1997 Mazda 323 Estoril from UK and Ireland - Comments

Nothing.

Mine's in metallic blue and looks fantastic. Don't see many about and most people think it's a sports car or a coupe (not a 5 door small family hatchback). Very desirable.

Hardly depreciates and I could easily get well above market value for it - if I wanted to sell it ;)

Solid build quality. Great to have frameless doors as you don't see them on any other car in this class, though the driver's window does tend to rattle a little when the car's been sitting in the sun. Excellent equipment levels including low profile alloys, CD changer, electric mirrors and sunroof, etc, etc.

Handling is superb and can be chucked around corners without any problems. Great performance for a 1.5. Could do with better brakes and the engine needs to be kept over 3000 rpm to get good acceleration out of it.

Group 9 insurance is a bit higher and pricier than rivals (though it's worth every penny). Great on fuel even when driven hard.

Parts apparently are a bit expensive, but it doesn't break down so it doesn't bother me! Servicing charges are a bit expensive (but then aren't all main dealers) so I go to a local mechanic instead.

Why, oh why, did they change the styling of the latest model to look like every other car??? They were onto a winner with the 94-98 model!

I totally agree, new Astinas aren't that attractive like the older models.

Astinas should of kept with the extremely sexy look.

People always comment on how hot my car looks, & this car I love to death.

I haven't had any problems, just usual wear and tear every car has, & I've owned it for over 2 years.

I recommend this car to anyone, young/old people... affordable, reliable & SOOOO SEXY.

I totally agree with you I have the same car mines an R reg 1997 I bought her in October I love her to bits she metallic blue and everyone thinks shes a sports car I have to keep the revs up on mine, but she corners the roads like shes on rails I no longer mind sitting in traffic and I find other Mazda 323fs seems to smile when passing like were in our own club just wanted to add my bit thanks for reading mandy x.