Mazda 323 (1998 - 2003) 1.6 GXi 5d (AC) (2002/52) 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?
General purpose
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Have'nt asked them.
Would you buy this car again and why?
No, Gordon Brown's impending Co2 tax hikes, 323's are'nt the most environmentally friendly car's on the market, which is why the cars being sold. However as a result there are some very good deals on the sportier models (1.8 & 2 litre), I'd go for the 1.8 GSi if i were to get another 323.
What are you likely to buy next?
A Mazda 2 or 3 but in diesel, Mazda's customer service is excellent and like all Japanese cars they hardly ever break down.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Independent
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£4,300
When did you buy the car?
July 2006
Did you get a good deal and why?
Dealer very stubborn on price knocking only a tiny amount for 6 months tax
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
I wanted a practical & reliable mid size car
What was the dealer like?
Before & during purchase: Brilliant. Afterwards easily the worst dealer I've dealt with to date: abusive, failed to supply warranty information (a legal requirement), MOT advisory note not supplied until requested & following my efforts they were visted by trading standards, only distance prevented me from going to county court.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Nice and responsive, it's very good on the motorway and easily keeps up with the flow of traffic, it only being a 1.6 petrol means that you will need to change down when going up long steep inclines.
What's it like to park?
Very easy, good visibility & pretty narrow easily fitting into any parking space.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
The car has been excellent, with only the knock sensor needing to be replaced which cost £110, apart from that the car has been totally reliable, I have'nt a paid on brakes or tyres etc.
What's most practical about your car?
It's a mini estate, which means it has the length to carry long awkward items and yet small enough to easily park in ever shrinking parking spaces.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Alloy wheels, not always a standard option.
