Mazda 323 Fastback 2.0i V6 ZXi 5d (1997/R) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Excellent value - you get what you pay for though - parts can be expensive but they don't break that often!
Costs
Bit thirsty, just under 30mpg - servicing reasonable at 9k intervals.
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On the road
Driving
Good to drive, nicely weighted steering, very responsive throttle and brakes, superb gearbox- very chuckable with plenty of grip! Quite noisy at speed though.
Performance
You need to keep the needle above 4k for serious progress as there isn't a lot of torque below, it can get a bit bogged down. The V6 really comes alive then and is very keen to rev, sounds great too!!! It's not especially quick but it won't embarrass you.
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Living with it
Reliability
No problems bar a sticking handbrake cable and the alarm. The door panels are a rattle a bit now but otherwise no problems at all.
Image
Few people know what they are, which I like. Looks newer than it is.
Comfort
Bit short on headroom, low slung drivers position adds to a sporting drive - bit cramped in the back apparently.
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Security and Service
Security
CAT 2 immobilizer on the key plus Mazda (cobra) alarm. Alarm failed on mine though.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
None
Other
Handbrake cable and Mazda alarm.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes