1999 Mazda 323: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1999 Mazda 323?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1999 Mazda 323 than on all cars registered in 1999.

• Anti-roll bar link joints7× usual
  Mazda 323

  15.3% All 1999 cars

  2.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 0.7% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Number plates2.4× usual
  Mazda 323

  15.3% All 1999 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 0.7% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Ball joint dust cover2.1× usual
  Mazda 323

  7.7% All 1999 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 1.1% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 1999 Mazda 323 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1999 Mazda 323 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  54% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  36% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Tyres
  32% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Lights and electrics
  32% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  18% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Rust and bodywork
  18% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1999 Mazda 323

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 7× as often on the 1999 Mazda 323 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the number plates? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 1999 Mazda 323 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 1999 Mazda 323 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?