1996 Mazda 323 from UK and Ireland - Comments

Clutch is slipping, dampers are gone, exhaust fell off, front bearings, whole front end probably needs a full rework incl bushings, brakes are completely worn, water leaks into the compartment, and the car rusts like MAD.

These are things that you could expect from a 10 yrs old car that has covered 90.000, but my point is that Mazdas are not anymore durable than Ford, Vauxhall, Rover or any other brands out there despite all the hype.

I'm writing this review on the behalf of my brother in-law. He just loves this piece of junk for some strange reasons, and he would probably kick my behind if he saw this. I have never understood why he loves this car so much, because it is not especially fault free, actually it is falling apart around him and he is not noticing, but he is really not interested in cars.

The ride of this car is really bad and the wind and tyre noise is high, and the engine is surprisingly gutless for a 1.5, I though it was a 1.3 or smaller. Plus the dampers and front end are so worn that keeping this car on the road at 60 is almost impossible. I'm not joking, this car is the worst I have ever driven. This includes rental Seats and Citroens when on vacation to Spain.

In a couple of years this will not be a problem anymore since it will be rusted to pieces and fail the MOT. I have never seen a 90ies car rust so badly, almost like the Leylands of the 70ies.

Sorry, but I don't believe what is written in this review. The 323 is actually one of the nicest cars I have ever driven and the handling is excellent. Gearbox, steering and brakes are all efficient and lovely to use. Rust is very rare on cars, but at 10 years of age I guess it can happen. Clearly the car has not been looked after, but that's the fault of you not the car. Go and by a Seat Marbella it soulds a more suitable car for yourself.

I agree this car is one of the best cars I've owned, mine is 10 years old also and the only tiny spot of rust she has is inside the sunroof. She has done 104,000 so far and if you look after these cars and maintain them well then they should go for years. You'll see a number of these cars on the market with high mileage displaying they are reliable cars, you don't see many ford escorts etc on the market with mileage up to nearly 200,000. Also mine is also a 1.5 engine and she is very nippy I previously owned a 1.6 escort and she is much faster than this car. I'm sure some of the newer cars may be a nicer drive, as I have driven hire cars and courtesy cars myself, but for the age of the car shes a really great car.

I would guess that this review would angry all the Mazda fanatics out there ;-) but it's all true. This car is really bad, but it is now somewhat safer after he spent 1300 quid on a new drive shaft, front dampers and a bunch of other new parts. The problem is that all the parts for this car is twice the price compared to an Escort or a Focus, so repairing it is really expensive. I told him to drive it to the junkers, but he thinks it is wise to pour money into this piece of junk. The repairs is only to get it roadworthy. There are a bunch of other things that are wrong with this car. The rear light is falling apart and letting water inn blowing bulbs and fuses. But a new one is 180 quid fitted, so it has to wait. He tried to glue it and it just looks like crap. And by the way, all 4 doors have holes in them. It is rusted inside out so you have to open the doors to notice it.

It's clear that the car was not really taken care of. The problems you have mentioned are very typical of that kind of neglect. I've seen it happen too many other cars. So far all the 323Fs I've seen are very immaculate units. Some had bad paint, but what do you expect for a 10 years old car? But that can be easily solved by a paint job. Otherwise the car will serve you well if nicely taken care of. Because even a Mercedes will give you problems if it's care is neglected.

I think I agree with so many folks that are taking on opposite side of your comment. My 323 is a "very OK" car. Neither it is the fastest nor cutest, but very dependable car. Fill up the gas tank and it will take you anywhere. It's not I am expecting from a car, yess. That's why I (regretfuly) never take care for service schedule, but it seems that this brutal treatment does nothing to it. In the end, I got to admit that it is my lovely work-horse. Think about it man!!

I really had to laugh when I read this one. It does not appear that the people arguing against this review has understood the point at all. I too own a 323 which I use for commuting almost 100 miles a day. Overall it's not especially cheap to run and I'm selling it. No major issues mechanically though. I guess the reason people, including me, buy these second hand 323's is perceived low running costs, but if you want ultimate low running costs and a plush ride go for a 3-4 year old Citroen diesel which I'm going back to now. You'll cut the fuel price in half, these cars easily lasts 200.000 miles with no break downs, are inexpensive to buy and inexpensive to insure. Do you want low running costs? Think untraditional and get rid of your thirsty, expensive-to-insure, expensive-to-service, overpriced 323, there will be no problem since many people will pay a lot for your car.

Hahaha some funny comments on here, well have you driven 323 Astina that has been looked after??? Maybe your brother in law loves it because he knows he never taken care of it & abused like no tomorrow. Any other car would not take all that beating & probably would even start all together & be recycled by now.

Or are you jealous that your brother owns one & that it may not even be in that bad condition and you're over exaggerating?

Citroen are odd cars, I wouldn't spend a cent on those cars.

I'll stick with affordable, reliable and super stunner Mazda Astina.

Don't believe this guy, he doesn't even own the car... the car is perfectly fine, astinas are durable and don't need to be serviced as often as other cars... some cars maybe cheaper to service, but at the end how many trip do you make to the mechanics??? Then calculate that & it would work out more expensive. Astinas are reasonable price to repair not the cheapest, but not expensive either & less servicing (peace of mind)

And 1 question how would this brother in law know how much astina car parts are, if he doesn't even own the car?

In some ways I can relate to what the reviewer is saying - my 323F 1.5 also has bad (even dangerous) handling thanks to various worn suspension components, and is about to be scrapped due to that and also rusted f&r subframes. But it is 13 years old and has been reliable and pretty economical. To slate the car in such a way is unnecessary. I'm sticking with them - due to collect a 323F ZXi V6 SE in two days, a younger car in better condition, can't wait!