Mazda 323 Fastback 2.0 V6 ZXi SE 5d (1998/S) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Expensive for age, but you get a lot of car for your money. Japanese build quality means that the age is not such an issue.
Costs
I get about 35 mpg whether I am on a motorway or on a twisty country road. Could really do with a 6th gear for motorway driving.
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On the road
Driving
Excellent. Corners like it is on rails. Brakes are reassuringly effective. Gearbox is very smooth and finds all gears without difficulty.
Performance
Excellent. Wind it up to 4000 rpm and it takes off. A bit sluggish at low revs though.
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Living with it
Reliability
I've had it for a year and 11k miles, aside from the air con and one door lock which were not working when I got it, it has been as reliable as the sunrise.
Image
These cars have not been built for 8 years, but you could not tell from the styling. Hasn't dated at all. What Muppet decided to change it into an anonymous shopping trolley?
Comfort
Seats are a bit on the firm side as is the suspension and there is some road noise from the low profile tyres. Engine and wind noise are quite low though.
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Security and Service
Security
Mine came with an aftermarket alarm, don't think they come as standard. No one has tried to steal it thankfully.
Service
No point in paying dealer money on a car of this age, so I go to an independent.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Other
Just the air-con and door lock. Lock was cheap, air con was a few hundred.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
No
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes