Based on 304 MOT tests from 18 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore®. The figures below describe that VehicleScore® sample. Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore® MOT data are not a claim that every MAZDA 323 has the same fault.
MAZDA 323's have a slightly over average reliability rating of 536/999. The score was calculated from the average of every MAZDA 323 that has had a registered MOT.
We calculated all of the below figures by getting the score from each vehicle make/model/year/fuel, which are each calculated a score. We then generate the average score, taking into account factors such as mileage and emissions.
Also check BHP & performance, road tax, fuel economy, and CO2 emissions for the MAZDA 323.
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| Fuel Type | Year | Reliability Score | Avg Mileage | Sample Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 2003 | 447/999Average | 87,216 miles | 1,374 vehicles |
| Petrol | 2001 | 452/999Average | 82,392 miles | 1,905 vehicles |
| Petrol | 2000 | 463/999Average | 78,244 miles | 1,940 vehicles |
| Petrol | 1999 | 527/999Above average | 88,058 miles | 940 vehicles |
| Petrol | 1997 | 566/999Above average | 92,409 miles | 727 vehicles |
| Petrol | 1986 | 758/999Very good | 94,722 miles | 505 vehicles |
Based on 304 MOT tests from 18 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore®.
Vehicles
18
MOT tests
304
Pass rate
74%
Median mileage
90,949 mi
Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore® MOT data are inspection findings from this sample. They are not a statement that every MAZDA 323 has the same fault. The median VehicleScore® in this sample is 452 out of 999.
These groups combine equivalent MOT comments, such as the same tyre note on different corners. Counts are comment occurrences in the sample, not a percentage of cars.
VehicleScore® MOT data includes 32 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.
These MOT comments record coil springs that were corroded, fractured, or otherwise defective. They are counted separately from shock absorbers.
What to inspect
Look for a broken or heavily corroded spring and compare the ride height on both sides.
Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE REAR COIL SPRING CORRODED (5.3.1 (B) (I))
VehicleScore® MOT data includes 15 advisory comments and 10 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.
These MOT comments record corrosion the tester could see on the body or structure. Corrosion already named on a spring, brake, or other component is counted with that component.
What to inspect
Inspect the underside, sills, and subframe for heavy corrosion, especially where an advisory mentions it.
Example MOT wording: REAR SUB-FRAME CORRODED BUT NOT SERIOUSLY WEAKENED (5.3.3 (B) (I))
VehicleScore® MOT data includes 16 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.
These MOT comments record a worn, corroded, or damaged suspension arm or its pin.
What to inspect
Look for play or corrosion at the arm and ask whether it has been replaced.
Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE FRONT SUSPENSION ARM CORRODED BUT NOT SERIOUSLY WEAKENED (5.3.3 (B) (I))
VehicleScore® MOT data includes 12 advisory comments and 4 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.
These MOT comments record tyres that were worn, damaged, or close to the legal tread depth when the car was inspected.
What to inspect
Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.
Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE REAR TYRE WORN CLOSE TO THE LEGAL LIMIT (4.1.E.1)
VehicleScore® MOT data includes 6 advisory comments and 3 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.
These MOT comments record wear or damage in the anti-roll bar, its links, or its bushes.
What to inspect
Listen for a knock when driving over uneven ground at low speed.
Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE FRONT ANTI-ROLL BAR LINKAGE BALL JOINT HAS SLIGHT PLAY (5.3.4 (A) (I))
VehicleScore® MOT data includes 8 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.
These MOT comments record an oil leak noted by the tester. Shock absorber misting is counted as a damper issue, not as an engine oil leak.
What to inspect
Look under the engine for fresh oil, and check the oil level.
Example MOT wording: OIL LEAK, BUT NOT EXCESSIVE (8.4.1 (A) (I))
VehicleScore® MOT data includes 7 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.
These MOT comments record an exhaust emissions result. They are counted separately from a warning lamp or a catalytic converter note.
What to inspect
Ask for the emissions printout and whether any repair followed a failed test.
Example MOT wording: EXHAUST EMISSIONS CARBON MONOXIDE CONTENT AFTER 2ND FAST IDLE EXCESSIVE (7.3.D.3)
VehicleScore® MOT data includes 6 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.
These MOT comments record brake discs that were worn, scored, pitted, or corroded.
What to inspect
Look at the disc faces for deep scoring, a lip at the edge, and corrosion.
Example MOT wording: FRONT BRAKE DISC WORN, PITTED OR SCORED, BUT NOT SERIOUSLY WEAKENED (3.5.1I)
A model year is only commented on when VehicleScore® has at least 5 vehicles from that year.
| Year | Vehicles | MOT tests | Pass rate | Recurring issues seen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 5 | 82 | 79.3% | Coil spring issues, Corrosion |
This is an inspection checklist based on MOT comments in the VehicleScore® sample. It does not mean the car you are looking at has these defects.
Coil spring issues. Look for a broken or heavily corroded spring and compare the ride height on both sides.
Corrosion. Inspect the underside, sills, and subframe for heavy corrosion, especially where an advisory mentions it.
Suspension arm issues. Look for play or corrosion at the arm and ask whether it has been replaced.
Tyre wear. Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.
Anti-roll bar issues. Listen for a knock when driving over uneven ground at low speed.
Oil leak. Look under the engine for fresh oil, and check the oil level.
Emissions test issues. Ask for the emissions printout and whether any repair followed a failed test.
Brake disc wear. Look at the disc faces for deep scoring, a lip at the edge, and corrosion.
Common problems tell you what can affect MAZDA 323s generally. VehicleScore® can check the history of the actual car you're considering.
VehicleScore® analyses MOT histories from vehicles in its own dataset. Sample sizes vary by model, and a small sample is labelled as such. MOT data records roadworthiness and inspection defects. It does not capture every mechanical or electronic problem a car can have, and a comment on one test is not proof that the model has an inherent fault.