Mazda 323 (1998 - 2003) 2.0 Sport 5d (AC) (2001/51) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Quite sporty. People may think it identifies you with reliability.

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

OK

Would you buy this car again and why?

DEFINITELY NO. The rust problem and the unhelpful way Mazda have taken no responsibility for this means I have gone from being No.1 Mazda fan to their worst enemy.

What are you likely to buy next?

Probably a Honda.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£5,300

When did you buy the car?

September 2006

Did you get a good deal and why?

No. Shortly after buying I noticed rust on the wheel arches. Contacted dealer and Mazda but Mazda not interested even though though it was still covered by the 6-year corrosion warranty. Car is poor quality and Mazda unhelpful in the extreme.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Long-term Mazda owner, previously very happy with Mazda cars

What was the dealer like?

OK at the time of sale and has attempted to help with the rust problem by liaising with Mazda.

What's it like to drive?

Steering tramlines badly (pulls quite wildly at times). Not a good starter. Very heavy on fuel usage (29-32 miles/gallon on fairly steady 20 mile drives).

What's it like to park?

OK though there doesn't seem to be a lot of steering lock.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Rust - above.

What's most practical about your car?

Boot size is fairly good.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

None really. There is nothing exceptional here.