1995 Mazda 323 Sedan review from Australia and New Zealand
"Absolutely reliable every day transport"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
A CV joint went at 110,000 km i.e. out of distance warranty, but after only 24 months. The dealer said this shouldn't have happened. Mazda NZ supplied the parts at no cost and the dealer fitted them at no charge. The car had been sold and serviced by this dealer. (Obviously I would go back to him again and have recommended him too many people. He has probably sold more than 10 cars as a result of this good service).
The rear window heater switch was replaced at about 80,000 km.
The fan motor has worn out twice at 150,000 km intervals. New fans are outrageously expensive and have been replaced with parts from wreckers. The worn parts are not sold separately, but can be made/repaired by a decent workshop.
The windscreen wiper elbow mechanism has fallen apart twice at about 100,000 km intervals. The original plastic parts have now been replaced with stronger home made parts.
At 320,000 km brake fluid leaked from the rear caliper where the handbrake activation lever is fitted. Both rear calipers have been resleaved and new seals fitted. This has been the biggest repair expense in 11 years at NZ $650.
It is beginning to develop too much movement in some of the electrical switches. The dip beam sometimes switches on and off by itself. The fan regulator is wearing out.
General comments?
This car has been driven mostly long distances by one driver and is serviced as per the book.
It has never failed in 11 years and is perfectly reliable. The only side of the road issue has been the windscreen wiper mechanism, which is under engineered with silly plastic bits that wear out.
If oil changes are not done at the proper service intervals, it will develop the well known Mazda stuck hydraulic tappet rattle. Always keep up the oil and filter schedule.
This car would typify the Japanese car story. It is pretty boring and does nothing stunningly well, but it goes and goes and goes. If you treat it right, it will always work.
Use it as everyday transport and buy a red Ducati 900 SS motorcycle for the weekend!!
Recommended reviews
| Economical and not a clone.. |
|
| Cheap to run and great high reving performance |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1995 |
| Year of manufacture | 1995 |
| First year of ownership | 1995 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.6 Manual |
| Performance marks | 6 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 0 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 330000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Toyota Camry |
| Date of Entry | 10th November, 2005 |