Mazda 323 Review (1998 to 2004)

Quick Summary

Mazda tried the adventurous route and it didn't work. In resorting to a more conservative style for the latest 323, it finds itself pitched in with stiff competition from Nissan's Almera and Honda's Civic, competition which, on the face of it, it has difficulty justifying itself against when new. As a used proposition it makes far more sense, and affordable residual values coupled with an excellent warranty and reliability record make the 323 a wise choice for those not looking for either the first or last word in either urban chic or tyre-shredding torque. As something of a jack of all trades the 323 is inoffensive, unremarkable, yet broadly competent right across the board. In a congested sector of the marketplace however, will this be enough? Watch this space.

Overall:

Models Covered:5dr hatch, 1.3, 1.5, 1.6, 1.8, 2.0 petrol 2.0 turbo diesel [LXi, GSE, GXi, GSi, SE, Di, Sport]

MAZDA’S CONVENTION CENTRE

Mazda returned to a more conventional school of design with the latest generation of its 323. Whilst the previous 323 was undoubtedly adventurous with its coupe-like profile and range of engines that included a punchy V6, it was perhaps too quirky to be considered in the same breath as an Astra or a Focus. With used versions of the latest 323 now beginning to appear in reasonable numbers, has reining in the creative excesses of their designers made the little Mazda a good bet second time around? What it may lack in charisma it more than makes up in reliability and commonsense, making it a sound buy for those not looking for the last word in style or driver enjoyment.
Used Mazda 323 for sale

History of the 323

Mazda certainly had a few rival motor manufacturers scratching their heads in confusion when they launched the 323F in 1989. Ford Escort rivals weren't supposed to have a swooping coupe-like roofline or sporty pop up headlamps. Whilst it sold in reasonable numbers, Mazda did it no favours with a policy of premium pricing. Its replacement, launched in 1994, followed the same principle of rakish looks, although the eighties-chic pop-up lamps were ditched in favour of squinting slot-like numbers. If the styling was slightly left field, the choice of a V6 engine developing 147bhp for the range-topper made it something of an oddity. Nevertheless, anyone who drove one felt that what it lacked in practicality it gained back in terms of exclusivity and performance.The latest 323 was unveiled in 1998, and again caught the car industry on the hop. Those expecting something bizarrely styled were amazed by the 323's staid appearance. Available at launch with a 75bhp 1.3-litre, a 1.5-litre unit developing 88bhp, or 113bhp 1.8-litre petrol options and a 2.0-litre 99bhp turbodiesel the 323 was mechanically conservative as well. Automatic versions of the 1.5-litre and 1.8-litre 323 appeared in February 1999, along with a limited edition run of 500 Shiraz versions with Wine Red Mica paintwork. Summer 1999 saw the launch of the obligatory sports variant, the warm 1.8 Sport, available in black and from the end of the year in silver as well. A high-spec midrange version, the 1.5-litre 323 GSE was introduced in January 2000.In June 2001, the line-up was facelifted and the 1.5-litre engine replaced by a punchier 1.6-litre unit, while the 1.8 was replaced by a 129bhp 2.0-litre engine. The Mazda 3 came along in 2004 and spelled the end of the long-running 323 series.
Used Mazda 323 for sale

Mazda 323 Road Test

Despite its somewhat underwhelming styling, the 323 is surprisingly involving to drive. Traction is impressive and the standard power steering weights up nicely at higher speed. The three 16-valve engines are perky too, with the 89bhp 1.5 possibly the most refined. Most buyers however, will probably prefer the 114bhp 1.8, which makes sixty in 9.8s on the way to 120mph. Its refinement is superb, much like the slick five-speed gearbox. Wind noise and ride over rough surfaces could be better though, when it sometimes gets a trifle bouncy.Mazda's Hiroshima-based engineering team spent most of their development budget on improving the torque of both engines - and the result is impressive pulling power through the gears. Overtaking performance is considerably better, with enough punch to easily dispense with slower moving traffic on twisty roads, even in the 1.5. Nonetheless, you won't really mistake the 323 1.8 Sport for anything other than a warmish badge-engineering exercise. With 114bhp on tap, it possesses less grunt than equivalent 1.6-litre offerings from Ford, Alfa Romeo and Honda. Nevertheless, it is fun to punt about, but the average fuel consumption figure around the 33mpg mark underlines its 'sensible shoes' underpinnings.
Used Mazda 323 for sale

Buying a Mazda 323

It's a Mazda, so you wouldn't expect any woeful tales of catastrophic build and reliability. You'd be right too. Check for signs of neglect and accident damage, as always. Japanese cars are generally trustworthy and the 323 is no exception. Mazda offers a six-year anti-corrosion warranty so it may be worth checking that, if it applies to your selected car. It wouldn't hurt to check that all the electric gadgets are in working order - things like sunroof, door-mirrors, central locking and electric windows. This generation of 323 was designed for lower repair costs and cheaper parts, but make sure the body coloured bumpers haven't come in for a mauling. A service history is obviously a necessity on such a new car.
Used Mazda 323 for sale

Mazda 323 Typical Pricing

It's doubtful you'll find one of these 323s for much under £2,700, which will secure you the keys to a 1998 S-registered 1.3 LXi. Expect to pay around £3,000 for the 1.5-litre version and another £300 extra for an automatic gearbox. The 1.5-litre GXi model opens at around £3,100, again on 1998 S registration plates. The 1.8-litre engine is more relaxed, and you'll need to stump up around £3,200 to get your name on the V5 of a 1998 S-registered 1.8 GSi, or just under £3,500 for the luxury flagship SE trim level. The 323 Sport is still quite a rare beast, and anything with a sticker price of less than £4,000 can probably be considered something of a bargain on 1999 V plates. Insurance ranges from a lowly Group 6 to a hardly wallet-busting Group 8 for the Sport, reflecting its proclivity to leave rice pudding skins unmolested. The Final shape cars cost from £4,000 on 2001 Y plates but you'll need £4,200 for a 1.6-litre GXi of similar age. The 2.0-litre Sport starts at around £5,125 and goes up to just under £7,000 on a 53-plate with the last of the 2.0-litre TD diesels reaching £6,600.
Used Mazda 323 for sale

Mazda 323 Parts

(Estimated prices, based on a 323 1.5) The 323 has been designed for easier servicing and lower repair costs than previous generations, which had gained a reputation as being costly to put right in the rare instances that something did let go. Consumables are similarly quite reasonably priced. An air filter is around £12 and a fuel filter retails at round £24. An oil filter is £6, spark plugs are about £3 and a timing belt is around £35.
Used Mazda 323 for sale