Mazda323 (year 01) Timing belt or chain - Mazda Owner
Can any one provide a definitive 'yes' or 'no' answer on whether the Mazda 323 (year of manufacture 2001) has a belt or chain driven camshaft on the 1.6 engine?

It's my understanding that the 1.6 engine in the new mazda3 is chain driven and was wondering if this is the case with the 1.6 engine in the proceding 323 model.

If it's a chain does that remove the necessity to replace every several thousand miles?
Mazda323 (year 01) Timing belt or chain - Mapmaker
www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=16388&...f

Not an answer to your first question - for which try a dealer!
Mazda323 (year 01) Timing belt or chain - FatDog
I thought the 98-2003 mazda 323s onl had 1.3,1.5 and 1.8 engines. They all have belts. My wife has a 99t 1.5 with 28k on the clock .

I phoned a mazda dealer to ask if the belts should be changed since the car is over 5 years old and he said that age was irrelevant and the belt needed changed at 54k. Does this sound reasonable ?
Mazda323 (year 01) Timing belt or chain - P 2501
No! all rubber drive belts deteriorate with age as well as miles.
Do not leave a belt longer than 5 years/50000 miles if you value the car.