Mazda 323 Hatchback (1998-2003) running costs and reliability

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Running costs rating: 3 out of 53.0

Written by Parkers Published: 6 June 2019

Miles per pound (mpp)

Reliable fuel consumption data for comparison purposes is not available for this model.

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Fuel economy

A more stringent standard for fuel economy (WLTP) was introduced from September 2017, and this model was not required to undergo that test. Its fuel economy measured under the previous test system was 31 - 55 mpg. However these figures are less likely to be achievable in real world driving and so should never be compared to another car's mpg which was measured under the newer, more realistic WLTP system.

View mpg & specs for any version

The 323 is designed for easy servicing, trouble free motoring and low repair costs. It also has commendable fuel consumption; the 2.0 TD being particularly frugal with a 60-mpg return on long journeys and the petrol engines are also reasonably inexpensive to run. The 323’s initial purchase price is not cheap compared with Focus or Astra, but there is a good range of equipment as standard including ABS and air conditioning available with all models except the basic 1.3.

The previous generation 323 was very reliable and this version is just as good. The Mazda warranty is reassuringly comprehensive and you should have few problems provided that the correct service schedules are maintained.