Mazda 323 1.6 GSi 5d (AC) (2003/53) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Considering climate control, traction control, sunroof, alloys, auto re-locking and leather steering wheel were standard, we paid a very good price given the quality.
Costs
Fuel economy is acceptable. With sedate driving on the motorway mainly, we got 445 miles from a tank of fuel.
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On the road
Driving
Steering is responsive on A & B roads, but could offer more feel round town. Ride can be bumpy due to standard fit low profile tyres. Great gearbox.
Performance
Fairly quick, perfectly acceptable. Mazda seem rather modest in quoting their performance figures. The 323 is 1.5 secs slower to 60 than a 1.6 Corolla, the performance is not that much more noticeable.
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Living with it
Reliability
Apart from the break down (mentioned below), so far so good in 16,000 miles. I was shocked the car broke down, but feel it was an isolated incidence (hopefully).
Image
I like the way it looks, the Starry Blue paint looks good, the shape is not like the modern go with the flow cars i.e. Corolla and Golf. I think that its image is rather middling, however.
Comfort
Front seats good. Rear seats slide but seem too high set. Ride can be choppy, road noise can sometimes be intrusive over 70mph!
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Security and Service
Security
Alarm, immobiliser, deadlocks, we also purchased the optional alarm interior sensors.
Service
Car dealers are never overly helpful unless you're buying a car from them.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Crank angular sensor went. Dealer said they had never done one before, extremely rare fault. I'd still give the car 5 out of 5 for reliability/quality though.
Other
Ash tray light bulb has gone twice in 8 months!
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
New
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes