1990 Mazda 323

Introduction:

The 1990 Mazda 323 is a compact car that was available with a variety of engine and transmission options. Its base engine was a 1.6-liter inline-four that produced 88 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque, while a more powerful 1.8-liter inline-four that produced 125 horsepower and 112 lb-ft of torque was also available. Transmission options included a five-speed manual, a four-speed automatic, and a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Overall, the 1990 Mazda 323 was a reliable and affordable compact car that was praised for its fuel efficiency and handling. However, like all cars, it had its share of issues.

Engine

1.6-liter Inline-Four

• Head gasket failure: This issue can occur on vehicles with high mileage and can lead to coolant leaks, overheating, and engine damage. Replace the head gasket and resurface the cylinder head. $1000-$2000+. Recall #93V023000

1.8-liter Inline-Four

• Timing belt failure: This issue can occur on vehicles with high mileage and can lead to engine damage. Replace the timing belt and water pump. $500-$1000. Recall #97V148000
• Intake manifold gasket failure: This issue can lead to vacuum leaks, which can cause engine performance issues. Replace the intake manifold gasket. $200-$400. Recall #90V027000

Transmission

Five-Speed Manual

• Synchronizer wear: This issue can lead to difficulty shifting gears. Replace the synchronizers. $500-$1000.

Four-Speed Automatic

• Transmission slipping: This issue can lead to difficulty accelerating and can be caused by a variety of problems, including worn clutches, a faulty torque converter, or a leak in the transmission fluid. Rebuild or replace the transmission. $1000-$2500. Recall #93V022000
• Shift solenoid failure: This issue can lead to problems shifting gears. Replace the shift solenoid. $200-$400.

CVT

• Belt wear: This issue can lead to slipping and eventually failure of the transmission. Replace the belt. $1000-$1500.

Suspension

• Strut failure: This issue can lead to a rough ride and handling problems. Replace the struts. $500-$1000.
• Ball joint wear: This issue can lead to loose steering and handling problems. Replace the ball joints. $200-$400.

Electrical

• Alternator failure: This issue can lead to a dead battery and electrical problems. Replace the alternator. $200-$400.
• Starter failure: This issue can prevent the engine from starting. Replace the starter. $200-$400.
• Fuse box failure: This issue can cause electrical problems throughout the vehicle. Replace the fuse box. $100-$200.

Exterior

• Rust: This issue can affect the body panels and undercarriage of the vehicle. Treat the rust and prevent further damage. $500-$1000+.

Interior

• Dashboard cracking: This issue can affect the appearance of the interior. Replace the dashboard. $500-$1000.
• Seat fabric fading: This issue can affect the appearance of the interior. Reupholster the seats. $500-$1000.

Summary:

The 1990 Mazda 323 is a reliable and affordable compact car that is known for its fuel efficiency and handling. However, like all cars, it has its share of issues. The most common issues include head gasket failure, timing belt failure, and transmission problems. While these issues can be expensive to fix, they are relatively rare. Overall, the 1990 Mazda 323 is a good choice for budget-minded car buyers who are looking for a reliable and fuel-efficient vehicle.