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MAZDA 323 Used Car Review

The Mazda 3 is today one of the country's most popular cars, yet Australia fell in love with Mazda hatchbacks as early as 1977 with the first 323. It sold like hotcakes in 1981 when a new-generation front-wheel-drive 323 replaced the rear-drive model. There were various hatch, sedan and wagon body styles, and in the mid-1990s there was even a V6 alternative to the mainly four-cylinder line-up. A sporty SP20 model bolstered the 323's image before the model was replaced from 2004 onwards by the Mazda 3.

Pros

Cons

  • Good ride comfort and handling for its time
  • SP20 variant was particularly good fun to drive
  • Refinement of old 2.0-litre V6
  • Spare parts may be harder to come by now
  • Autos only had either three or four speeds
This is general information and should not be relied on as purchasing advice.
Mazda323Petrol - LeadedClear all

1985 Mazda 323 Wagon. Original 83000kms. Ideal rotary engine sleeper.

  • 82980 km
  • Wagon
  • Auto
  • 4 cyl 1.5L

If you would like to own what I believe many would consider is the best original FA45 available perhaps even for a rotary engine conversion, give me a call and come and inspect it. It is automatic with air conditioning and velour trim as you would expect from a Deluxe. Rare 1.5l rear wheel drive. There is a genuine reason for sale. This car is sitting unused for the last couple of years and has only ever been used lightly and locally. The original owners are now deceased and the car was used in

$12,000Negotiable
Cannon Hill, QLD

08/03/2024

1982 MAZDA 323 DELUXE 3 SP AUTOMATIC 4D SEDAN, 5 seats All Others

  • 107000 km
  • Sedan
  • Auto
  • 4 cyl 1.5L

82 model, new fuel pump, new fual lines, tank cleaned inside professionally, runs well, no registration, will pass, original factory condition with log books, elderly owner.

$3,000
Gundagai, NSW

03/03/2024

1983 MAZDA 323 DELUXE 5 SP MANUAL 5D HATCHBACK, 5 seats All Others

  • 140000 km
  • Hatchback
  • Manual
  • 4 cyl 1.5L

Hey guys, up for sale is my cool little 1983 mazda 323. Pros: Gets heaps of looks Fun to drive Presentable paint Alright interior New suspension and shocks all round - $600 Recently done spark plug and leads ect - $200 New battery - $120 New radiator - $400 Dump pipe exhaust tip New rear tyres - $300 Cons: Little bit of rust (character) Drives like an 80s car 🤘 No ac No power steer No rego No rwc Engine Recently had New gaskets, cleaned carby, fresh oils and machined head that cost me $1200

$2,500Negotiable
Kilcoy, QLD

19/02/2024

1979 MAZDA 323 DELUXE 5 SP MANUAL 5D HATCHBACK

  • 133000 km
  • Hatchback
  • Manual
  • 4 cyl 1.4L

1979 Mazda 323 5 door, 5 speed manual. Good running order, used weekly on club rego with no issues. Has been resprayed by previous owner, has some marks and blemishes, some panel fitment could be fine tuned also, but generally looks pretty nice. Has 15 inch replica rims with good Continental rubber. slightly lowered all round and also has a slight sports exhaust giving a nice sound without being obnoxious. Interior is pretty presentable, seats are decent, dash has been retrimmed at some poin

$11,990Negotiable
Elderslie, NSW

18/02/2024

Overview of the Mazda 323

Overview of the Mazda 323

The Mazda 3 is today one of the country's most popular cars, yet Australia fell in love with Mazda hatchbacks as early as 1977 with the first 323.

It sold like hotcakes in 1981 when a new-generation front-wheel-drive 323 replaced the rear-drive model.

There were various hatch, sedan and wagon body styles, and in the mid-1990s there was even a V6 alternative to the mainly four-cylinder line-up. A sporty SP20 model bolstered the 323's image before the model was replaced from 2004 onwards by the Mazda 3.

MAZDA 323 GENERATIONS (SINCE 1994)

1994-1998

1998-2003

RUNNING COSTS

Fuel Consumption

1.6L 4-cylinder: 7.0 to 7.7 litres per 100km

1.8L 4-cylinder: 7.7 to 8.3 litres per 100km

2.0L 4-cylinder (SP20): 8.0 litres per 100km

2.0L V6: 10.0 litres per 100km

= Highly economical.

= Good economy.

= Average fuel use.

= Heavy consumption.

Servicing

SIMILAR MODELS TO MAZDA 323

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR: MAZDA 323 (1998 TO 2003)

The youngest Mazda 323 is now quite an old car. That means you really need to look at every prospective purchase on its individual merits, rather than on any hard and fast rules.

That said, there are a couple of recurring themes to be observed, starting with a 323 that has ever had its engine overheated.

This can be tricky to determine years later, but any engine that blows blue or grey smoke on start-up, has a misfire or a rough idle could be exhibiting the long-term effects of once having been too hot. This damage is permanent, too, and won't go away with a service.

Automatic versions also required their transmissions to be serviced according to the factory maintenance schedule.

A quick check involves getting the engine temperature up to normal (after a five-minute drive, for instance) letting it idle and removing the transmission dipstick.

The fluid on the stick should be a clean, clear red colour and shouldn't smell of burnt toast.