Both nice cars but the '1000' just does it for me. It doesn't make the tea or talk to you, it just does what a car should do really. Simply charming. Thanks for the road test Ian.
My Dad had an 87' 323 4 door saloon 1.3 5 speed in gold metallic. Had it for 15 years and never missed a beat. It's biggest claim to fame was despite being a saloon it had a rear wiper Previously he also had an 81' 323 BD version which was mechanically bulletproof but had rust issues
I actually know this little Mazda, i was offered it last year for a few hundred pounds by a friend of the family as the owners widow wanted it gone of the drive, it literally lived behind my house in Ipswich. Before I had chance to view it the lady's son in law had put it on eBay. The right thing to do for the lady but I missed out on a very cheap new project car! Good to see it again and back on the road!
I just love old japanese cars they are so well engineered (close to perfection) and last 4 ever if you take care against rust. Japanese cars are better than german cars.
I don't see the appeal of German cars, except bottom end ones like the old 1980s Polo. If you want long term reliability get Japanese, however I get shit cause I say for flair and style, French or Italian are better
@@stevenjoy3537 I agree with your comment about German cars. My uncle had an old A-reg Polo breadvan that simply wouldn't die. It just wanted to last forever. However my wife has a modern SEAT using all VW mechanicals, and it's been a constant headache throughout ownership. Can't wait to get rid of the PoS!
At this point I very much think the Germans are trading on their past reputation for reliability and engineering. Audis and BMWs in particular seem to have become stupidly complex and fragile as a result. Japanese cars on the other hand seem to go on forever (especially Toyotas) - it's just a pity that they're generally not very interesting (although they did make some very pretty cars in the Seventies, the Mazda definitely being one).
19:48 I knew what you were gonna say ''previous owner was a smoker, I suspect'' well you suspected right! All my cars had a cigarette burns between my legs except I am a pipe and a cigar smoker, I get my stash from Holland regularly as my brother and his family who have settled in Hilversum 25 km from Amsterdam visit us here in the UK. I've learnt my lesson and have bought me seat covers to protect my leather interior on my Volvo V70 D5 SE. But, frequently cinders so to speak fly off my pipe and burn my shirts and trousers. Always a pleasure watching you
Thank's a lot for this video. A Mazda 323 BD 1,3 from 1983 was my sisters first car. She got it in 1989. During that time I drove my Opel Kadett C 1,2 sedan (Chevette ). To my Opel the Mazda was a really luxury car. And with only 60 HP it could go somewhat quickly. It had very comfortable seats compaering to other cars in this compact class like Opel Kadett D (Astra) , Ford Escort or Golf Mark I. That car was the reason for me to change to Mazda. In 1993 I got 1990 Mazda 323 F with those nice popub lights. Only driven 24.000 km by the first owner . The 323 F was sold very succsesful in that time. My wife got my Kadett. I loved that Mazda so much, but in 2000 I gave it to my wife, when I got my 626 GF sedan 2l 16V with full options from 1998. That one was better to tow my caravan. The 323 my wife drove until 2009 and gave it away for a new Mazda 5 2,0 16V. The 323 had a 1,6 8V engine and had, when we gave it away 385.000 km!!! We hadn't any trouble at all, only ordinary repairs and services. But at the end it was very difficult to get new TÜV (MOT) because of rust and steering problems. It was one of the best cars I ever had. Sometimes I like to have again one. At the moment I love and enjoy my third 626 from 1999, also full options. When I got it in 2018 the first owner drove only 83.000 km. My second 626 from 2000, which I got in 2011, after the first one was crashed by my wife, was untypical rusty. So I changed this to the actuell one. Compaering to the reliability to the Mazdas of the 80's and 90's our Mazda 5 is a real troubleshooter. So thank you again for this nice roadtest.
The other thing with applying the handbrake when at traffic lights is if you are rear ended your less likely to cause a pile up if the handbrake is on.
handbrake on and rest your foot over the brake pedal. no brake light dazzle but if you are hit you will instinctively (or just because of the physical movement) push the pedal which will help keep the car rooted. Handbrakes aren't that strong (consider that people occasionally erroneously drive away with them on).
Another Hugely Enjoyable Road Test Ian! For Me The Real Gem Of The Test Was That Beautifully Preserved 1974 M Reg Mazda 1000. How Beautifully Built, And Such Charm! I Owned A 1979 T Reg, First Generation 5 Door Mazda 323 Automatic Hatchback, In Metallica Gold, With Lovely Golden Velour Interior! What A Luxury Car From 1979!!! Precious Japanese Engineering! As You Know, The First Generation Rear Wheel Drive 323 Came Out In 1977, On An R Reg Plate, Available As A 2 Door, And 5 Door Hatch, With Either Manuel Or Automatic Option. Your Road Test Of That Gorgeous Mazda 1000, Was Fascinating! As I've Never Been In One Of Those! And It Was Very Refined For 1974! Well Done On A Super Road Test Again Ian!!!!
My dad drove rally with couple Mazda 1200 or 1300 models on 70's and 80's. Those were older model with smaller taillights. That model which you filmed called Marella in here and dad told me that you can't drive rally with those Marellas, because that didn't had some classification. He liked them very much, because sharp engine, great transmission, nimble handling on narrow roads, because it was so small and narrow and it was pretty reliable too, but rust... I think there isn't many of those left anymore, but have seen few on classic car meets and shows. Very nice looking tiny car 😎 Dad had also 1500 wagon.
I thought I recognised that BF before! I was following you when you were driving down the Birmingham New Road, I know it was you because I saw the HubNut sticker on the back!
All of the little RWD Japanese cars of that time were delightful..beautifully simple, well made, reliable. Good brakes, easy to drive, light steering, precise gearchanges..quite a revelation at the time. The Mazda 1000 was in good company with the Daihatsu Compagno (particularly delicious in Estate form), Datsun 1200 etc....but by far the best was the Isuzu Bellet..okay, 1500cc OHC, but what a terrific car to drive..made my Dad's Jaguar 3.4 Mk 2 feel prehistoric..
That Mazda 1000 kinda reminds my of the Toyota 1000 (pre-dating the Starlet) my mother used to have in the same period. That was was quite well equipped - having a radio and carpets and everything....
Give me an Hillman Imp any day - Japanese cars were far too reliable and not adventurous to drive because of it ! You could rely on the Imp to break down in the most awkward places - such excitement on every journey :-) .
This is so true - where's the fun on knowing your car is going to start and complete the journey without issue? My best car stories are of when the cars aren't working properly!
Lovely! My uncle had a 1000, in the reddish colour on the 1300. It was very nice but he switched it for a Fiat Ritmo later. My dad had a 323 sedan from 1992 that gave him a lot of cheap milage, a very reliable and economic car, but with squeky seats. Sat very low in it as I remember. And floor controls for fuel lid and boot!
Great vid, my dad bought a brand new Mazda 818 estate in 1975 and I ended up with it 18 years later. It had an electrical quirk in that if you held that small hazard warning light stall half way between on and off you could turn the ignition off and take the key out and the engine carried on running. Unfortunately if you did try this when driving along the steering lock did it’s thing, not advisable. Keep them coming sir.
Well done on using the handbrake. I don't know if you've ever mentioned it, but watched all your videos since you got TWK....However when Japanese cars were first imported, they had no rust protection. I saw a 3 year old car being welded up, even had holes in the roof. Now that beats BMC hands down, even the 1100 with the water trap on the rear subframe mounts.
My brother brought his Mazda 1000 back from Malta after his posting to the RAF out there ended. I couldn't tell you much about it other than it was yellow and he was always tinkering with it! I also use handbrake when stopped at lights and I gear down when approaching junctions, lights and roundabouts. Apparently they don't teach that anymore, but it's a useful "habit" to have especially when driving with a heavily laden vehicle.
Great video, I bought my first copy of Retro Japanese today too. Excellent feature on the 323 and Honda in the mag, I agree, Honda reached a peak in the 1980s.
Great to see a 323 estate - or "station wagon" as they were called in the manuals,I had a "B" reg - 1985 vintage red 323 estate,was powerful,it had a 1500cc crossflow engine,and it could really sit up when pushed,even when fully loaded with passengers and cargo - I've just acquired another red Mazda,only last week,I bought a Mazda 2 - zoom zoom!
I completely agree with your comment about using the parking brake at traffic lights. I was taught to use it and I always do. I dislike staring at glaring brake lights. It's just laziness on the part of the driver.
Again, cracking video, even with the rush hour traffic. Loved those 323s, and am probably not alone in wanting to buy one and badge it as a Sao Penza. That 1000 is utterly charming though.
The paint code label seems to be the only thing that hasn't changed between the two! My dad had a '91 BF estate like that when we lived in Saudi, a 1.5 GLX without as many accoutrements, all keep-fit windows but it did have aircon. And only lap belts in the rear - seems like the stone ages! OEM stereo was probably Blaupunkt. The BF was produced in South Africa up until 2003 under various Mazda and Ford names. They also made a "bakkie" (pickup) version, the Ford Bantam, though later on that ended up with a Fiesta Mk4 front end for extra confusion.
Volkswagens (and other makes) have automatic handbrakes that come on automatically when you come to a stop. The only issue is that the rear brake lights stay lit, unless you pull the handbrake button. The Golf at the lights beside you when you were talking about handbrakes looked like it was demonstrating that fact!
Achingly dainty styling on the Mazda 1000 matched with robust simplicity. With the notable exception of that combination wiper/lights switch which is a work of engineering genius. What's not to love. Strangely the 323 gains much and looses something!
12:40 In countries where all cars have automatic gearboxes, everyone is on the brake pedal while waiting at a traffic light. You get used to the rear lights blasting in your face.
The question is not which one is best but which do you prefer? It would be the 1000 for me every time. Lightweight, simple, perfectly suited to it's job. The 323 seems to be just like a modern car. It lacks character.
It was interesting despite the traffic 👍. When I learned to drive back in the late 80s it was a thing that the handbrake was applied then you stopped at lights etc, and sorry Ian I'm one of those brake light people now. Love the Mazda 1000
I was in the trade in the 1980's, we had a basic rule of thumb that Datsun was well engineered, basic and very rot prone. Mazda was well engineered, not quite so basic and rot prone. Toyota were the best of the lot, very well engineered, nicely appointed but still rot prone. What a shame they dissolved in a few British winters. I always had a soft spot for the Datsun 120Y, I'm not sure why as I only recall travelling in one once.
FYI Here are a few 1975 prices (total cost incl tax and VAT): Mazda 1000: £1359, Allegro 1100 £1458, Fiat 128 1100 £1377, Hillman Imp £1246, VW Golf 1100 (!!!) £1389 So it was priced lower than the Allegro, but not much. What strikes me most is that the Golf was -- cheaper -- (yes really!) than the Allegro!
3 lanes of traffic waiting at the lights in front of me, every one of them holding on the footbrake! Yes, those LED brake lights are particularly annoying, on par with those piercing LED DRL's!!
So what gets you there quicker? A cute little basic 1974 Mazda 1000 that will poodle along without breaking a sweat; or a futuristic, state of the art, electric Jaguar? Depends on how quickly it takes to fill up with a few gallons of petrol; as opposed to finding a charger station that actually works and charges in less than 2 hours. Advancements in cars, eh? Love that little 70's Retro babe; particularly given she's still proudly wrapped in her 45 year old plastic.....amazing! Thanks for the time warp Ian. What better way to start a Weekend! 👍
Love the little Mazda 1000, basic but beautifully detailed and feels so much better engineered than Fords, Vauxhalls or BL products of the era. I had a look around this car at the Yewtree Inn and yes I did ask you and the owners if it had a rotary engine haha, sorry thank you all for being so patient :) These may not have been the best roads for a road test but this video shows a 1974 classic can still cut it in town with modern traffic. So many people only use classics on quiet A and B roads on a Sunday afternoon in the summer!!!
Wow that Mazda 1000 is the definitive Doraemon car. The chassis of pre 90s Japanese cars were underbuilt for economic reasons. IMO the first solid handling Japanese car was the 4th gen Prelude from '91
I know what you mean about the blinding lights at the back of the car in front Ian. Unfortunately that's a characteristic of the modern E-brake so it looks like your on the footbrake but it's being held by the car itself.
Small - big car. That's is in short what can be said of this Mazda. Very high quality is striking as well as a spacious interior. A really nice specimen. Then it's no wonder that "Mazda" is a very serious brand. Otherwise it's my favorite brand.
Too bad all these old asian cars rust so much, I used to drive a first generation Daihatsu Charade for a few years, very comfortable seats, never had a single issue and it got (UK)55MPG, sold it in 2016 because there was way too much panel rust and I'm not very good at welding. Was a 3 cylinder and weighed like 750kg, you could lift the back of it and turn it around, happened to me a few times heh. The low fuel consumption was so nice for 18 year old me back when I still went to school
Crap design then as blinding drivers behind you isn't big nor clever. Stop start tech also very debatable in terms of fuel/pollution and wears out many components prematurely. Default setting is off on my vehicles.
"The Mazda Familia; it's just nice." You need to work in advertising. I was taught the same as you with handbrakes and it wasn't until I met folks with electric handbrakes that I learned a lot of the time it's unreliable, or seriously inconvenient, to apply at lights which is why people don't. Reason I was taught to use the handbrake at lights was courtesy (preventing dazzling the driver behind) and safety, because if someone runs into you at the lights and you're just using the footbrake, your foot will come off the pedal and the car will be punted further. That said, older generations told me I shouldn't use the handbrake because I'll wear the ratchet out, which seems about the same logic as not using your headlights or indicators for the same reason.
I did get used to the one in the I Pace, but I was still thinking this is another thing that'll render the cars unrepairable in 20 years time. I know plenty of older moderns with handbrake woes, from Land Rover to Volkswagen and Renault.
@@noexpensespentstudiosYour right cars have used cable handbrakes for many years reliable but arguably with the discussion thats going on here the problem being solved isnt the mechanics of the handbrake but the idiot behind the wheel who won't use the hand brake, they work best on cars that have driver aids, you can set them so they automatically apply the hand brake so you dont roll back at junctions and dont sit there with your foot on the brake because your too lazy to pull the hand brake on. They are pretty easy to maintain too, there were alot of issues with the first gen versions, I had one on a vectra that would spontaneously release for no reason, but this seems to have settled down these days. My last two vws with them fitted did over 100k miles each with no issues. Like most modern changes to cars you just need to learn to use them.
It's very much the same styling as my first car the datson 120y saloon 1200cc I believe it was a updated Morris 1000 engine & gearbox .mechanically sound but rusted out which was stranded for the datson
Shame the 'hot wiper action' of the final scene was almost entirely hidden behind a pop-up box advertising one of your other videos, is this something you have any control over?
Can't get enough of 80's Japanese square crap!! Had a carina 2 (t170) and now a sunny n13, both saloons, I tend to ruin them by cutting the springs and stuff though 🤣🤣
I always put the handbrake on at traffic lights etc... why would you want to press the brake for all that time, and putting your handbrake on will stop your car from rolling back when at hills.
I keep my foot on the brake as so many people don’t pay attention (phones etc) and your dazzling brake lights give you a bit of a better chance of avoiding being rear ended!!
It sounds like the clutch has rather a high bite. Lovely little car, seen her a couple of times in your vids. I think Mazda must have cottoned on by this time that there was no future for rotary engines. Sure they are smooth, but they drink petrol and never were very reliable (that's not quite true, as they are still committed to development of the Wankel engine, although it does not feature in any current production car.) I think NSU resolved the premature rotor tip wear, but by that time it was too late.
IF YOU DON'T USE YOUR HANDBRAKE AND OR SITTING WITH THE CAR IN GEAR ,YOU ARE, 1. being annoying to the person behind you with your brake lights. 2. holding the brake pads against the discs can cause a local hot spot which can warp the discs, 3. transfering the heat into the caliper, thus heating the brake fluid, making it less effective cos you've lowered it's boiling point over time, brake fluid should be changed every 4--5yrs. 4. putting enormous pressure on the clutch release bearing, and the finger springs on the pressure plate, this will weaken them and result in juddering when pulling away. 5. loading the CRANKSHAFT with an awfull load against it's thrust bearings, that 8 inches or so of pedal travel is only about 1/2 inch of movement at the clutch end! so 50 lbs pedal pressure is 800 lbs being forced against the press. plate, flywheel thus the crankshaft!! 5. if leaving you're hand on the gear lever, causing wear on the gear selector fork, which is mostly only bronze, which will end up giving you a sloppy and inaccurate gear change. 6. TIP, half press handbrake lever button so as to reduce wear on the ratchet. BECAUSE YOU ARE NOW GOING TO START USING IT! I drive a 25yr old Golf 136000mls, mine for over 10yrs. with less than 3/8s of gear lever play, a gear change that's effortless, and the original clutch still, and that's mostly city driving. Happy motoring people, thank me later.
We have a Mazda 1000 like this, but with the posh 1300cc engine. We have had it since new (44 years). It also has luxuries like 4 doors, full interior carpeting and a radio. The glove box is also huge. What more is there? You didn't try the lever on either side of the dash that operates a truly cyclonic ventilation system. Yes, we had fuses in the ash tray for years. First major repair was when she was 40 years old with 380,000 kms when she lost compression. The performance with the 1272 cc engine is brilliant. Heaps of torque. But as you found out, you need to warm her up but you can drive her in 35 degrees no sweat. That engine performs much better in hot weather. Top speed 145 km/hr. All of those models had an OHC engine and a rotary was never offered in this body shape. The closest was the R100 based on the 1200 coupe from the late 60's or a Mazda RX3.
In regards using the handbrake at traffic lights, the advice is right there in the highway code. Rule 114 for example contains the statement: "In stationary queues of traffic, drivers should apply the parking brake and, once the following traffic has stopped, take their foot off the footbrake to deactivate the vehicle brake lights. This will minimise glare to road users behind until the traffic moves again." which relates exactly to what you, and many others are saying: it reduces glare, it stops the person behind being dazzled by your brake lights. Especially important with modern LED lighting systems! Some VW owners have claimed to me in the past that their brake lights stay on with the handbrake on, but footbrake released (technically going against Construction & Use regs). If that's the case, it's not just emissions that are dodgy about VWs...
Yes agree, read the Highway Code, it answers most questions. Not all! It is clear on this question. However the VW question is interesting: could it be - VW's using the MQB platform, when using 'Auto Hold' to keep you stationary (either an automatic/DSG to stop creep, or with a manual trans), seem to apply the brake lights for some reason, even though your foot is off the brake pedal. I don't think the earlier Golf Mk VI or Tiguan Mk1 applied the brake lights when sitting on 'Auto Hold'. Strange.
That Mazda 1000 is an absolute gem. We ran a pickup version (F1000) for years in Zimbabwe, just seeing the dashboard brought back many good memories. My Dad and I fitted a Datsun 1400 engine, gearbox and rear axle into it after the original engine died...it ran on for at least a decade afterwards..great fun, and a bit of a 'sleeper '
So Im sitting here thinking that road looks familiar, then you go point out Merry Hill and the penny drops...lol - Fancy you coming all that way to use a Black Country garage. Love the car!! Thumbs up from me.
Well, well, would you believe it? It looks like there really was a little old lady who only drove her car to church on Sundays, and it turns out she owned a Mazda.
What I always liked about 1970's Japanese cars was the amount of standard equipment on them where as almost everything in our home ( uk ) built car was an optional extra.
I passed my driving test 3.5 years ago (I am 20) and I was also told to wait with the handbrake on - drives me mad when people don't do it, they just roll backwards!
When I was taught to drive, (over 30 years ago now), my instructor *MADE* me use the clutch on hills and I still use it these days. Hand brakes are for when you're stuck on a hill and it's going to be a while before you move off.
@@TheFakeRussian using the clutch to keep the car from rolling backwards is not a good practice! Not sure if that's what you mean, but doing so will wear out your clutch plates really fast.
Well said Ian. One thing I hate is being sat behind some b*llend with their foot constantly on the brake pedal. The newish cars with particularly intense bright LED lights that blind everyone...really annoy.
@@system11yt Agreed. The fad for ridiculously bright lights on cars is a threat to safety, not an improvement. If you can't see the perfectly adequate lights from a car made before the current era of 'my lights are brighter than yours' you probably shouldn't be driving a car.
Hey Ian, in Australia in the 80's, you early 90's in this model, we had both the Mazda, and in a flash of badge engineering, the Ford Laser/Meteor! My God! Where will it end?
Great in-car camera work very visual and clear. I love the old cars they had so much more glass
Both nice cars but the '1000' just does it for me. It doesn't make the tea or talk to you, it just does what a car should do really. Simply charming. Thanks for the road test Ian.
My Dad had an 87' 323 4 door saloon 1.3 5 speed in gold metallic. Had it for 15 years and never missed a beat. It's biggest claim to fame was despite being a saloon it had a rear wiper
Previously he also had an 81' 323 BD version which was mechanically bulletproof but had rust issues
I actually know this little Mazda, i was offered it last year for a few hundred pounds by a friend of the family as the owners widow wanted it gone of the drive, it literally lived behind my house in Ipswich. Before I had chance to view it the lady's son in law had put it on eBay. The right thing to do for the lady but I missed out on a very cheap new project car! Good to see it again and back on the road!
I just love old japanese cars they are so well engineered (close to perfection) and last 4 ever if you take care against rust. Japanese cars are better than german cars.
I don't see the appeal of German cars, except bottom end ones like the old 1980s Polo. If you want long term reliability get Japanese, however I get shit cause I say for flair and style, French or Italian are better
@@stevenjoy3537 I love the French cars as well. And they can take a lot as well as Japanese cars...
@@stevenjoy3537 I agree with your comment about German cars. My uncle had an old A-reg Polo breadvan that simply wouldn't die. It just wanted to last forever. However my wife has a modern SEAT using all VW mechanicals, and it's been a constant headache throughout ownership. Can't wait to get rid of the PoS!
At this point I very much think the Germans are trading on their past reputation for reliability and engineering. Audis and BMWs in particular seem to have become stupidly complex and fragile as a result. Japanese cars on the other hand seem to go on forever (especially Toyotas) - it's just a pity that they're generally not very interesting (although they did make some very pretty cars in the Seventies, the Mazda definitely being one).
@@rich_edwards79 Today most german cars are made from Chinese components its a sad story, but even the Japanese buy lots of components from China....
19:48 I knew what you were gonna say ''previous owner was a smoker, I suspect'' well you suspected right! All my cars had a cigarette burns between my legs except I am a pipe and a cigar smoker, I get my stash from Holland regularly as my brother and his family who have settled in Hilversum 25 km from Amsterdam visit us here in the UK. I've learnt my lesson and have bought me seat covers to protect my leather interior on my Volvo V70 D5 SE. But, frequently cinders so to speak fly off my pipe and burn my shirts and trousers. Always a pleasure watching you
Thank's a lot for this video. A Mazda 323 BD 1,3 from 1983 was my sisters first car. She got it in 1989. During that time I drove my Opel Kadett C 1,2 sedan (Chevette ). To my Opel the Mazda was a really luxury car. And with only 60 HP it could go somewhat quickly. It had very comfortable seats compaering to other cars in this compact class like Opel Kadett D (Astra) , Ford Escort or Golf Mark I. That car was the reason for me to change to Mazda. In 1993 I got 1990 Mazda 323 F with those nice popub lights. Only driven 24.000 km by the first owner . The 323 F was sold very succsesful in that time. My wife got my Kadett. I loved that Mazda so much, but in 2000 I gave it to my wife, when I got my 626 GF sedan 2l 16V with full options from 1998. That one was better to tow my caravan. The 323 my wife drove until 2009 and gave it away for a new Mazda 5 2,0 16V. The 323 had a 1,6 8V engine and had, when we gave it away 385.000 km!!! We hadn't any trouble at all, only ordinary repairs and services. But at the end it was very difficult to get new TÜV (MOT) because of rust and steering problems. It was one of the best cars I ever had. Sometimes I like to have again one. At the moment I love and enjoy my third 626 from 1999, also full options. When I got it in 2018 the first owner drove only 83.000 km. My second 626 from 2000, which I got in 2011, after the first one was crashed by my wife, was untypical rusty. So I changed this to the actuell one. Compaering to the reliability to the Mazdas of the 80's and 90's our Mazda 5 is a real troubleshooter. So thank you again for this nice roadtest.
The elegant simplicity, love cars of that era. I miss my 1980 corrola-tercel in bright yellow, 1 litre engine. Thanks HubNut!
The other thing with applying the handbrake when at traffic lights is if you are rear ended your less likely to cause a pile up if the handbrake is on.
handbrake on and rest your foot over the brake pedal. no brake light dazzle but if you are hit you will instinctively (or just because of the physical movement) push the pedal which will help keep the car rooted. Handbrakes aren't that strong (consider that people occasionally erroneously drive away with them on).
Another Hugely Enjoyable Road Test Ian! For Me The Real Gem Of The Test Was That Beautifully Preserved 1974 M Reg Mazda 1000. How Beautifully Built, And Such Charm! I Owned A 1979 T Reg, First Generation 5 Door Mazda 323 Automatic Hatchback, In Metallica Gold, With Lovely Golden Velour Interior! What A Luxury Car From 1979!!! Precious Japanese Engineering! As You Know, The First Generation Rear Wheel Drive 323 Came Out In 1977, On An R Reg Plate, Available As A 2 Door, And 5 Door Hatch, With Either Manuel Or Automatic Option. Your Road Test Of That Gorgeous Mazda 1000, Was Fascinating! As I've Never Been In One Of Those! And It Was Very Refined For 1974! Well Done On A Super Road Test Again Ian!!!!
My dad drove rally with couple Mazda 1200 or 1300 models on 70's and 80's.
Those were older model with smaller taillights.
That model which you filmed called Marella in here and dad told me that you can't drive rally with those Marellas, because that didn't had some classification.
He liked them very much, because sharp engine, great transmission, nimble handling on narrow roads, because it was so small and narrow and it was pretty reliable too, but rust...
I think there isn't many of those left anymore, but have seen few on classic car meets and shows.
Very nice looking tiny car 😎
Dad had also 1500 wagon.
I thought I recognised that BF before! I was following you when you were driving down the Birmingham New Road, I know it was you because I saw the HubNut sticker on the back!
All of the little RWD Japanese cars of that time were delightful..beautifully simple, well made, reliable.
Good brakes, easy to drive, light steering, precise gearchanges..quite a revelation at the time.
The Mazda 1000 was in good company with the Daihatsu Compagno (particularly delicious in Estate form), Datsun 1200 etc....but by far the best was the Isuzu Bellet..okay, 1500cc OHC, but what a terrific car to drive..made my Dad's Jaguar 3.4 Mk 2 feel prehistoric..
I just love original and untouched corrosion.
man what a couple of retro rides what a find and drive
That Mazda 1000 kinda reminds my of the Toyota 1000 (pre-dating the Starlet) my mother used to have in the same period. That was was quite well equipped - having a radio and carpets and everything....
I picked up a 2000 Mazda 323 Astina on Wednesday night. Fun car to drive.
Give me an Hillman Imp any day - Japanese cars were far too reliable and not adventurous to drive because of it ! You could rely on the Imp to break down in the most awkward places - such excitement on every journey :-) .
This is so true - where's the fun on knowing your car is going to start and complete the journey without issue? My best car stories are of when the cars aren't working properly!
Lovely! My uncle had a 1000, in the reddish colour on the 1300. It was very nice but he switched it for a Fiat Ritmo later. My dad had a 323 sedan from 1992 that gave him a lot of cheap milage, a very reliable and economic car, but with squeky seats. Sat very low in it as I remember. And floor controls for fuel lid and boot!
Great vid, my dad bought a brand new Mazda 818 estate in 1975 and I ended up with it 18 years later. It had an electrical quirk in that if you held that small hazard warning light stall half way between on and off you could turn the ignition off and take the key out and the engine carried on running. Unfortunately if you did try this when driving along the steering lock did it’s thing, not advisable. Keep them coming sir.
Well done on using the handbrake. I don't know if you've ever mentioned it, but watched all your videos since you got TWK....However when Japanese cars were first imported, they had no rust protection. I saw a 3 year old car being welded up, even had holes in the roof. Now that beats BMC hands down, even the 1100 with the water trap on the rear subframe mounts.
Fully agree on the parking brake at lights thing. That’s how I was taught too. Blinding drivers behind you with your brake lights is just rude!
Your vids are never boring, if only for the love of orange and grey, nice.
My brother brought his Mazda 1000 back from Malta after his posting to the RAF out there ended. I couldn't tell you much about it other than it was yellow and he was always tinkering with it! I also use handbrake when stopped at lights and I gear down when approaching junctions, lights and roundabouts. Apparently they don't teach that anymore, but it's a useful "habit" to have especially when driving with a heavily laden vehicle.
Yes, gears to go, brakes to slow is the mantra these days. I agree with it not at all.
Feeling nostalgic watching this first 2 cars were 323s 1979 3door 1.4 round light and then a 1990 1.6 saloon
Ha! Remember many a shopping trip to Merry Hell back in the 90s.
Great video, I bought my first copy of Retro Japanese today too. Excellent feature on the 323 and Honda in the mag, I agree, Honda reached a peak in the 1980s.
I’ve had several Mazdas. A 323GT, 323 estate as shown here, a B reg 626, E reg 626. The 1000 is a really sweet little car.
Great to see a 323 estate - or "station wagon" as they were called in the manuals,I had a "B" reg - 1985 vintage red 323 estate,was powerful,it had a 1500cc crossflow engine,and it could really sit up when pushed,even when fully loaded with passengers and cargo - I've just acquired another red Mazda,only last week,I bought a Mazda 2 - zoom zoom!
I completely agree with your comment about using the parking brake at traffic lights. I was taught to use it and I always do. I dislike staring at glaring brake lights. It's just laziness on the part of the driver.
Again, cracking video, even with the rush hour traffic.
Loved those 323s, and am probably not alone in wanting to buy one and badge it as a Sao Penza. That 1000 is utterly charming though.
Quite right too regarding the handbrake!
The paint code label seems to be the only thing that hasn't changed between the two!
My dad had a '91 BF estate like that when we lived in Saudi, a 1.5 GLX without as many accoutrements, all keep-fit windows but it did have aircon. And only lap belts in the rear - seems like the stone ages! OEM stereo was probably Blaupunkt.
The BF was produced in South Africa up until 2003 under various Mazda and Ford names. They also made a "bakkie" (pickup) version, the Ford Bantam, though later on that ended up with a Fiesta Mk4 front end for extra confusion.
Amazing how different the Aussie Mazads were.that 1000 only came with the 1.3 81 BHP & the 323 Estate never saw it.All the years seem different too
Lovely little Mazda, I now consider wonderfully simple and honest.
Proper vehicle. (The 1000, that is.) You can definitely see it's from the same gene pool as my Rx-3.
The interior in particular looks quite... *Familia*
I should add, the FWD 323 was also called the Ford Laser in NZ & Australia
Lovely car and great video. Ford were using Pinto Overhead Cam in 1.6 and 2.0 litre form on Cortina and Capri by the mid 70s.
Not the one litre engines though. Hillman Imp and Citroen GSA offered tiny OHC engines, but not many others in a conventional car.
HubNut lovely video and always enjoy watching
Volkswagens (and other makes) have automatic handbrakes that come on automatically when you come to a stop. The only issue is that the rear brake lights stay lit, unless you pull the handbrake button. The Golf at the lights beside you when you were talking about handbrakes looked like it was demonstrating that fact!
Both lovely little cars😊😊
That transmission noise reminds me of a cross between an Anglia 105e and a Mini!
I know beauty is supposed to be in the eye of the beholder but that Mazda, in my eyes anyway, is a beauty.
Achingly dainty styling on the Mazda 1000 matched with robust simplicity. With the notable exception of that combination wiper/lights switch which is a work of engineering genius. What's not to love. Strangely the 323 gains much and looses something!
The 323 was also sold in NZ as the Ford Laser replacing for the RWD Escort.
12:40 In countries where all cars have automatic gearboxes, everyone is on the brake pedal while waiting at a traffic light. You get used to the rear lights blasting in your face.
23:55 They were just preparing you for going to New Zealand Ian.
I wonder if the Mazda 1000 will be peppier once it's run in!
The question is not which one is best but which do you prefer? It would be the 1000 for me every time. Lightweight, simple, perfectly suited to it's job. The 323 seems to be just like a modern car. It lacks character.
It was interesting despite the traffic 👍. When I learned to drive back in the late 80s it was a thing that the handbrake was applied then you stopped at lights etc, and sorry Ian I'm one of those brake light people now. Love the Mazda 1000
I was in the trade in the 1980's, we had a basic rule of thumb that Datsun was well engineered, basic and very rot prone. Mazda was well engineered, not quite so basic and rot prone. Toyota were the best of the lot, very well engineered, nicely appointed but still rot prone. What a shame they dissolved in a few British winters. I always had a soft spot for the Datsun 120Y, I'm not sure why as I only recall travelling in one once.
FYI Here are a few 1975 prices (total cost incl tax and VAT):
Mazda 1000: £1359, Allegro 1100 £1458, Fiat 128 1100 £1377, Hillman Imp £1246, VW Golf 1100 (!!!) £1389
So it was priced lower than the Allegro, but not much. What strikes me most is that the Golf was -- cheaper -- (yes really!) than the Allegro!
3 lanes of traffic waiting at the lights in front of me, every one of them holding on the footbrake! Yes, those LED brake lights are particularly annoying, on par with those piercing LED DRL's!!
So what gets you there quicker? A cute little basic 1974 Mazda 1000 that will poodle along without breaking a sweat; or a futuristic, state of the art, electric Jaguar? Depends on how quickly it takes to fill up with a few gallons of petrol; as opposed to finding a charger station that actually works and charges in less than 2 hours. Advancements in cars, eh? Love that little 70's Retro babe; particularly given she's still proudly wrapped in her 45 year old plastic.....amazing! Thanks for the time warp Ian. What better way to start a Weekend! 👍
My dad had a Datsun 120y
This car is currently for sale for £6,250!
24:50 - yay a C30 (Mk1) in white. I had one and really wish I'd kept it :-(
Love the little Mazda 1000, basic but beautifully detailed and feels so much better engineered than Fords, Vauxhalls or BL products of the era. I had a look around this car at the Yewtree Inn and yes I did ask you and the owners if it had a rotary engine haha, sorry thank you all for being so patient :) These may not have been the best roads for a road test but this video shows a 1974 classic can still cut it in town with modern traffic. So many people only use classics on quiet A and B roads on a Sunday afternoon in the summer!!!
I love the 323 dashboard it pretty similar to my proton iswara
Wow that Mazda 1000 is the definitive Doraemon car.
The chassis of pre 90s Japanese cars were underbuilt for economic reasons.
IMO the first solid handling Japanese car was the 4th gen Prelude from '91
I think Japanese sports cars were decent handlers - Datsun Z and Celica. With you on 4th Gen Prelude though. Fantastic steering.
I know what you mean about the blinding lights at the back of the car in front Ian. Unfortunately that's a characteristic of the modern E-brake so it looks like your on the footbrake but it's being held by the car itself.
Yes, aware of that horror. Why can't they use the parking sensors to turn them off if a car is right behind?
Strange that rush hour is the time the traffic is slowest.
Driving dynamics mean nothing opposed to having a car that starts every morning unlike the austin 1100.
AM paint colour could be Aqua Marine? Sorry if someone else has already posted the answer.
Reminds me of the Nissan Bluebird interior.
Datsun's 100A I think was a rival for this, another mechanically unkillable car, but rust killed them quickly
Small - big car.
That's is in short what can be said of this Mazda.
Very high quality is striking as well as a spacious interior.
A really nice specimen.
Then it's no wonder that "Mazda" is a very serious brand.
Otherwise it's my favorite brand.
Paint code AM is Phoenix Blue.
I spotted a Mitsubishi Starion under a dust sheet! Oh yes!
Or is it an RX-7?? Mmmm!
Right second time.
Too bad all these old asian cars rust so much, I used to drive a first generation Daihatsu Charade for a few years, very comfortable seats, never had a single issue and it got (UK)55MPG, sold it in 2016 because there was way too much panel rust and I'm not very good at welding. Was a 3 cylinder and weighed like 750kg, you could lift the back of it and turn it around, happened to me a few times heh. The low fuel consumption was so nice for 18 year old me back when I still went to school
Modern autos with stop/start pretty much mandate holding foot brake when stopped. Engine restarts when brake is released.
Crap design then as blinding drivers behind you isn't big nor clever. Stop start tech also very debatable in terms of fuel/pollution and wears out many components prematurely. Default setting is off on my vehicles.
"The Mazda Familia; it's just nice." You need to work in advertising. I was taught the same as you with handbrakes and it wasn't until I met folks with electric handbrakes that I learned a lot of the time it's unreliable, or seriously inconvenient, to apply at lights which is why people don't. Reason I was taught to use the handbrake at lights was courtesy (preventing dazzling the driver behind) and safety, because if someone runs into you at the lights and you're just using the footbrake, your foot will come off the pedal and the car will be punted further. That said, older generations told me I shouldn't use the handbrake because I'll wear the ratchet out, which seems about the same logic as not using your headlights or indicators for the same reason.
Press the button and you won't wear the ratchet out.
Electric handbrakes are fine these days, just different, my last few cars have had them, you just have to learn to use them.
@@alanlansdell7533 Are they a real improvement over the old mechanical system? They seem a solution to a problem that doesn't exist.
I did get used to the one in the I Pace, but I was still thinking this is another thing that'll render the cars unrepairable in 20 years time. I know plenty of older moderns with handbrake woes, from Land Rover to Volkswagen and Renault.
@@noexpensespentstudiosYour right cars have used cable handbrakes for many years reliable but arguably with the discussion thats going on here the problem being solved isnt the mechanics of the handbrake but the idiot behind the wheel who won't use the hand brake, they work best on cars that have driver aids, you can set them so they automatically apply the hand brake so you dont roll back at junctions and dont sit there with your foot on the brake because your too lazy to pull the hand brake on. They are pretty easy to maintain too, there were alot of issues with the first gen versions, I had one on a vectra that would spontaneously release for no reason, but this seems to have settled down these days. My last two vws with them fitted did over 100k miles each with no issues. Like most modern changes to cars you just need to learn to use them.
The Mazda rear end has echoes of the 60's Ford Taunus???
How about a road test on my Colt cz1 2007. A nice little motor if I say so myself.
It's very much the same styling as my first car the datson 120y saloon 1200cc I believe it was a updated Morris 1000 engine & gearbox .mechanically sound but rusted out which was stranded for the datson
Datsun did build the A-Series engine under licence, but had moved onto their own engines by the 1970s.
Shame the 'hot wiper action' of the final scene was almost entirely hidden behind a pop-up box advertising one of your other videos, is this something you have any control over?
Ah. Might be. I'll see if I can do something about that when I'm back on a proper computer.
I bet folk who hold on the footbrake at the lights wonder why they get warped brake discs
Can't get enough of 80's Japanese square crap!! Had a carina 2 (t170) and now a sunny n13, both saloons, I tend to ruin them by cutting the springs and stuff though 🤣🤣
I always put the handbrake on at traffic lights etc... why would you want to press the brake for all that time, and putting your handbrake on will stop your car from rolling back when at hills.
Ignis Pschhh, well, I call it the Suzuki Fridge (who does remember the brand name Ignis making fridges?)
I keep my foot on the brake as so many people don’t pay attention (phones etc) and your dazzling brake lights give you a bit of a better chance of avoiding being rear ended!!
I'm sure that the 'F' on the 323 stands for something quite different to you now, Ian :)
It sounds like the clutch has rather a high bite. Lovely little car, seen her a couple of times in your vids. I think Mazda must have cottoned on by this time that there was no future for rotary engines. Sure they are smooth, but they drink petrol and never were very reliable (that's not quite true, as they are still committed to development of the Wankel engine, although it does not feature in any current production car.) I think NSU resolved the premature rotor tip wear, but by that time it was too late.
Yes, the bite is high. I suspect it might have been worn out by an elderly owner...
Thay also made them with rotary engine!!
Sorry, I'd just like to say....
... *120Y for the win!!*
Lovely. But did the radio dissappear for the Road test?
No. There is no radio. Just two black buttons.
IF YOU DON'T USE YOUR HANDBRAKE AND OR SITTING WITH THE CAR IN GEAR ,YOU ARE,
1. being annoying to the person behind you with your brake lights.
2. holding the brake pads against the discs can cause a local hot spot which can warp the discs,
3. transfering the heat into the caliper, thus heating the brake fluid, making it less effective cos
you've lowered it's boiling point over time, brake fluid should be changed every 4--5yrs.
4. putting enormous pressure on the clutch release bearing, and the finger springs on the
pressure plate, this will weaken them and result in juddering when pulling away.
5. loading the CRANKSHAFT with an awfull load against it's thrust bearings, that 8 inches
or so of pedal travel is only about 1/2 inch of movement at the clutch end! so 50 lbs pedal
pressure is 800 lbs being forced against the press. plate, flywheel thus the crankshaft!!
5. if leaving you're hand on the gear lever, causing wear on the gear selector fork, which is
mostly only bronze, which will end up giving you a sloppy and inaccurate gear change.
6. TIP, half press handbrake lever button so as to reduce wear on the ratchet.
BECAUSE YOU ARE NOW GOING TO START USING IT!
I drive a 25yr old Golf 136000mls, mine for over 10yrs. with less than 3/8s of gear lever play,
a gear change that's effortless, and the original clutch still, and that's mostly city driving.
Happy motoring people, thank me later.
Paint code AM = Aqua Marine?
Could be.
That Mazda 1000 is for sale on eBay for £5,000 or best offer and that advert did mention your channel.
My dad had a Datsun 120y
We have a Mazda 1000 like this, but with the posh 1300cc engine. We have had it since new (44 years). It also has luxuries like 4 doors, full interior carpeting and a radio. The glove box is also huge. What more is there? You didn't try the lever on either side of the dash that operates a truly cyclonic ventilation system. Yes, we had fuses in the ash tray for years. First major repair was when she was 40 years old with 380,000 kms when she lost compression. The performance with the 1272 cc engine is brilliant. Heaps of torque. But as you found out, you need to warm her up but you can drive her in 35 degrees no sweat. That engine performs much better in hot weather. Top speed 145 km/hr. All of those models had an OHC engine and a rotary was never offered in this body shape. The closest was the R100 based on the 1200 coupe from the late 60's or a Mazda RX3.
I researched the paint code AM. It is Phoenix Blue, 1969 to 1975. Very nice colour.
Very similar to the Wheeler Dealers MX-5 but I thinnk it suited the 1000 much better.
.. and me thinking it would be Aqua Marine :lol:
it is nice
In regards using the handbrake at traffic lights, the advice is right there in the highway code.
Rule 114 for example contains the statement: "In stationary queues of traffic, drivers should apply the parking brake and, once the following traffic has stopped, take their foot off the footbrake to deactivate the vehicle brake lights. This will minimise glare to road users behind until the traffic moves again." which relates exactly to what you, and many others are saying: it reduces glare, it stops the person behind being dazzled by your brake lights. Especially important with modern LED lighting systems!
Some VW owners have claimed to me in the past that their brake lights stay on with the handbrake on, but footbrake released (technically going against Construction & Use regs). If that's the case, it's not just emissions that are dodgy about VWs...
Yes agree, read the Highway Code, it answers most questions. Not all! It is clear on this question. However the VW question is interesting: could it be - VW's using the MQB platform, when using 'Auto Hold' to keep you stationary (either an automatic/DSG to stop creep, or with a manual trans), seem to apply the brake lights for some reason, even though your foot is off the brake pedal. I don't think the earlier Golf Mk VI or Tiguan Mk1 applied the brake lights when sitting on 'Auto Hold'. Strange.
That Mazda 1000 is an absolute gem.
We ran a pickup version (F1000) for years in Zimbabwe, just seeing the dashboard brought back many good memories.
My Dad and I fitted a Datsun 1400 engine, gearbox and rear axle into it after the original engine died...it ran on for at least a decade afterwards..great fun, and a bit of a 'sleeper '
Well said about the handbrake, as a migraine sufferer nothing literally does my head in more!
So Im sitting here thinking that road looks familiar, then you go point out Merry Hill and the penny drops...lol - Fancy you coming all that way to use a Black Country garage. Love the car!! Thumbs up from me.
Well, well, would you believe it? It looks like there really was a little old lady who only drove her car to church on Sundays, and it turns out she owned a Mazda.
What I always liked about 1970's Japanese cars was the amount of standard equipment on them where as almost everything in our home ( uk ) built car was an optional extra.
I passed my driving test 3.5 years ago (I am 20) and I was also told to wait with the handbrake on - drives me mad when people don't do it, they just roll backwards!
I passed in 2017 an was also taught this
I literally just realized I'm a brake pedal holder.. Luckily I only drive 30 plus year old cars and they don't tend to have as bright brake lights
You can launch uphill without the Handbrake if you have a stable Idle and a Non-Binary Left Foot. With a Diesel it's especially simple.
When I was taught to drive, (over 30 years ago now), my instructor *MADE* me use the clutch on hills and I still use it these days. Hand brakes are for when you're stuck on a hill and it's going to be a while before you move off.
@@TheFakeRussian using the clutch to keep the car from rolling backwards is not a good practice! Not sure if that's what you mean, but doing so will wear out your clutch plates really fast.
Well said Ian. One thing I hate is being sat behind some b*llend with their foot constantly on the brake pedal. The newish cars with particularly intense bright LED lights that blind everyone...really annoy.
@@system11yt People who are flashing their reverse lights are putting it into park, not neutral!
@@system11yt Agreed. The fad for ridiculously bright lights on cars is a threat to safety, not an improvement. If you can't see the perfectly adequate lights from a car made before the current era of 'my lights are brighter than yours' you probably shouldn't be driving a car.
E-brakes and stop start systems (both totally pointless and a pain in the arse) are another reason people sit on their brakes in queues too :(
Hey Ian, in Australia in the 80's, you early 90's in this model, we had both the Mazda, and in a flash of badge engineering, the Ford Laser/Meteor! My God! Where will it end?
That Mazda 323 wagon was a neat and tidy design.