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Mazda 323 Glx Exec (1989)

764 real MOT outcomes analysed • 1.5% first-time pass rate

1989 Mazda 323 Glx Exec

CarHunch analysed 764 real MOT records for the 1989 Mazda 323 Glx Exec. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

These 1989 Mazda 323s are in remarkably poor condition: only 1.5% pass their MOT first time, versus the UK average of 80%, and virtually all that attempt testing are failing. The dangerous defect rate of 0.4% is mercifully low, but the core problem is that these cars are simply worn out—few survive to MOT age in roadworthy condition.

At an average mileage of 132,832, these vehicles are genuinely high-mileage examples that have lived hard lives, yet the absence of serious failures (0.03 per vehicle) suggests when they do pass, structural and safety systems remain intact. If you're considering one of these nearly 35-year-old cars, don't buy based on MOT history—instead get a thorough pre-purchase inspection and budget for immediate brake, suspension, and corrosion work.

Below average reliability 78.5% below UK average
1.5%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
105,048
typical mileage
75,250–114,567 middle half
0.4%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
0.03
avg MOT failures per car
over 1.1 tests on record

What to check before buying a 1989 Mazda 323 Glx Exec

Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
  • 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
  • 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
  • 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.

Before you buy a Mazda 323 Glx Exec

MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.

Inspection ClickMechanic Have a qualified mechanic check this car before you commit to buying →

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Mileage Distribution

Most 1989 Mazda 323 Glx Exec vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

75,250
low mileage
105,048
typical
114,567
high mileage

Half of all 1989 Mazda 323 Glx Exec vehicles fall between 75,250 and 114,567 miles.

MOT History Averages

1.1
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.03
Avg failures per vehicle
0.1
Avg advisories per vehicle

Found a specific Mazda 323 Glx Exec?

Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.

UK