which was a lovely little car. Sold it on with 200,000 miles on the clock 3 years ago. I still see it about now. Then I moved onto the 1991 323f GTI 1800 DOHC. This car was a real joy to drive. So much power for such a light car. 140 BHP but about 400 kilos lighter than the zxi. I sold it last month with 198000 miles on the clock as I've been after a zxi for a while. I work for a car dealership and they had 1 in part ex. 128,000 miles, 1 lady owner FSH. I got it for what it owed them £800. Best money I've ever spent. Not as quick off the mark as my old GTI but so smooth to drive. The gearing is not as good as the GTI either. I could pull away from 20 mph in 5th gear and get higher speed in each gear before changing up. Having said all that though, I would not swap back. This car handles like a dream and corners at speed like the old Minis used to. I also like the fact that the power does not arrive till after 4000 rpm. Fine for town driving which is what most of us do. Gotta love that V6 purr as well. Puts a smile on my face every time I start it up.

Ps. My wife is on her 3rd Mazda 626. The 2 previous ones went to over 200,000 miles before we sold them. Mazda make such good engines. Just change the oil every 3000 miles and they last forever. Can you tell I like Mazdas.

Hows it goin just stumbled upon this website. had a 00 323f last yr an blew the engine within a week, 1.3 engines may not be great, then bought a 97 1.5 f an I love the car, we now have 3 97 Fs at home haha. so I know a good bit about them at this stage. any of them I have ever looked at all leak a small amount of oil around the gasket on the head. get a mechanical to seal it, or when the timing belt/ cam belt is being done get it then. also we have had 3 626s for taxis an two were put off the road with over 259k miles on them, the current one is at 2w10 and drives like new still. forgot to say I am also a mazda fanatic haha.

Just one thing to say about the pocket rocket zxi v6 323 outstanding.

Hi there I have just browsed through the majority of these comments and can I say to all those who have gave it a bad review, WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?

I have owned my 323f 2.0 V6 for 18 months now, and I am currently converting it to a 2.5 v6 KLZE from the MX-6 and Ford Probe. This will be my third V6 engine in this car as I have blown two. PLEASE NOTE THIS WAS DUE TO ME DRIVING THE CAR WELL BEYOND EXCESS, NOT BECAUSE OF ANY ENGINE FAULTS (I'M A PETROL HEAD).

Anyways I have owned a 1.4 Fiesta, a Rover 216si and a BMW 318i SE, and they don't even start to come close to the Mazda. I love this car; I mean really love this car. I have driven it to and from work every day, and I never get bored of driving it. The sound it screams from the exhaust and air filter is amazing.

Anybody who is thinking about buying the 323F 2.0 V6 GLX or ZXI; DO IT, you won't be disappointed. This car is smooth, reliable and fast, REALLY FAST. Don't listen to those that have gave a bad review on this car.

I hope this review has helped in some way.

MAZDA 323F 2.0 V6'S ARE BAD COMPLETE BU*****T.

Imported one of these babies into Ireland from the UK 2 years ago.

Convinced my girlfriend that it was a the nicest looking 323 we looked at and that she would enjoy driving it.

She is delighted with it! Had to replace the cv joints on the front and they were hard to find but that doesn't matter.. well worth it.

I love this car, anytime we go anywhere together I HAVE to drive. Great fun dropping this car into 3rd or 2nd if you can get away with it to overtake someone. The difference is ridiculous.

Great looking car, sweet road holding for a front wheel drive and beautiful sounding V6 when you let her rip. If you are living in Ireland and see a green 323 breeze past you, it's more than likely me or my girl :)

Someone said future classic... agreed :)

www.club323f.com is an ideal place for all you zxi lovers. Had mine a year now and couldn't ask for anything more.

Hi all, I've had my ZXi for six months now and I do love it.

I've read most of the comments, and have to agree with a lot that's been said. They are a bit juicy HELL YEAH!!!

But they are worth it.