1988 Mazda 323 SE review from North America

Rear Wheel Bearings have gone bad several times.

New Starter.

New Thermostat.

New Timing belt.

New Driver side axle.

New Transmission at 165000.

Burns a little oil.

This car has been great. I bought it for 1,600 dollars in 2001. The only problem is a bad design on the rear wheel bearings. They have to be replaced at least once a year. But I have learned to do it myself and its not really a big deal anymore. But I wouldn't buy another 323 for this reason. As far as everything else this car is a tank. Everything still works on it including the A/C. Nothing has ever been done to the engine and it still runs like new even though its 18 years old with 192K miles on it. Its pretty amazing. I did replace the transmission at 165,000. It is astounding it lasted that long. It prob would have lasted longer if I was not driving the car so hard. I floored the gas pedal on the interstate and that's what did it in. The car is also really easy to work on. My 323 also has the best handling of any car I have ever driven. You can take very tight turns at high speeds and it also has a very tight turning radius. I also love this car in the winter. It handles great in the snow and I often cruse right buy SUVs that are stuck in the ditch in my little 323. I hope I never have to get rid of it. They definately don't make cars like this anymore.