MAZDA 323 (1993)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 92 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
54%
Total Tests (2024)
92
Avg Mileage
98,919 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,217
Is the 1993 MAZDA 323 reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 28 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MAZDA brand average of 81%.
At 31 years old, 54% of MAZDA 323s from 1993 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 92 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 98,919 miles.
How does the 1993 MAZDA 323 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1993 MAZDA 323 has 98,919 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 229,400 miles for a 31-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Best year to buy a MAZDA 323?
The most reliable year is the 1995 model with a 87% MOT pass rate, while the 1993 model has the lowest at 54%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
How much does a 1993 MAZDA 323 cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
MAZDA 323 by Year
Checking a specific MAZDA 323?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1993 MAZDA 323
The 1993 MAZDA 323 is a family car with a 1840cc petrol engine. 92 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 98% of 1993 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 98,919 miles at 31 years old, 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.
1993 MAZDA 323 Fuel Costs
The 1840cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1993 MAZDA 323?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,217 (£185/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 54% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
MAZDA 323 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.
Buying a Used 1993 MAZDA 323
At 31 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. Note: with only 92 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1993 MAZDA 323
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1991) 80% pass rate (+26%) from 5,191 tests
- PEUGEOT BOXER (1995) 68% pass rate (+14%) from 2,767 tests
- MAZDA MX-5 (1995) 74% pass rate (+20%) from 2,206 tests
- MERCEDES E (1994) 79% pass rate (+25%) from 2,118 tests