Second-hand Sense: Back in the heady days when every manufacturer featured a GTi in the range, Mazda introduced a version of the 323 that showed the others up with its understated elegance. The 323F had pop-up headlights, a sloping profile and a nicely rounded hatchback and did a lot for Mazda's niche image.
Then someone turned out the lights at Mazda. The 323F was followed by a series of boring cars and the 323 range came to embody all that was soulless in Japanese car production. The fact that by then Ford had taken a slice of the company might have had something to do with this.
Happily, the new 3 has re-established Mazda's position, but there are plenty of 323s still around. It has to be said that the 323 is a car not known for giving problems. It may have awful second-hand values because of its looks and the blandness of its interior, but it has a great reliability record. The biggest problem seems to be the ignition coil, which is prone to go at any time. Beyond that, there is no clamour of complaint.
Driving a 323 is trouble-free but not very interesting. Poor steering response is offset by good ride and handling characteristics. If you're not mechanically conscious, however, you're unlikely to notice much difference between this and most other Japanese cars.
The 323 saloon is the one that offends most against good design. Smooth, rounded and impossible to find in a car park, it's a most forgettable car. Its interior is as bad, with the use of heavy, dull plastic and a design that looks like someone lost interest half way through.
The hatchback F version has a little more elan, but the word is used advisedly. It is, however, spacious, being based on a bigger platform than normal. It certainly sits five in comfort and has good comfort levels for driver and front seat passenger.
Depreciation is heavy but that doesn't stop some garages looking for about 9,000 for a 1999 model with 35,000 miles up. Bargain like hell and you should be able to get it for nearer 7,000 without a trade-in.