If street comfort isn't an issue for you, coilovers are probably worth the small premium they demand. I can tell you that they start around $1000, which isn't that much more than you'll pay for a set of good springs and struts from a reputable dealer. I can't help you with these, as I haven't even done any research on them. The other option is a complete coilover system. Tokico Blue (HB-series) and silver (Illumina-series) are the only worthwhile aftermarket struts for the car - the main difference is that the Illuminas are adjustable, but more expensive.
#Mazda protege hatchback motor custom series#
I'm currently running Tanabe GF-210 series springs, which are much stiffer than stock (listed as linear rate, but the shape of the coils suggest otherwise) but with a moderate drop - findable on ebay. The Espelir springs are considered top-notch, but are impossible to buy new (literally - I looked all over the place) and rarely sold used on the message boards. Prices and details correct at publication date.As far as separate spring/strut: the Tein S-Tech is a very popular spring for the car - much stiffer than stock and a linear rate, but a little too much drop for my taste. It is best to avoid the hassle in the first place. Dealer used car warranties also vary greatly. Whether buying from a dealer or private seller, the cost of the check is likely to be cheaper than repairs. If you find a car you like we recommend an NRMA inspection (131 122). 2001 models (with 61,000km) are $16,400 and $17,900 respectively.ĭisclaimer: The condition of used cars varies greatly. Ensure the engine timing-belt has been changed in cars exceeding five years of age or 100,000km.Ī 1998 automatic 323 Protege sedan with a 1.6-litre engine and 93,000km is $12,400 a 1.8-litre is $13,100. Check the rear left-hand side brake hose for chafing or wear. The interior surfaces and upholstery are susceptible to damage, so deterioration is not always due to misuse but interiors in good condition do reflect owner care.Ĭheck the service history thoroughly. The gear changes should be positive without any clutch slippage or, in automatics, any wheeziness or lack of definition between ratios. The motor should idle smoothly, run quietly and come up to cruising speed evenly.
#Mazda protege hatchback motor custom manual#
You could choose between a 1.6-litre 78kW motor or a 1.8-litre, 92kW unit, all available with a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission. The 323 was available as a Protege sedan and an Astina sedan or hatch. If the hose is at all worn or chafed, insist on it being replaced. NRMA inspectors always take a close look at the brake hose on the rear left-hand side with these models, it was subject to a recall when it was found to be rubbing, a condition which could lead to a fluid leak and subsequent failure of the brakes to perform properly. Because the belt is rubber and deteriorates with age as well as use, the five-year limit must be observed. Ensure that this has been done if the car is more than five-years-old, no matter how many kilometres it has covered. Note, also, that the engine timing-belt needs to be changed every five years or 100,000km. There should be no major gaps between services either in distance or time. This means checking the service history is critical. Unless they are serviced regularly and by the book, these cars tend to go off faster than normal, particularly when the odometer has ticked over 80,000km. The longevity of Mazdas, particularly smaller ones, is highly reliant on regular servicing, more so than with many of its competitors.
In practice the margins are far finer than Mazda would have us believe but the 323's superior resales are indisputable. This means used Mazda 323s are also a little more expensive than their major rivals but buyers are happy to pay the margin for what they believe is better build quality, better finish and superior technology.
There's even a Honda Civic at $19,990 but the cheapest Mazda3 is $20,790. The Mazda3 is seen as a cut above the $19,990 brigade championed by Nissan's Pulsar and Toyota's Corolla. It resulted in a situation where, for many years from 1981, the 323 and Ford's Laser were, apart from minor styling and trim differences, the same car despite the Laser initially being assembled at Homebush.īecause of this, Mazda differentiated the 323 with slightly higher pricing than the Ford, a policy it still follows. Just like they are now for the Mazda3, the 323's replacement.Īnd it wasn't just a trendsetter, the 323 was also the car that attracted Ford Australia into a joint venture with Mazda, then Toyo Kogyo, to produce a small car together. There had been hatchbacks before this (the VW Golf was launched in 1974) but few were taken to heart by Australians quite like Mazda's. Introduced in Australia early in 1977, it hit a chord with buyers. Mazda's 323 has some significance in automotive history.
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