Mazda 323F, 1990

[eddyramrod]

As mentioned in the Grin thread, I'm about to start resurrecting this, it's been laid up for two years. 1.8 dohc, 1990, manual. Anything useful you can tell me about these will be much appreciated as I haven't had one before.

[r.welfare]

Spottedlaurel's had a couple of these, I'm sure he'll be along to give you some gen.

[Spottedlaurel]

Hey!

 

1989 Mazda 323F GT by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Yes, we had one on the road and I bought another for spares. Both the GT model with the cracking 1.8 engine like yours.

 

To be honest, I can't thnk of anything much - they come from an era when Mazda were really putting an effort into their build quality, and perhaps before Ford started cheapening things too much...

 

I had a split radiator (replaced with one off the spare car), the rear brakes were a slight problem. Can't remember the specifics now, possibly the handbrake not coming off properly - probably just everything needing stripping and cleaning up. Rust around the rear arches, possibly not an issue for you. No electrical issues as I recall, the pop-up lights always worked very enthusiastically. Leaking rocker cover gasket, easily replaced even by me.

 

I'd had another one like a shot, the 1.8 engine is a delight. Bit buzzy on a cruise, but it gives nearly 140bhp with good torque low down thanks to variable length inlet tracts (butterflies in the inlet manifold). Think it's the same unit that sees service in the MX-5, so spares supply shouldn't be an issue.

 

They're not especially roomy inside despite being a 5dr, and the loading sill for the boot is pretty high, which is why we replaced it with a Carina E for family duties.

 

One of my few regrets in life is not buying it back when it cropped up for sale cheaply back in 2007.

[stuboy]

mate had one and it flew....................

[scooters]

nice - and as early 90's as pastel jackets, ducks arese haircuts, and paisley pattern ties

 

I love the late 80's early 90's jap tin with all its pseudo sporty features like pop up lights and blacked out glasswear -

 

a reliable nippon nipper indeed!

[eddyramrod]

This is all very encouraging, thanks chaps! Should be getting it home tomorrow, cue some more pics.

 

As suggested, rust isn't a big problem over here, however the steel sunroof has fallen victim. Looks like I'm going to need a Haynes in the very near future! Headlining will have to be replaced, which shouldn't be a problem; dash is cracked from the sun. I might just have a padded cover made up for that. The paint is badly sunburnt too, especially the upper surfaces; there are marks all over really, and when you add in the dismal non-colour then a respray is clearly on the cards (quick blow-over, in something bright and non-metallic). I'm pleased nobody's thrown up any tech woes, this could mean someone's actually done me a favour! 140bhp???? I'm looking forward to driving it now!

[scooters]

the only mechanical issues I have had from early 90's Japanese kit is around the EFI system and in particular, in relation to the emission control system that is not necessary in the UK but required for Japan/USA - components can fail and are expensive to replace - however, depending on the car, you can sometimes get away with removing the problem component and not replacing it - this worked for a 1990 V6 Shogun but didn't for a Daihatsu....I haven't had a Mazda before but I would make a point of getting an old tooth brush and gently scrubbing, with electrical contact cleaner, all the connectors you can see...in my experience, the prime cause of breakdown with mechanically reliable cars of the early 90's (Jap, Mercs, Volvos etc) is aged connectors especially in the complex EFI and ignition systems found in these vehicles.

 

It is an issue as the complex electrical systems age - mind you not as bad as in some cars - the Series 1 Citroen XMs had...get this...bio degradable electrical connection components - unfortunately for PSA, the components started to bio degrade after a year or two and with the dizzying complexity of the car itself has created an ownership experience in machoistic relativity to having a 75 year old tranny use electrical pliers on your nipples.....

 

anyway each to their own!

[Futuramic]

As mentioned in the Grin thread, I'm about to start resurrecting this, it's been laid up for two years. 1.8 dohc, 1990, manual. Anything useful you can tell me about these will be much appreciated as I haven't had one before.

 

I thought it looked quite mean and moody in that colour. Eddy clearly has far too much taste to be on AutoShite - he probably likes the Lancia Fulvia or something.

 

Anyway; aren't those supposed to be good to drive? I always considered them to be an interesting design; trying to make the boring family car a little bit special. If one considers today's equivalent to be the Mazda 3 then this is far more leftfield.

 

They are stuck in the wasteland of being a non-classic. Old car "enthusiasts" probably claim them as in interesting curio but would do nothing to save one. So for that: well done Eddy. I've always wanted one by the way - but at 17 when there were loads about I couldn't afford the insurance.

[RoadworkUK]

While I like these a lot, as I do the Honda Integra for its 5-door and pop-up-headlamps-ness, I must say I'd rather have the next 323F with that little 2.0V6 in it. Those things were seriously handsome cars. There was one entered by a privateer in the BTCC at one point, it looked fantastic on the track.

[CIH]

While I like these a lot, as I do the Honda Integra for its 5-door and pop-up-headlamps-ness, I must say I'd rather have the next 323F with that little 2.0V6 in it. Those things were seriously handsome cars. There was one entered by a privateer in the BTCC at one point, it looked fantastic on the track.

 

I think there was a quasi-works effort driven by Patrick Watts which was sold to a privateer for the following year. Not too sure off hand and it's been a while.

[eddyramrod]

Um.

 

Well.

 

Er...

 

My glamorous assistant called to say he couldn't come with me this afternoon, which means the car stays where it is a bit longer. Then I made enquiries at the Transport Department, to see how much the back-tax will be. The nurses were very nice when I came round, and allowed me home eventually... OK, the car's been off the road for two years. It's a 1.8, which is bad enough, as there's a threshold at 1.6. Unfortunately there's another at 1.8, so you need it to be like 1799cc. Oh no. These things are 1840. For what's owing on this I could buy a running car with current tax. Bo-lerks. Post coming up in the grump thread about Cypriot bureaucracy...

 

Post on here, full of the joys of spring, bask in the plaudits.... and the white-collars get you, every fucking time. I might be an expat but I'm a long way from wealthy, in fact I really need a job* in the very near future, so I can't be splashing out wads of cash on marginal old cars.

 

*I need a job so badly that I'm chasing up leads on all kinds of things I never thought I'd do. Latest is Teaching Assistant, FFS!

[eddyramrod]

Discussions with the present owner have ground to an agreement over the tax situation, so it's looking more hopeful for this little grey beastie now. However today something else crossed my path (so to speak, as it's on 4 flat tyres having not moved in many years) so watch out for the next new thread from me... I'm getting dangerously close to having a fleet, but no nearer to a job.

[The Moog]

I had one for a few months last year. Very quick, quicker than Mk2 Golf GTi they were to rival.

 

Small inside but handles well. Only issues I had were that the car at 70 sat at almost 4k rpm so was noisy on motorway and also didnt like the potholes round by me. Swapped it for an A6. I think the bloke I swapped it with managed to destroy a nice car by ripping off the new exhaust, putting on stickers etc.

 

Loved the pop up lights though

[CreepingJesus]

I think there was a quasi-works effort driven by Patrick Watts which was sold to a privateer for the following year. Not too sure off hand and it's been a while.

 

Gratuitous BTCC image time!

 

I've a funny feeling it was that Matt Neal there, who ended up with the ex-Crasher Watts 323, in Team Dynamics colours. Can't find a pic, or any evidence tho'

Surprising how many of those generation 323's are still floating about. Fit for a Nigerian Prince at any price!

[Tayne]

.

[eddyramrod]

Tayne, that's what I thought 8 weeks ago when I'd spoken to the Transport Department; however as posted since, I've seen the owner again and it looks like it's all back on. Before I attempt to move it though, I need to assemble a kit of two spare wheels, decent battery and a gallon of gas. And an assistant, with all my towing kit just in case. It's sitting on gravel, which might be exciting...

[Tayne]

.

[eddyramrod]

One of the front tyres is flat and the other isn't far behind. When I get it somewhere firm and level I'll pump up the flats and see how they manage, but I want something round to get that far!

[Dirty Habit]

Great car. I have had a couple of em!

 

Mine you, you need a great anti-theft device.

[eddyramrod]

Genuine action to report! Today I dragged an assistant up the hill to where this poor little car is. We got some air in the front tyres, changed the battery and splashed in some fresh petrol. Literally, that's all we did. Not only did she start, but I was able to drive her the two miles or so to my friend's garage! So, looks like it's all systems go for yet another recommissioning job. Anyone want to buy a redundant pickup???????

[KruJoe]

Good news Eddy!

Isn't it great when that happens? More likely with Jap stuff than others, but still. Better than chasing your tail for days and not even getting a spark!

[eddyramrod]

I must be doing something wrong.... Mazda starts and drives, X1/9 is as sweet as a nut (driven it back and forth a little today) so I'm waiting, really, for the explosion. MoT time for the X next, anything can happen!

[RoadworkUK]

MoT time for the X next, anything can happen!

 

From what I've seen in Cyprus, I thought the MOT involved just the briefest of glances in the vague direction of the car, prior to the handing over of Cypriot Pounds?

[eddyramrod]

It's slightly more involved than that.... but only slightly. I like to think my cars are up to scratch in general, don't want any nasty surprises on mountain roads!

[Luxobarges_Are_Us]

From what I've seen in Cyprus, I thought the MOT involved just the briefest of glances in the vague direction of the car, prior to the handing over of Cypriot Pounds?

 

You are completely wrong- they use Euros.

[binhoker668]

Does anyone else see all Tayne's posts as a full stop and nothing more? Or have I been barred from viewing them or something? Strange....

[eddyramrod]

No, don't worry, you're seeing the same as I am. I'm pretty sure he's had a deleting spree. Meanwhile, back on topic, the air I put in the Mazda's tyres on Tuesday is still there, which is encouraging!

[eddyramrod]

 

This is what it looked like after the drive down to Andreas's garage. Sunburned paint, but I was planning a respray anyway. The body does seem pretty sound. And inside....

 

Not too bad really. The windows had been left slightly open so there was a lot of water in the footwells, but the windows do work so I remembered to close them. Gearknob really is missing, but a cheapo universal thing will cure that. 8-ball, maybe. Roof lining is shot, it's a complete write-off. However we have a handy trimmer, when I'm ready I can take him the car and he will make me a new one.

 

However...

 

...As posted in the Grump thread. So now the whole project is on hold, again. FFS.........

[Captain Flimble]

I like these cars!

 

I bought one for a girlfriend (with her money you understand) a few years back. They were produced as part of the joint venture between Ford/Mazda, so I understand they share lots of mechanicals with the escort of the time.

 

A friend of my sister had one standing for a long time and had given it up for dead. The battery was dead, but we push started it back to life no problem. She only wanted £50 for it and I now regret not taking her hand off, but; space/time/funds/buggeration - you all understand.

 

Robust little cars, I reckon. Well bought!