New Guy: 323 buy?

[dextor]

Hey guys,

Im new to the forums :-). Im looking at getting a 323. I have found one locally that is in pretty good condition. Im going to get a raa check but i was wondering what sorta questions should i ask. I dont really know much about the 323's so i was wondering what issues do they normally have?

Thanks DeX

Car Info

1993 MAZDA 323 BG10P2 Astina
Kilometres 208,000

Sports look mazda with full body kit,
New gearbox,
5 spoke alloy wheels,


Click Here to See the Car. (http://www.carsales.com.au/used-cars/private/MAZDA/323/details.aspx?R=6662588&__sid=11F364E3CFD7&Make=MAZDA&__Ns=pCar_PrivateSpecialFlag_Int32%7c1%7c%7cpCar_I mageCount_Int32%7c1%7c%7cpCar_LastModifiedDate_Dat eTime%7c1&__N=4294965340%2085%201216%20834%20285%20257%20442&State=South%20Australia&distance=25&silo=1003&seot=0&Cr=10&__Nne=20&trecs=12&state_id=85&PriceMax=5000)

[Dogo]

It was probably due for a scheduled major service at 200,000km. Ask if that was done and if they can show you the report.

D

[dextor]

any other suggestions? or did i place in the wrong area?

[mussing]

As it's got 200,000kms on it, check to make sure that it doesn't blow any smoke, which would indicate that the valve stem seals are worn. Make sure the air-con is cold, check that the tires have decent tread, and find out if the oil has been changed regularly. Turn the steering wheel full lock left and right and turn with a bit of speed, and listen for any knocking or clicking, which would indicate worn CV joints. Listen for a tapping noise from the engine, caused by worn tappets.

Appearance-wise it's missing its passenger-side A-pillar, which goes for roughly $200 retail, but some people have had luck finding them at wreckers for a fair bit cheaper. Check for cracks in the dash cluster surround, as it's quite a common thing for these models to have, although it's easy to live with.

It says 'sport look' but note that this isn't actually the "SP" (sports pack) model, so it's an SOHC (77kw) and not DOHC (92kw). This means that it lacks the power windows and sunroof of the SP, but has taller gear ratios for slightly better fuel economy (albeit slower acceleration). This always bugged me when I had my SOHC, and I eventually sold it and got an SP, which I love to bits.

The body kit is a nice touch but it's bumping up the price. At that cost you might find either an SOHC model with lower kms or an SP for around the same. I got my SP for $3350 with 172,000kms on it, and it just needed the windshield replaced.

Oh and also, ask why the seller has only had it for one year, despite supposedly spending thousands on it. Hope this helps :)