Mazda 323 F 1.8 G.Ti D.O.H.C. 1989

Advantages: Unique styling, Jap reliability, very fast, hugs the bends well.
Disadvantages: No air con' , no ABS, parts expensive. ( with this particular modle )

...This car is my latest little project. Being a regular visiter to my local scrapyard ( I love the place ! ), full of tasty and sometimes very tidy examples of peoples " spent " vehicles, due to either crash damage, or just plain simple uneconomic repair costs, the latter are where the real bargains ( for me, and my line of work ) lay. I'd spotted the Mazda, tucked in a corner of the yard, while getting some trim bits for a job, some 2 weeks before I bought it. The shape of the car stuck in my mind, so I enquired about the story of why it was there, answer , " the bloke drove it here one day, payed his sub, and that was that " How much do you want for it ? , I asked, £150 mate, he said, ( bearing in mind the scrap man had already stiched £40 odd from the previous owner ) and he wouldn't haggle, the tight git ! . Log book and cash...

cashman44 11.07.2004 (08.08.2004) · Read review
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Review of Mazda 323 1.8

The best Mazda ever owned-Highly recommended

Advantages: Uber-reliability, still good-looking, cheap to buy, practicality
Disadvantages: Not many apart from low down to ground

...will result in furrows in the drive. Another slight drawback is the height at the back, which obscures reversing, however you get used to that after a while and it isn't a big deal when driving a car of this quality.The quality is also reflected in the build, and a model that is fifteen years old (or older) will look good and fresh if looked after and washed regularly.And don't forget the pop-up headlights, which are snazzy and always raise a smile! ****Parts**** The price of Japanese parts has traditionally been a sticking point with Jap cars, and the Mazda 323 has been no exception. However, truth be told you are buying a totally different proposition to a Ford Escort or Vauxhall.This car will last and will not need parts every month. After doing an average 20,000 miles a year, I spent a max...

princekieran79 15.01.2009 · Read review
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Review of Mazda 323 1.6

A MAZda ING

Advantages: reliability(so far) space and comfort
Disadvantages: interior finish

...This is actually my mums V reg car but she is computer illiterate so I am writing this as if it were my own. This is my first Mazda and will probably be the first of many. I have only had it for a year and a half and have had no problems with it so far. Appearance: At first glance it looks quite sporty (looks almost te same as the focus because Mazda are owned by Ford) and looks much more daring than the simalarly priced Toyota Corolla. It also has a much nicer colour trim with blue velour seats which are extremely comfortable. The dash doesn't look amazing but is designed to be used and not looked at. I think there is a new model coming out later this year with new front headlights so you may wish to wait for this. Reliability: Japanese cars last forever and do not rust for at least 10 years. The only slight reliability...

timliand 31.05.2001 · Read review
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Review of Mazda 323 1.3

My ageing Mazda - I love her!

Advantages: sporty looks and reliability
Disadvantages: electrical problems like brake lights

...I bought my P reg Mazda 323 Innsbruck in April 2000 and have had it for seven years now and have not been disappointed. I can honestly say that it is RELIABLE! I wanted a Japanese car when I bought this one as I knew that they were reliable, but frankly some of them seemed 'fuddy duddy' (Honda) or boring (Nissan). When I saw this lovely, sporty hatchback it was love at first sight... Anyway, seven years have gone by and I can report that apart from the usual tyres and exhausts, nothing has gone wrong. I've had seven years of happy motoring, and despite feeling that I should perhaps replace my old Mazda, I can't seem to part with her! What I like about this car is that it seems very refined - electric windows, 3-way adjustable seats, electric sunroof etc. The bodywork has lasted well, and of course the engine goes and goes...

EmmB 05.06.2007 · Read review
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Review of Mazda 323 1.5

My Used Mazda

Advantages: Good Fuel economy, Reliability, Sporty looking
Disadvantages: Dodgy rear washer wiper

...I bought this Mazda last November on an 'X' plate with 35800 miles on the clock. I have never owned a Mazda before nor driven a diesel car so I was a little apprehensive as to whether it would be a good buy but I was after a reliable car (for a change) and had heard good comments about this brand. I also wanted air conditioning, power steering, drivers airbag, remote central locking with immobiliser and at least electric front windows and I could not find another car at the price I paid with all of these as standard (price paid £5600). I took it for a test drive and instantly fell in love with it. The seats are comfortable and the interior is pleasing to the eye and everything seems to be in the right place on the instrument panel. The boot space is also good for a hatchback. The external view of the car is also sporty looking...

Just73 10.04.2004 · Read review
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Review of Mazda 323 2.0 TD

It pays to shop a Mazda?

Advantages: reliable
Disadvantages: a little pricey

...Mazda cars may not be the cheapest around but, if you are looking for a new car, always include them on your list for a test drive. I say this because I feel they are a good car to use as a measure. You will not necessarily be presented with the most up-to-date design but the look will be good enough. Don't expect to find something completely different in the 'fixtures and fittings' line but most, if not all, things you will want will be there. So what do you get? A goodish looking car, well designed and robust, good specifications, comfortable interior, and reliability. In addition you will receive good service and a reasonable trade in value when it is time to sell. The 323 for a small family car is as good, if not better than its rivals and the 626 is as good as always and who does not wish we had the weather for the sports...

REG 29.06.2000 · Read review
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Review of Mazda 323 1.5

Mazda RX-8 - An experience

Advantages: Spacious, speedy, stylish
Disadvantages: Fuel consumption - ouch!

...I love cars! I love something with a little 'poke' and something that's got fun factor. Looks are quite important too.......and the Mazda RX-8 ticks all of these boxes. I became the owner of a second-hand 2 year old 192bhp 4 door version a month ago and I like it. It sticks to the road like brown stuff to a blanket......you can do a good 80-90 mph round a sharp bend without losing control of your sphincter and feels very safe and controlled. Steering is quite stiff but very responsive and, again, gives you that feeling of control. It looks good too.....very sleek in profile and a bit of a beast from the front view. The interior is 'ok' but could be better. There's a lot of plastic but it's not too crringeworthy. The 6 CD multi-changer is a nice bonus and the Bose sound system is crisp and clear and does not distort...

rotty64 14.07.2008 · Read review
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Review of Mazda RX-8

Westleigh Mazda

Advantages: Friendly, informative, helpful.
Disadvantages: None spring to mind

...I've been a fan of Mazdas ever since I had my first second hand, B-Reg Mazda 323 in 1997. Although I wrote that one off after 6 months, I bought an almost identical one straight away which ran smoothly for a year before I sold it to a friend who still runs it with hardly any maintainance required. Since then, I've had a Ford and a Peugeot, and when I was looking to buy another car, I found another Mazda 323, and had to buy it - it was such a relief to be driving one of these fantastic cars after the troublesome Peugeot. Anyway, the point of this rambling discourse is that I wanted to look after my shiny new (well, second-hand) 323F, so I've been to Westleigh Mazda, in Leigh-on-Sea Essex, on two occasions, and both times they were incredibly helpful and informative, and I never felt pressured into paying for any services they offered...

Athena 11.07.2001 · Read review
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Review of Mazda

Mazda RX8: the driver's advocate

Advantages: Affordable, impeccable handling, styling, standard features, power, fun factor, driveability, usability (a true everyday sports car)
Disadvantages: gas mileage, lack of low end torque, Mazda service

...opposed to a piston engines 40 or so) there is very little to break down. The engine has purred on to 30,000 miles without a hitch and since Mazda extended the warranty to 8 years on the Renesis engine there is little to worry about. The rest of the car has a 5 year/60,000 mile warranty and aside from needing a few ECU upgrades I have had no unscheduled visits to Mazda. Mazda's service is far from the best, in fact the people at Mazda take twice as long as they say to fix your car and will almost never work with you to help you. They do whatever they feel is right once you give them your credit card. I recommend taking your RX8 to specialists when it needs work done. Overall this car is sheer driving bliss. The funky suicide doors that open out allow easy access to very functional backseats; although closing these doors can be somewhat...

eweibmanm 25.12.2008 · Read review
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Review of Mazda RX-8

Amazing Mazda

Advantages:
Disadvantages:

...Mazda dealerships must be one of the most laid back I have come across. If you want the hard sell they will do it for you but it clearly is not something they want to do. Naturally, of course they will butter you up and try to make you feel good and you can always rely on a cup of coffee. I was told that Mazda only allot so many cars each year to each outlet but dealers do have to achieve their targets. Why so laid back then? I have come to the conclusion that they feell the cars sell themselves and visitors will return after they have look at the competition and seen the difference. Not cheap of course but if you are anxious for a bit of quality at an affordable price this could be where to go. I think most car buyers would do well to consider Mazda for sensible style, quality of build, reliability and residual value....

REG 08.07.2000 · Read review
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Review of Mazda