Mazda 323 SE Executive A (1991)

412 real MOT outcomes analysed • 5.6% first-time pass rate

1991 Mazda 323 SE Executive A

CarHunch analysed 412 real MOT records for the 1991 Mazda 323 SE Executive A. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

This 1991 Mazda 323 SE Executive A is essentially unreliable by modern standards: just 5.6% pass MOT first time compared to the UK average of 80%, meaning nine out of ten fail their test. The dangerous defect rate of 0.7% is mercifully low, but the overall verdict is clear—these cars are well past their serviceable life.

At 85,000 miles on average, these vehicles have covered reasonable mileage for their 33-year age, yet they're still racking up failures at a rate far exceeding anything acceptable. With an average of 0.14 failures and 0.3 advisories per vehicle, you're looking at regular and costly repair bills just to keep one roadworthy. If you're considering one, treat it as a hobby restoration project rather than transport—budget heavily for mechanical work.

Below average reliability 74.4% below UK average
5.6%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
84,449
typical mileage
64,813–97,318 middle half
0.7%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
0.14
avg MOT failures per car
over 1.3 tests on record

What to check before buying a 1991 Mazda 323 SE Executive A

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 SE Executive A

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

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Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (100%) 411 5.6% 0.14
Diesel (0%) 1 0% 0

Mileage Distribution

Most 1991 Mazda 323 SE Executive A 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.

64,813
low mileage
84,449
typical
97,318
high mileage

Half of all 1991 Mazda 323 SE Executive A vehicles fall between 64,813 and 97,318 miles.

MOT History Averages

1.3
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.14
Avg failures per vehicle
0.3
Avg advisories per vehicle

Found a specific Mazda 323 SE Executive A?

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

UK

Other model years — Mazda 323 SE Executive A:

1989 1990