1988 Mazda 323 GLX review from UK and Ireland

Just had a new battery, previous one was over 4 years old so not bad going seeing as the car's all electric and on four occasions I left the interior lights on and the battery went flat and needed charging (duh)

September 2005 new mid and rear sections of exhaust. Kwik Fit fitter was well impressed, said underneath of car was all original.

Re con starter motor fitted September 2005, previous one hadn't been fitted well apparently and had caused some damage that isn't worth fixing. One in about 20 starts she makes a horrible screaming noise, (normally late at night in a nice quiet road or in Tesco car park, so people point and laugh. But a pleading, soothing pat on the dashboard and she always starts next time.

Wipers now don't work on intermittent, they just stop whenever they fancy, so, strangely enough, I don't use them on intermittent! No worries!

The hatchback boot hasn't stayed open since I bought her (and before I believe) I keep a broom handle in the boot which does the job (and also makes for more pointing and laughing in Tesco car park, ah, who cares!)

"Boo" is a 1988 Mazda 323 GLX 1.5 auto, and my first car. She cost me £500 and has been worth every penny. All electric, sunroof, adjustable steering, etc etc. In her day, she was the don. She has never let me down.

Not the fastest acceleration (she's old mind) but is quite happy cruising along at 75mph.

Burns a bit of oil and runs a bit rich, but she is knocking on a bit.

HUGE boot, the amount of stuff I have got in her you would not believe.

Roomy interior and nice simple dash.

Fairly economical considering she's auto and I mainly do short journeys around town.

I never thought she would last as long or be anywhere near as reliable and fun as she has been. I hope she carries on for a long while yet. I know the day when I have to send her to the car lot in the sky will be like losing a friend and I'll probably cry. Sad, I know.