Mazda 323 Glx (1991)

138 real MOT outcomes analysed • 3.9% first-time pass rate

1991 Mazda 323 Glx

CarHunch analysed 138 real MOT records for the 1991 Mazda 323 Glx. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

This 1991 Mazda 323 GLX is in serious trouble on the MOT. With a first-time pass rate of just 3.9% against the UK average of 80%, virtually every example you'll encounter will fail its test, and only 2.2% have ever recorded a dangerous defect—the real issue is simply age-related decay across the board.

At 115,920 miles on average, these cars are well-worn thirty-year-olds, and the 0.18 failures and 0.5 advisories per vehicle confirm they're crumbling mechanically. If you're considering one, treat the MOT as a starting point for a full pre-purchase inspection by a Mazda-familiar mechanic, because you're buying a restoration project, not a functional daily driver.

Below average reliability 76.1% below UK average
3.9%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
104,348
typical mileage
101,071–149,495 middle half
2.2%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
0.18
avg MOT failures per car
over 1.3 tests on record

What to check before buying a 1991 Mazda 323 Glx

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

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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Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (99%) 137 4% 0.18
Diesel (1%) 1 0% 0

Mileage Distribution

Most 1991 Mazda 323 Glx 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.

101,071
low mileage
104,348
typical
149,495
high mileage

Half of all 1991 Mazda 323 Glx vehicles fall between 101,071 and 149,495 miles.

MOT History Averages

1.3
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.18
Avg failures per vehicle
0.5
Avg advisories per vehicle

Found a specific Mazda 323 Glx?

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

UK

Other model years — Mazda 323 Glx:

1987 1988 1989 1990 1994 1995 1996