Mazda 323 (98-03) - Review

Review by Parkers on
The modern 323 should have been more popular, but its lack of image and Mazda's relatively low profile on the British market hindered its acceptance. Plus points are good reliability and build quality and a roomy, well equipped cabin. It's also pleasant to drive, especially with the lively but refined 1.8 and 2.0 engines. Used values tend to be high - shortage of stock means that prices tend to hold up better than average in the small family sector.
3 out of 5

Other Mazda reviews

3 out of 5

Running costs

The 323 is designed for easy servicing, trouble free motoring and low repair costs. It also has commendable fuel consumption; the 2.0 TD being particularly frugal with a 60-mpg return on long journeys and the petrol engines are also reasonably inexpensive to run. The 323’s initial purchase price is not cheap compared with Focus or Astra, but there is a good range of equipment as standard including ABS and air conditioning available with all models except the basic 1.3.

* based on most recent data

Estimated fuel cost for 10,000 miles per year

Unleaded

£1,615 - £1,980 *

Diesel

£1,165 - £1,364 *

The estimated fuel cost figure is a guide to how much this model will cost to fuel each year, so you can compare between cars. It's calculated by using the model's average mpg (calculated from both town centre and motorway driving) and the average fuel price. It's based on the following cost-per-litre: petrol 135p and diesel 141p. Prices are updated daily.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

9,000 miles minor, 18,000 miles full

Warranty

Mechanical 3 years/60,000 miles; bodywork 6 years

Road tax (12 months)

£135.00 - £270.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data