1991 Mazda 323 from North America - Comments

In the past 3 years and 9 months I have replaced the normal maintenance items like tires and exhaust parts. The timing belt, which should have been changed at 60,000 miles, let go at 204,000 miles. This was the only time the car let me down, and I don't even consider it bad, since it only cost about $100 including the towing fee. The transmission leaked since I got it, and it would occasionally pop out of fifth gear. As time went on, it would grind into 5th, then to the point of me having to double clutch it, and finally fifth gear ceased to exist. I had a used transmission and new clutch installed. I don't consider this bad either, as it was my own fault, not having the leak fixed, and not doing a good job keeping the oil level up. The heater isn't great, but might be attributable to needing a good flush.

I bought it in the spring of 2000 for $600. I have beaten it half to death in the past (nearly) 4 years. It never fails to start, even in 20 below weather, sitting outside in the wind. I am taking it off the road next month because the state inspection is running out, and it needs 2 tires, a complete exhaust, struts, one wheel bearing, and it is rusted on the sub-frame near the rear trailing arms, and is now dangerous to drive. I wish I could go back in time and buy this car brand new, as it is without a doubt the best car I have ever owned, and will be sorely missed.

I agree the Mazda 323 is an amazing car. I won a 92 I bought it for 1200 at 204000 km now it has an astonishing 407 000 km. I replaced all the bearings and had new brakes installed all in all I have spent about 1200 more in parts and repairs. Considering the wear and tear I am pleased.

I drove it across Canada in December and the front wheel drive handled great in the icy roads.

I have trouble with mechanics they don't know how to treat a car with so many miles on it. They are not used to seeing an odometer that high.

I am going to continue to drive this great car until I hit the 500 000 mark. Then sell it back to Mazda.

I recently got a Mazda 323, nice little car, still I have to do a lot of maintenance to it, it was going to be used by my wife, but I'm going to fix it for me to use since the gas prices had gone so high, I used to drive a Honda accord and traided it for a Ford Explorer, big mistake, the weekly gas I pump the honda was consumed in less than 3 days with the Explorer. That Is why I'm going to fix this other car because of the gas miles i'll get from it.

Adrian_duran_g@hotmail.com.