1987 323... info please

[MyZmZm]

My neighbour has an '87 323 that is in near mint condition, both body wise (I don't think it has any rust) and mechanical, and he is the original owner. It has 230,000 km on the odometer, and I believe is the LX model.

He might be selling it, and I am VERY interested in buying it for a winter car so I can park my baby and leave her for summer fun. Other than what I've mentioned, I know very little about the car - either specifically or in general about the model.

So, from all the knowledgeable Mazda owners on here... What do I need to look for as potential problems with this car (not that I'd expect to find any)? What can you tell me about this car, or where can I read up on it? How does it differ mechanically from the Protege (ie, little quirks, strengths, weaknesses)? What would be a fair value on it?

I don't go into buying a vehicle without doing my research, so any information, advice or leads that can be provided would be greatly appreciated.

TIA!

 

[MazKid]

Well, rust is the main thing to look for with these cars. Beyond that, it's reliable as all hell. Automatic transmissions are less reliable than manuals, but I don't know what the '87 323 has that you're looking at. Is it a hatch?

Anyway, the US 323 got the B6 SOHC 4 cylinder. 82hp, 92 ft lbs...6K redline, if it's an LX it's either got a 3 speed auto w/overdrive(ok call it a 4 speed) or a 5 speed manual. Lesser cars could be had with 4 speed manuals. LXs got cloth seats, tachometer, hieght-adjustable driver's seat, etc etc.

Quirks:
'87 323 LX hatchs were a rare breed. They had the rear wiper, some had power windows, and they all got cloth seats and interior panels. '88-'89 323 hatchs didn't get the LX trim level and had tweed seats and vinyl door panels. I've got an '88 in the family.

Strengths:
Reliability, fuel economy, cheap parts, simple mechanicals, etc etc.

Weaknesses:
SLOW(stock, that is, automatics, hang it up), can be loud on the road...

For more info on the BF series 323, here's my old 323 cardomain site. Lots of info. http://www.cardomain.com/ride/457459

 

[MyZmZm]

Well, rust is the main thing to look for with these cars. Beyond that, it's reliable as all hell. Automatic transmissions are less reliable than manuals, but I don't know what the '87 323 has that you're looking at. Is it a hatch?

sedan and i believe mtx, though i'm not 100% certain on that

Anyway, the US 323 got the B6 SOHC 4 cylinder. 82hp, 92 ft lbs...6K redline, if it's an LX it's either got a 3 speed auto w/overdrive(ok call it a 4 speed) or a 5 speed manual. Lesser cars could be had with 4 speed manuals. LXs got cloth seats, tachometer, hieght-adjustable driver's seat, etc etc.

Quirks:
'87 323 LX hatchs were a rare breed. They had the rear wiper, some had power windows, and they all got cloth seats and interior panels. '88-'89 323 hatchs didn't get the LX trim level and had tweed seats and vinyl door panels. I've got an '88 in the family.

Strengths:
Reliability, fuel economy, cheap parts, simple mechanicals, etc etc.

Weaknesses:
SLOW(stock, that is, automatics, hang it up), can be loud on the road...

For more info on the BF series 323, here's my old 323 cardomain site. Lots of info. http://www.cardomain.com/ride/457459

sounds like a decent car... i know my neighbour takes VERY good care of his vehicles, so if he says it runs like a top, i'm inclined to believe him; that being said, if i was going to buy it, i'd have it inspected to make sure.

not that i'd need another drain on my bank account (morrigan does just fine on her own, thank you very much ), but what mods are available for this car - either aftermarket or oem swaps/upgrades? when you say loud on the road, what are you referring to? road noise, exhaust???

 

[MazKid]

sedan and i believe mtx, though i'm not 100% certain on that but what mods are available for this car - either aftermarket or oem swaps/upgrades? when you say loud on the road, what are you referring to? road noise, exhaust???

Well, the 323 GT/GT-X has a turbo version of the B6 motor putting out 132hp. I've seen several B6T cars in the junkyard, mainly Mercury Capri XR2s. You could easily take the whole turbo setup and ECU from a junkyard car and put it on the 323.

Others have done BP(125hp), BPT(180hp or 210hp), F2T(145hp(but 190 ft lbs), FE3(170ish hp), etc etc.

The lug pattern is 4X114.3...the 323 LX has 13X5 alloys, you can swap on '83-'87 626 14" wheels, 626 GT 15" wheels, RX-7 GSL-SE 14", '86-'88 RX-7 wheels, etc.

When I said loud I meant road noise, though the LX has more sound deadening than the lesser trim levels. There's a good deal of wind noise as well at higher speeds. I've had mine up to 103mph, and that's in 3rd because the auto won't shift to 4th flat out no matter what. 5 speed cars are supposed to be able to do 115 or something, not bad for 82hp.

 

[MyZmZm]

Well, the 323 GT/GT-X has a turbo version of the B6 motor putting out 132hp. I've seen several B6T cars in the junkyard, mainly Mercury Capri XR2s. You could easily take the whole turbo setup and ECU from a junkyard car and put it on the 323.

Others have done BP(125hp), BPT(180hp or 210hp), F2T(145hp(but 190 ft lbs), FE3(170ish hp), etc etc.

The lug pattern is 4X114.3...the 323 LX has 13X5 alloys, you can swap on '83-'87 626 14" wheels, 626 GT 15" wheels, RX-7 GSL-SE 14", '86-'88 RX-7 wheels, etc.

When I said loud I meant road noise, though the LX has more sound deadening than the lesser trim levels. There's a good deal of wind noise as well at higher speeds. I've had mine up to 103mph, and that's in 3rd because the auto won't shift to 4th flat out no matter what. 5 speed cars are supposed to be able to do 115 or something, not bad for 82hp.

That's what I thought you were referring to with noise, but just wanted to check. And if I'm not mistaken, he said it was 4-lug... if it is, that rules out slapping on my 15" winter steelies. As you can tell, I haven't had a close look at the car.

And thanks for all the info, it's greatly appreciated. If you can think of anything more, I'm all ears - you seem to know a great deal, and have first-hand experience which is a definite plus. The more I think about it, the more I hope this car finds it's way into my hands... Morrigan would like a sister

 

[MyZmZm]

what would a car like this be worth? it's in excellent condition all around, and for the year, has low km.

 

[MyZmZm]

found out the other day that it is mtx (yay!) and has a sunroof there is a little bit of rust on the front wheel well, where it meets up with the bumper, but it's minor

was also able to take a pic of it... i know it's still not definite, but i can't believe how much i want to buy this car!!!

 

[MazKid]

DAMN that is clean!!!

Buy it!

 

[MyZmZm]

DAMN that is clean!!!

Buy it!

I KNOW!!!! It's as close to mint condition as you can get for a 20 year old car. I'm already having ideas on how I can 'improve' it a little

I hate to bug him on this... but not knowing if/when he wants to sell is killing me! Keep your fingers crossed for me.

 

[Salmon_Rob]

drop a b6t in that shiz

 

[MazKid]

drop a b6t in that shiz

Screw that, F2T, FE3-T, BPT. F2T = torque monster.

 

[Salmon_Rob]

budget build b6t would do her fine i want an fe3-t in the 1g. (evil)

 

[tyler886]

Only one downfall the the F2T, no LSD came stock. There is a Capella that came stock with an LSD, but its a super rare version, only 300 are said to exist. I've went through 2 trannies in my MX-6s, and to think, the built engine/turbo isnt even swapped in yet!

-Tyler

 

[morkys]

With the B6, watch for burnt valves. The engines had lubrication problems on some engines. My 87 carbed DX hatch developed a burnt valve at 176 000 KM. My FI 1988 LX was fine, but apparantly had a newer engine (new motor due to law suit or something..I had the receipts). You can swap engines til the sun goes down. The sedan came as a GT with the B6T and the hatch came as the GTX with a 4wd version of the same B6T. 132 HP and 136 LB feet torque. If you just want a winter beater, just check it over, check the compression and watch for oil leaks, oil burning, check the valve cover cap for issues (white = blown gasket or something due to anti-freeze in oil). Check it over thoroughly and no matter how good of shape its in, it isn't worth much since its so old and high mileage.