Mazda 323 Fastback (1994-)
  • Economy

    Value

    4 out of 5 4.0

    It's a sports car on the cheap.

    Costs

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Spares and servicing from Mazda are not cheap. £65 for one fog light. Drive it hard and you pay for your fun in fuel. Steady (80) on the motorway and I can get 40 MPG.

  • On the road

    Driving

    5 out of 5 5.0

    This is a fun car. I drive from work outside London to home in the Scottish Borders (350 miles) and this car just eats up the miles. Its very fast - don't get caught doing its max speed of 140 - I havn't yet. Superb on the A roads. I've done 55,000 miles.

    Performance

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Outstanding. Fast A to B on motorways and fantastic fun on minor roads. Try the A7 from M6-Edinburgh it's just so much fun to drive.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    5 out of 5 5.0

    It's a Mazda. They just work. It's never failed me.

    Image

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Make sure you have the 205/R16 tyres on and she looks the part. Low and sloping at the front, curvatious backside with that small rear window and spoiler and twin exhaust. She looks the part - a sports coupe. Gorgeous

    Comfort

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Drivers seat and possition are great. Passengers tell me that the rear seats are very comfortable but not the greatest legroom for the taller passenger. I do 350 miles and get out as fresh as a daisy.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Imobiliser and central locking. Never had a problem.

    Service

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Expensive but thorough servicing.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    None

    Other

    None

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    Yes

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes