Mazda 323 (1998 - 2003) 1.3 LXi 5d (98) (2001/Y) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
Reliability over performance. Substance over style.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
It's the car that refuses to die.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Oh yes. It's been serviced independently but otherwise largely neglected and shows no signs of stopping. 132K on the clock with no mechanical failures.
What are you likely to buy next?
Another Mazda or similar Japanese make.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchised
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£4,000
When did you buy the car?
April 2005
Did you get a good deal and why?
Price was better than the Parkers valuation and the car was in excellent condition with full dealer history. It wasn't attracting much attention so they were keen to sell.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
What was the dealer like?
No problems buying. When it came to servicing they failed to answer the phone and return calls so I took the car elsewhere.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
The steering lacks real precision but at legal speeds its never failed me. It doesn't encourage hard driving but as a means from A-B it's adequate. Visibility is notably good - the pillars are relatively thin and the screen is not too steeply raked. The car also performs well in the snow and ice. I assume it's the narrow tyres, front wheel drive and light weight. Over years of commuting my car always seems to make it to work while colleagues have struggled.
What's it like to park?
No problems. Windows front and rear and mirrors are good. Power steering as standard.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
The clock backlight failed (could be a fuse but it's never bothered me so I haven't checked) and a rear door lock mechanism has started to stick when locked centrally.
What's most practical about your car?
Five doors combined with plenty of legroom and boot space make family trips easy.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
The fog lamps are very effective in poor weather.
