1999 Mazda 323 Sting 1.3 carb

Summary:

Utterly reliable!

Faults:

Absolutely nothing, apart from a dead battery once.

General Comments:

A simple and extremely reliable car overall.

The seats could have been more comfortable.

Handling was very poor, especially around corners, but what can you expect on 13 inch wheels?

The car was eventually written off when a truck drove into the back of it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th June, 2013

1982 Mazda 323 SL 1.5 petrol

Summary:

Old, but very reliable

Faults:

Wheel bearings needed replacement at approx. 200 000km.

Rust under the wind screen developed into a hole, as well as minor rust in other areas, resulting in rain water leaking into the car.

Light switch broke.

General Comments:

Mechanically, this car has never let me down. The Japanese sure know what they are doing.

It is quite old now and the performance is suffering quite a lot, but it just keeps on going like it doesn't want to give up.

The performance rating I've given it is the current performance rating. Brand new it was much better though.

This car has been through the Kalahari desert (and various other nature reserves) as well as through a snow storm in Ermelo (South Africa) and never once broke down. Reliability really is excellent.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th February, 2008