Mazda 323

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 14 model years from 3,117 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

72%

Total Tests

3,117

Highest Pass Rate

1996 (76%)

Years Covered

About the Mazda 323

The Mazda 323 was MOT tested 3,117 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 14 model years (1990 to 2003), with an average pass rate of 72%. That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data, so check the year-by-year data carefully before buying. Our records list petrol versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1996 model has the highest pass rate at 76% from 144 tests. The 2002 model has the lowest at 64%. The 12 point gap means pass rates vary somewhat between years, but no year is dramatically different. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Older Mazda 323s tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 6 percentage points across model years.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1990) averages 80,330 miles, while the newest (2003) averages 71,605 miles.

Compared to the Mazda brand average of 81%, the 323 is 9 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Mazda models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1598cc)

£1,398

Road Tax

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,428

Per month£202/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2003 details

How reliable is the Mazda 323?

vs average of all models-10% (82% avg)

vs Mazda brand average-9% (81% avg)

Best to worst year spread12 percentage points

Reliability trendDeclining over years

Mazda 323 by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2003	68%	412	71,605 mi
2002	64%	329	79,077 mi
2001	68%	233	81,970 mi
2000	68%	241	82,611 mi
1999	71%	432	80,508 mi
1998	71%	445	91,617 mi
1997	75%	419	93,660 mi
1996	76%	144	99,541 mi
1995	87%	90	79,459 mi
1994	78%	76	74,502 mi
1993	54%	92	98,919 mi
1992	77%	61	111,862 mi
1991	70%	93	95,373 mi
1990	80%	50	80,330 mi

Questions about the Mazda 323

Is the Mazda 323 reliable?

Across its 14 model years in our data (1990 to 2003), the Mazda 323 averages a 72% MOT pass rate, from 3,117 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 1996 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 76%.

Which year Mazda 323 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1996 Mazda 323 has the highest MOT pass rate at 76%, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 64%, a 12 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.