Mazda 323 Fastback (1994 - 1998) 2.0i V6 ZXi 5d (1998/S) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Need a second car, I'm on a budget, but still like something with a bit of class. I like something retro and different.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

People think it looks good, and much newer than it actually is.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Absolutely. I've had about 4 over the years now. It may only do 27mpg, but this is more than outweighed by the purchase price being so low. These engines can be very successfully LPG'd without the problems of more recent engines with poor quality internals. I've had a quote for £900, and will do this at some point. Then I'll have a £300 car that does 40+mpg and is more reliable than a modern diesel (expensive parts and fraught with DPF problems) and far higher spec than anything more modern that I could afford. Save yourself some money, help the environment by fixing an old car, and get one while you still can.

What are you likely to buy next?

Mazda 3 Sport (1st Gen).

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£300

When did you buy the car?

September 2013

Did you get a good deal and why?

This one needed some bits for MOT, so I paid just £300 for a car with no rust and only 75k. I think the owner thought he was mugging me anyway, little did he know I had all the parts from a breaker ready to go on.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Had a couple previously, bullet proof reliability, great to drive and still looks good.

What was the dealer like?

What's it like to drive?

The V6 lacks low down torque, which is best addressed by after market air system and a stainless exhaust. (One day I'll drop the 2.5 from an MX6 into it). That said the engine is a gem, and sounds fantastic over 4,000rpm. Handling is excellent (Mazda set these up on the Nurburgring and it shows) and ride comfort is pretty good. Gearbox is superb, very crisp and deliberate action. If yours feels stiff, its not broken, just needs the linkage greased as they dry out over the years.

What's it like to park?

Easy to park.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Has anything gone wrong with a 90s Mazda 323? Don't be silly! These cars are superbly reliable, and great value for money now. Look out for rust, particularly on the rear arches. Distributers can fail, drop links are weak. Headlight bulbs must be upgraded as standard ones are garbage. Calipers can get sticky, particularly only low-milers like this. There will always be minor issues when buying a car of this age, but the underlying mechanicals and electrics are bullet proof.

What's most practical about your car?

Good interior space, decent boot if a bit of a high load lip.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

A/C still works at 16 years old which is nice.