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Mazda 323

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What is this discussion about? Mazda 323, Hatchback

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#33 of 419 Estimate help? by wordartist Mar 20, 2002 (6:12 pm)
I'm looking at a 91 Mazda 323 (AT, PS, PB) in one of the local lots here. It's got about 150k on it, and the record checks clean, but I'm wondering if this isn't a little much for a twelve year old car? I've checked TMV and the Blue, and they concur, but still...   Also, as this will be my first car (I'm 28. I was a late bloomer.) I'm trying to figure out if they're really as low-maintenance as rumour has it. I understand the parts are a little dear, but oh well.   Mostly the car is destined for city driving with a fair amount of time on freeways and the highway out of town. I'm capable of doing basic maintenance myself (filters, fluids) but I'm wondering what major items are prone to dying on these models so I know what to budget for a slush fund.   Thanks in advance from the newbie!   -Betty- Replies to this message: rerem (Sep 04, 2007 11:03 pm) girlcarbuilder (Sep 05, 2007 4:44 am) rerem (Oct 02, 2007 8:10 pm) and 3 more...
#34 of 419 Hi wordartist - by revka Mar 21, 2002 (3:10 pm)
Have you tried plugging this vehicle into Edmunds' Used Vehicle Appraiser? While you're waiting here for more feedback, you may also want to check out Edmunds' Maintenance Guide where you can look up recall, TSBs, as well as the manufacturer recommended service schedule for the 91 Mazda 323. This may give you an idea of what kind of issues to look out for. Good luck.   Revka Host Hatchbacks & Station Wagons Boards
#35 of 419 Appraisal by wordartist Mar 25, 2002 (7:29 am)
Thanks, Revka   Oh I did that already. I walked into the dealer's office with about 15 pages of Edmunds and Carpoint data, a Carfax report and a lengthy checklist of stuff to look at before I took her out. I demanded a safety, title documents... the whole enchilada.   Car dealers hate girls like me. I know. I've been reading about how much they hate us in one of the sales person forums. *giggle*   The asking price was in line with LemonAid and the Edmunds prices (after conversion) so I didn't haggle too hard, but I tried for the sake of appearances. The Forms Must Be Obeyed.   Of course, I STILL managed to have problems. *lol* Apparently I have magical invisible power steering on my model - I can't find a resevoir, even with a Haynes manual. (And yes, it's supposed to have it, dammit, I PAID for it...) So I have to send her back to the doctor for a few days to get it reinstalled - they took it out when they were working on the engine. Bah. *G* I was really cheesed last night, but now I'm just laughing that I didn't notice it sooner. I only noticed her fighting when it got dark and the temp dropped below -20c... then I had to stand on the wheel to make her turn.   At the moment, she's undergoing a vehicle check at Canadian Tire so that if anything ELSE is wrong, I can specifically ask that it be fixed. (She idles high, she whines a bit when changing gears, and the one that worries me - she wanders all over the damned place... I think the wheels need to be aligned.)   I bought her, and she runs like a kitten when she's *warm*. It's mostly aggrivating little things. And for those who don't think little things matter, sleep through a leaky kitchen faucet sometime. Small drops, big irritable.   I'll keep you posted. Thanks for the help.
#36 of 419 Hi wordartist- Congrats on your Mazda 323... by revka Mar 25, 2002 (9:04 am)
and thanks for sharing the details. Hope you get all the problems/issues... resolved soon, so you are able to enjoy your new vehicle. Good luck, and thanks for keeping us posted. We look forward to hearing more....   Revka Host Hatchbacks & Station Wagons Boards Replies to this message: wojtekj (Feb 17, 2005 12:25 pm)
#37 of 419 wordartist by 5spd Mar 28, 2002 (5:50 pm)
It would be unrealistic to expect no repair for a twelve year old car with 150k (km?) on it, agree ? So, here are some common problem areas of your car as far as I know :   1. gas tank leak (~$300 canadian to replace with a brand new one) 2. exhaust (cost varies depends on OEM or not) 3. radiator leak from the plastic top (~$200 canadian to get a brand new metal one) 4. timing belt water pump (maintanence item, $400 canadian parts and labour)   Once these big items are taken care of you might have a few years of trouble free (well, almost) driving.   Good luck. Replies to this message: zelsj (Jun 08, 2006 3:14 pm)
#38 of 419 Mazda 323--Do I need a new clutch? by johnbigboote May 01, 2002 (10:17 am)
I own a 1990 323 Hatchback 5-speed with about 210,000 miles. I've been the only owner. For about a year, when I step hard on the gas in fourth and fifth gear, the engine races but the car doesn't accelerate. Am I correct that this means the clutch is slipping? If so, I have several follow-up questions:   A) Is this dangerous (i.e. am I risking my own or others' safety by not fixing it immediately) or merely annoying? B) What will eventually need to be replaced or repaired? C) How much will this type of repair cost (I live in Missouri, FWIW), and what's your experience with having it done at a dealer vs. at a private shop or transmission-only repair shop?   I've seen some helpful posts on this forum and would like to thank those who've helped keep it going. Good job, everyone. Replies to this message: plittle (Mar 07, 2005 6:26 pm) mjmuir (Nov 25, 2005 7:12 pm)
#39 of 419 clutch by lngtonge18 May 01, 2002 (12:14 pm)
Yes, it sounds like your clutch is slipping. At 210k, I would say your clutch has about had it. For the most part, the slipping is an annoyance, but it can get dangerous if you pull out in front of someone and need to get going quickly. Eventually, the slipping will get so bad, you might not be able to get the car moving and then you are left stranded (worst case scenario). You will need to replace the clutch disk, pressure plate, throwout release bearing, and possibly the flywheel (only if the clutch has damaged the flywheel). While you are in there, you might as well have the rear main crankshaft oil seal replaced, as I'm sure it's leaking from there or going to very soon. Total repair costs should range between $400-600. I would have a private shop that you trust do it rather then the dealer. They will be cheaper and probably know what they are doing more. Hope this helps you some.
#40 of 419 johnbigboote by 5spd Jul 10, 2002 (2:24 pm)
Wow. 210 k miles on your 323. Very impressive. It is even more impressive that your clutch just started showing signs of giving out. You must have been a good driver. Mind if I ask whether those are mainly highway miles ?   If is quite amazing how durable these small mazdas are. Too bad this kind of quality are not shown in the 626 or MX6.
#41 of 419 They're GLC (good little cars). by mazdafun Aug 20, 2002 (7:34 am)
Anyway, anyone have to clean out the ventilation system? I think I've got mold or something in mine. How difficult was it? If you had a garage do it, how much did they charge?
#42 of 419 Johnbigboote...you are a party spoiler ;-) by nachiketajoshi Oct 09, 2002 (12:04 pm)
210K on a 323 - cool! I have 130K on my 323(No a/c, has a manual drive, baught for $1000 in 1997 at 95K miles) and thought enough is enough (though the car is alright except clutch probably slips a bit). Anyway, I went out and baught a mercedes thinking I earned it for driving this "shopping cart with engine" for 5 years! But you guys reporting 200K plus on this little trouper are spoiling my party

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