Mazda 323
Reliability, running costs, and MOT data across 14 years from 3,117 real MOT tests.
Avg Pass Rate
72%
Total Tests
3,117
Best Year
1995 (87%)
Years Covered
14
About the Mazda 323
The Mazda 323 has been tested 3,117 times in 2026 MOT data across 14 model years (1990 to 2003), with an average pass rate of 72%. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%, so check the year-by-year data carefully before buying. Available as petrol.
Best and Worst Years
The 1995 model is the most reliable with a 87% pass rate from 90 tests. The 1993 model has the lowest at 54%. With a 33 point spread, choosing the right year makes a big difference to reliability.
Reliability Trend
Older MAZDA 323s tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 5 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
Higher due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
Full 2003 detailsHow reliable is the Mazda 323?
Mazda 323 by Year
Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.
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