1983 Mazda 323 Super Deluxe 1.5 OHC from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

A good, cheap, reliable city hatchback

Faults:

Gearshift was sloppy, had new bushes installed.

Oil Pressure Switch on motor leaked, had a new one installed for $25.

Air Con condenser leaked where it joined compressor hose, needed repairs twice, still leaks a bit when A/C is on.

Heater core leaked into engine bay firewall (seems a problem with old Mazda's) bypassed heater for the moment.

General Comments:

This car is a work hack and has not let me down, it's not the best performance-wise, but makes up for that in fuel economy.

The ride is soft and it doesn't handle too well, but the body/interior is in perfect condition as I got it off a guy who always garaged/serviced it.

If it keeps up it's great reliability I will hold onto it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd June, 2003

1983 Mazda 323 1.5 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

A very efficient first car

Faults:

The rear suspension needed doing when I got the car. This caused my back left hand wheel bearing to be replaced more often until it was fixed.

Interior has now shrunk, leaving big rip-like openings at all joins.

Transmission is now playing up not holding onto gears.

General Comments:

Over all this car has been an excellent first car.

Things that have gone wrong with it have been general wear and tear problems that haven't cost much to fix.

Very efficient on the petrol.

Not great at accelerating and has a serious lack of power, but is to be expected in such a cheap, small, and automatic car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th January, 2003

1983 Mazda 323 1.5 petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

A great reliable and fuel efficient first car

Faults:

Carburetor replaced at 110,000kms. Aerial mount broke off while washing. Fuel hose came off at 110,000 although very easily fixed.

General Comments:

This car is a great first car. It is cheap to buy and uses very little fuel. The suspension is very soft with a fair amount of body roll around corners. Acceleration is poor, but does not worry me. The front seats are a bit too high for myself (I am 185cms) and cannot be lowered by very much. Rear seats have very little leg room.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th December, 2002

7th Dec 2003, 22:31

Um, are you sure you are talking about a 1982 Mazda 323?? I have a 1982 Mazda 323 as a commuter car and have a current reading of 219,500 kms. The distance meter has 6 rows meaning it can go to 999,999 kms....

P.C.

Sydney.

7th Mar 2004, 19:49

In regards to Rob Crombie, are you sure that you are looking at the trip meter and not the odometer? Trip meter will go to 99999, unless you have a problem with your odometer.

1983 Mazda 323 L 1.3 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Clutch replaced @ 80,000 miles, otherwise nothing more than normal wear and tear, (exhaust, wheel bearing, etc)

General Comments:

Good solid car, V economical. The only real problem is that I feel too young to drive this car, it feels far more suited to an older driver with a Trilby hat on. Lacks acceleration.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th July, 1999

18th Apr 2001, 04:31

The only reason why it lacks acceleration dear, is because it's a 1.3 auto. The 1.3 and 1.5 manuals are great, I own a mazda 323 with a 1.5 and manual with twin carb (which is actually a Ford Laser, but the same car, Ford just badged it) and it really MOVES.

30th Sep 2001, 04:05

I also own a Ford Laser S pack with a 1.5 manual and twin carb, and it's a magnificent car. It has air and power steering, and when you turn the air on you don't really even notice it.

30th Oct 2001, 11:46

I own a 1983 1.3 manual (transparent corner lights) and I can say that it's really amazing. It's very reliable, fun to drive, quite powerful especially if I manage to find a good 1.5 GT to replace the engine! He He! Anyone wants to sell one??

A very good japanese car.

1st Jan 2003, 10:11

I own an'82 model with a 1.5 and 5speed. I find it quite quick. It runs up to red-line in lower gears very quick and more than once I've "wound it off the clock" (160kph).

Fade.

1983 Mazda 323 GT 1.5 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Head gasket (twice in 12 months).

O/S driveshaft dried out (split gaiter).

Oil pump gauze blockage.

Mild bottom end rumble.

Sunroof jammed open.

General Comments:

Very thirsty < 25mpg, however my driving style/poor state of tune is mostly to blame.

Overall a good runner considering the abuse it has had.

A poorly maintained example, but I wouldn't hesitate to buy one that has been looked after.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th April, 1998