7th Feb 2005, 06:08
The 4 wheel drive system allows all wheels to rotate at differing speeds. This is why handling is so good. The model I owned (see review: better than a 10 valve audi) has a button on the dash to lock the differentials. This is why so many of these cars have broken transfer boxes/diffs. If you lock the diff on dry surfaces all the wheels will turn at the same speed. This places incredible stain on all the drive components. You can feel the steering become heavy because the wheel on the inside of the bend must move slower than the one on the outside thus resisting any turning. If you want your car to last transfer boxes and differentials are prohibitively expensive to repair so don't press the button. Only lock the diff if the car is stuck in mud or on ice and always disengage before driving normally. Great car. Thank you.
30th Sep 2005, 11:12
That car rocks!!!
I bought one a few weeks ago, but it is the newer model from 1990. Pedal to the metal and it just keeps on going. Those Mazda Turbo's are rare cars so whoever owns one, should take good care of it. Unfortunately I problably will have to get a new turbo for my car soon because previous owners didn't warm up the car properly. And who turns a turbo's engine off when you just raced it?
Does anyone know or Mazda still delivers the turbo-kits?
16th Mar 2008, 22:29
I have a convertible version of turbo 323 and as luck has it, the parts are interchangeable with a Ford Laser G series.
22nd Oct 2008, 10:37
These cars are incredible I have had a hand full, crashed my first one which I still have parked up. got a new one which is the best so far, original vinyls, and both spoilers. she is also incredibly quick has beaten everything I put it up against. most fun car I have owned don't want anything else.
26th Jan 2009, 12:29
I couldn't agree more with what's been said, and I am looking for one myself. Can any one help me in my hunt cheers :D.
23rd May 2009, 06:25
These cars are awesome. I have a tendency of running out of gears. I'm glad so many people acknowledge the 80s beast.
30th Dec 2009, 22:33
Well, back again..
I posted a comment on here not long after I got the car, (see 6th Nov 2005, 19:37 post)
Anyway, still got the car, done about 35k in them 4 odd years. Work I have done is changed the turbo (bearings went in the last one), head gasket went again a few months ago, not a problem for me to change as I know these in and out by now. Done the 16 hydraulic lifters while I was there with a new timing belt kit (MX5 mk1 kits fit). ;)
Wheel bearings and brakes all around, and some suspension bushings, but you would expect to change things like that after 4 years on any motor really.
Couple of other minor things, which I won't bother mentioning. Surprised the clutch is still fine and I'm dreading that letting go as that's a pain job for me to do.
I've had new sills and rear arches, will be investing in 2 new front wings, a sunroof and a full respray in the coming year.
The car's done me proud, never let me down, (once, dead battery, not the cars fault though) it's never left me stranded. I look after it the best I can and it repays me.
If anyone has any info as to anyone who can chip the ECU? UK spec 1.6 4x4 turbo model, also any lowering spring kits as I can't find either about anywhere. Mail me on KMpuggy@hotmail.co.uk
Cheers.
12th Nov 2002, 09:01
Mr Anonymous.
It was a very bad day for my and my Mazda when the gearbox gave up! I now have all the parts I need to fix the car and more, including Front spoiler, side skirts, 16in wheels, new suspension, new disks and pads all round and enough bodywork repair stuff to stop it from rusting for a few more years, but no place to do the work, so I bought another one and now I have more spare parts than I know what to do with. I will be renting a garage to get the work done in, and hope to have it back on the road for the new year. For now though I'm quite happy with my new one even though It's not as fast it does have a go faster bulge in the bonnet!
As for getting in contact with me, well that could be difficult because I am reluctant to give any of my details out over the net. If you can think of a suitable way then let me know on this page!
Adios Amigo.