Mazda - Diesel engines

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Thu 6 Sep 2007 17:08
Diesel engines - LinuxGeek
Just would like to know what you guys think of Mazda TD/diesel engines of late 90s which they had in 626 and 98 onwards 323.
Parkers and wisebuyers guide have got good things to say about them, pretty good MPG, decent 0 - 60 speed etc.. and according to Parkers they're 16 valves.
Would like to know what you guys think of them, are they able to put up lots of miles like VWs or Pug diesels, how good they're to drive and stuffs like that.
Thanks.
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Thu 6 Sep 2007 17:26
Diesel engines - bell boy
Are you mazda mad mazman? ;-)
i wouldnt buy an old mazda diesel i shy away from petrols once they get older
possibly you could buy one and give us a rolling update on how you get on with the old bus
if you want a reliable diesel buy an old corsa non turbo,they do fantastic economy and are near bullet proof
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Thu 6 Sep 2007 18:03
Diesel engines - Jonathan {p}
We've got the diesel 323.
its noisy but very reliable and economical (550miles per tank) its done about 115k and is still going strong, needs a bit of welly to get the turbo to spool up fully, but when it does it shifts.
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Thu 6 Sep 2007 18:17
Diesel engines - jase1
A neighbour has the 323 diesel (51 plate). Seems reliable -- the only time it goes away is once a year on the dot for servicing at main dealer.
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Thu 6 Sep 2007 18:42
Diesel engines - Galad
Have owned a 323TD GXI from new (2002). 72k currently on the clock and apart from timing belt (54k), usual filters and tyres the only part replaced has been just one side light bulb which finally gave up the ghost yesterday. Fairly economical and plenty of torque but ride is harsh with sports suspension: the seats aren't comfortable in the 323 diesel yet they are in the petrol version, oddly. The seats are also quite low in the car which gives the sense of faster acceleration. The car feels as if it will go on for ever, with solid swtichgear, doors that clunck shut first time and electrics that are as good as new. Plenty of room inside for 5 adults, albeit not in any great comfort compared to my recently scrapped 1996 Astra.

My only real gripe though is rust: both real inside wheel arches are already showing signs of rust, as is the paintwork behind the rear number plate. The car as been garaged since new although I live close to the sea which shouldn't really affect a modern car.

All that said, I wouldn’t go for a diesel again given all the problems that seem to affect the common rail variants these days, even the Japanese makes.
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Thu 6 Sep 2007 18:43
Diesel engines - LinuxGeek
Yes I really like Mazdas! :)
I had a V plate 323 which was petrol and it was a good car allround. Good to drive and very reliable so I'm looking for a diesel one now :)
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