Faults:

Water leak from the rain through the front windshield.

Water leak from the rain through the left tail light into the wheel well where the spare tire lies.

The air-conditioner does not blow cold air. It's been about four or five years since this failure first occurred. Tried to have it repaired; too expensive.

Acceleration has decreased dramatically since I first bought the car in 1996.

The carpet was never secures under the floor molding since I first bought the car in 1994.

It should have had a warning beeper when head lights were left on after the engine was turned off to prevent draining the car battery.

General Comments:

Mazda 323 had been a fairly reliable car, especially during its first 8 years. Small and convenient for parking in tight spaces.

Fairly good gas economy with about 20 - 23 mpg in the city and 25-30 mpg on the highway.

The car's AM/FM radio worked well; but it only had a tape player.

Faults:

Required a Fuel injuctor cleaning at 120,000 miles.

General Comments:

I love this car... still gives me 28-34 miles per gallon. Easy on the wallet and easy to drive. Lots of power to work with.

Great car to run it to the ground.

Faults:

Busted windshield replace driver side axle replace passenger side ball joint valve cover gasket.

General Comments:

This is an amazing car extremely cheap on gas which is very important. parts aren't really cheap, but are easy to replace. could use more power, but has plenty especially for the economy car it is.

Faults:

Gearbox needed replacement gear at about 5,000 km. Warranty repair.

Seatbelt broke at 100,000 km. Warranty repair.

Crankshaft oil seals, and head gasket leaked at about 100,000km. About $300 repair.

Battery died at about 4 years which is normal in Canada.

Front rotors and pads replaced at 130,000 km. Replacements still good at 210,000 km. Original drum brakes and pads on back. Outer CV boots have failed at 210,000 km.

General Comments:

This has been the most reliable car that I have owned. Much lower ownership costs than my previous car, a Honda Civic. Top marks to Mazda for a well designed, and well built entry level car. Pity they don't make it anymore.

Second hand cars are rare and sell for a premium price.

The car handles well on the highway with decent acceleration. However, winter driving on snow covered roads can be a bit nerve racking at highway speeds as the car has a tendency to float on the snow. Good quality snow tires are a must.

Interior trim is pretty blah as compared to newer cars. Don't buy this car as a fashion statement. Do, but if you need cheap reliable transportation.

Faults:

Gas tank gasket failed. Repair cost $20.00.

Emergency brake will soon need repair.

Rear brakes need pads.

General Comments:

Car has been very reliable.

Great little car around town.

Spirited performance with 5 speed.

Hatch area holds three golf bags or two hockey bags without folding down the rear seat.

Never sat in the back seat, but it doesn't look too comfortale.

Faults:

Rear shocks began to bottom out at 30,000 kilometres.

Radio was faulty from start, but partly had to do with a recall that hadn't been announced.

Battery died within three years, although this might have been due to driving conditions. I was driving the car up in northern Canada, and -40C was common. Replaced the battery with a small tractor battery and had no problems after that.

General Comments:

This is good little and peppy car that could stop and start on a dime.

If you are going to be using it in cold climates, upgrade the battery and use synthetic oil. It is worth the extra expense.

The rear seat is small, and the wheel wells intrude. With the seats folded down, you get adequate cargo space, but since they don't fold flat, it isn't great.