Mazda 323 (1991)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 93 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,328

£194/month

MOT Pass Rate

70%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1598cc Petrol

Check Carefully

70% pass rate, £2,328/year to run. 12 points below average.

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Petrol1598cc35 years old93 tests95k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1598cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,328

Per month£194/mo

Per week£45/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

70% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Mazda brand average of 81%.

70% of MOT tests on Mazda 323s from 1991 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 33 years old. That's based on 93 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 95,373 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1991 models142nd of 172(bottom 19%)

Rank among Mazda models384th of 459(bottom 17%)

vs average of all models-12%(82% avg)

vs 1991 models average-9%(79% avg)

vs Mazda average-11%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

95,373

Average miles

244,200

Expected for age

The average 1991 Mazda 323 had 95,373 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 244,200 miles for a 33-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1996 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 76%, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 64%. The 1991 scores 70%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Mazda 323 by Year

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

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

1991 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,411/year

80%

+10%

BMW 3 Series

1990 · 1990cc Petrol

£2,411/year

84%

+14%

Rover Mini

1993 · 1275cc Petrol

£2,183/year

74%

+4%

Ford Escort

1990 · 1597cc Petrol

£2,178/year

85%

+15%

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About the 1991 Mazda 323

The 1991 Mazda 323 is a small family car. Our records list a 1598cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 93 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 19% of 1991 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 95,373 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mazda 323 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

1991 Mazda 323 Fuel Costs

The 1598cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,398 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1991 Mazda 323?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,328 (£194/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 70% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Mazda 323 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.

Buying a Used 1991 Mazda 323

At 35 years old, the Mazda 323 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 1996 model has the highest pass rate at 76%. Note: with only 93 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Medium risk

With an average of 95k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 1991 Mazda 323 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Mazda 323(1991)	70%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328
Volkswagen Golf(1991)	80%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411+£83
BMW 3 Series(1990)	84%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411+£83
Rover Mini(1993)	74%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,183-£145
Ford Escort(1990)	85%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,178-£150

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1991 Mazda 323

Is the 1991 Mazda 323 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 70% of MOT tests on 1991 Mazda 323s ended in a pass, from 93 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1991 Mazda 323 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,328 a year (£194 a month): £1,398 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1991 Mazda 323?

70% of 93 MOT tests on the 1991 Mazda 323 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 142nd of 172 models first registered in 1991 (bottom 19%).

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% and the 2002 the lowest at 64%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1991 Mazda 323?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1991 Mazda 323 is 95,373 miles, which is significantly below the expected 244,200 miles for a 33-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.