2003 Mazda 323

Summary:

Reliable, simple and great on gas

Faults:

I had to replace the horn and the muffler.

General Comments:

Extremely reliable car, I actually consulted with the Lemon Aid guide, and the comments received at carsurvey.org before I bought it.

Simple, reliable A to B car. Great for big city driving, great on gas.

I don't like the seats, and water runs into the car off the windshield when your window is open.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st July, 2006

16th Apr 2009, 08:37

Did you say "great on gas"? What are your real consumption figures please - i.e. km per litre or how many litres per 100km say (could be in mpg).

I have 4-door saloon 1999 Protege (1.6 litre, auto trans) and I make about 10-11 kn/litre without the use of AC and with careful, regulated right foot in town. On highways and less busy country roads, cruising at regulated speed (90-100km/h) I can average 13.5- 14.4km/l.

My only worry is fuel consumption (tight pocket!) 14.4km/l.

Overall, reliability of the car is without question and I'd go for another Mazda 3 or Protege equivalent in future, preferably a diesel (2.0 turbo) or the modern smooth 1.6l 108bhp TDCI as seen in the Ford Focus.