1986 Mazda 323 from North America - Comments

Nothing really had gone wrong with the car up until around the 315,000KM mark.

I blew the head gasket at about 315,000KM.

I also needed to replace the radiator at about 314,000KM.

The car has multiple oil leaks, but it doesn't burn oil.

The dash is starting to crack in some spots.

New brake calipers are required. The car shutters when you apply the brakes. I've had this problem since the day I got the car.

Wiper motor needs to be replaced as well. It doesn't wipe as fast as it should.

For the most part, this car has been good to me.

My mom bought me the car after I graduated from high school. It's a good little city car, but long highway trips aren't the greatest to take in it. Mainly because it's a small car, and there isn't a lot of room, especially if you're 6'4 and 230 lbs. like me.

I would have liked more power for passing and merging into traffic when I was highway driving, but the car was good for city driving.

Steve:

I just wanted to comment because, I to, have a vintage 1986 Mazda 323. It sounds like you are having trouble in the same areas that I am.

My Mazda is at about 155k, witch I can guarantee was rolled back at the dealership. I have had it since 1992 with barely any serious malfunctions.

The one thing on that car that I would have the manufacturers rethink would be the air hose (air filter to throttle body). As of the design, it is horrible. they decided to make it tapered on the end connecting to the throttle body. Why... I will never know. Anyway, good luck with your 323.