Vlog: What I dislike about the Mazda 323F

[@RoyCousins]

I like Ford's and have been driving them on and off since 1981, but those late model Escorts were crap.

[@edgarbeat275]

Agreed had to work on those. Nasty.

[@interceptor-ss8kb]

I couldn't find a good word to say about the last generation Escort it was crap.

[@edgarbeat275]

The plastic clutch ratchet pawl only Ford.

[@RoyCousins]

@@edgarbeat275 oh God, you're bringing back painful memories!

[@edgarbeat275]

@@RoyCousins Sorry I am still recovering and I could go on. 🤓 there are 90s Ford's I would like to own a decent early Focus and an early KA. Now the rover era Land Rover fantastic. Ford diesel engined Land Rovers are DIRE my sister boy friend Owen's both rover era a d currently a Ford Defender. There is a difference 😊. The for components in the interior have that plastic Ford smell ugggh. Plus it's on it's third gearbox. Fuel pump issues, injector issues. That droney transit diesel I hate. Rover era defenders 200tdi have a totally different Interior smell. Believe me there is a difference.

[@Krst22ify]

I have the same car, 1996 1.5 323f, it's my first car and love it so much. Only has 60,000km on it aswell

[@backwoodsbungalow9674]

This 323F is suffering from neglect. Having paid for the spring replacement, it would be preferable to get some use out of this car before moving on. Try to trace the roof leak and look out for some part worn good quality tyres.

[@schon74]

I love escorts but have always been a ford fan. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder if we all liked the same thing the world would be a boring place!

[@dieoxin]

I love a Mazda 323f. Wanted one ever since I was a teenager. It was called a Mazda Astina from where I’m from. I had two but I had to scrap one... I wasn’t really happy about that... I still have my ZXI though so I’m happy still. The car isn’t mega great but it’s cool to drive and I just love the look! Wish they made the later models look more like it. I didn’t really listen to the video that much as the road noice was unbearable.

[@klwthe3rd]

The main thing that I've learned from watching this channel is even though most cars might not be your cup of tea, doesn't mean you should crap on it either. I've owned many cars that others said was a terrible car, yet my ownership experience was stellar. Opinions are allowed but Hubnut has taught me to see the good in ALL CARS. I'm definitely not as negative of poverty spec cars now. The glass is half full, not half empty.

[@mattw8332]

That dripping sunroof would really irritate me. Re: Vauxhall estate cars - I found many of the a bit 'meh!' style wise. However I think the 1970s Viva HC, Victor FE & VX estates looked nice. + the Chevette too.

[@frglee]

I love the coke bottle look of the Viva HB better, but I am biased - it was my first car! ( btw, I reckon the mk1 Cavalier was a lovely looking car as well, but I recall it was a bit 'meh' under the bonnet)

[@MattBrownbill]

I always thought the Magnum look the nuts! And some Victors.

[@ianh.6825]

I really liked my 1983 Mazda 323 which I bought in 2000. It was a 1.3 5-door in light green with a (very) brown interior and just 29,000 miles. Very comfortable seats, lovely light non-powered steering, nice gearbox and soft suspension on skinny tyres. It was a delight to drive around town and on back roads. Motorways were another matter. The tops of the front doors flexed and vibrated at about 60 mph and caused a lot of wind noise. Alas, after 3 years someone crashed into the back of it and that was that.

[@chrisbradley1192]

I had a 1984 Mazda 323GT that I bought second hand. The road noise was terrible, but it still had the tyres on it had when new. When I replaced them the road noise went down considerably.

[@MGBetts1]

I thought the Escort was OK - it didn't really appeal to me personally, but there was a lot to like about it _especially for those who like Fords._ The 323F, however, does appeal - mainly due to its Porsche inspired looks. It obviously drives well too. The seats might be too firm, but you don't _see_ that do you? The lack of rear view visibility, I'm afraid, is the trade-off with it looking so great from behind. There was nothing wrong with the Favorit's rear view was there?

[@leerobinson8709]

You only see the uncomfortable nature of the car when at a service station when the driver gets out and grimaces, holds their back and walks like Yosemite Sam to the bogs...

[@BlueXonar]

No idea where you're seeing Porsche in the styling. 😂

[@MGBetts1]

@@BlueXonar - the bodyshell was designed by former Porsche engineers. I think it vaguely resembles the (front-engined) Porsche 924 & 928 of the late 70s and 80s.

[@TK42138]

Totally agree about the Escort Mk 4/5. Poverty spec Escorts are grim. Unrefined, dog rough engines that don't like being revved. They're the automotive equivalent of an overcast day with drizzle.

[@jamiesut5866]

I totally got your review of the escort, it was such a mainstream car, so you’d imagine that all those buyers bought it for good reason, but I think it’s more likely that they mindlessly followed the crowd. Look at things from your own perspective, have the courage to be different and you might discover something fabulous, like the invacar! 😊 keep being you Mr Hubnut

[@RexWaldron]

Vauxhall Magnum 2300 Sports Hatch springs to mind as you mention Vauxhall estates. With splendid 70s tartan upholstery - NICE! Brilliant articles in mid 70s CAR magazine when LJK Setright drove one from Lisbon to Istanbul and then from Istanbul to London. I've read those articles so many times.

[@Mariazellerbahn]

Regarding road noise, a few years back I started getting road noise. I thought it may be tyres but they were all less than 6 months old. Changing all the wheel bearings didn't help but then I noticed my tyres had gone "knobbly" ... some of the tread had grown whilst some parts had shrunk. Firestone admitted the problem but I got no joy with any refund. I bought four new Avons and they did exactly the same after 6 months. Changed to Pirelli and never had the problem again.

[@Radfordperson]

Your comments about seats, reminds me of about 10 years ago, after a hernia operation, could not find a comfortable seat in the house. Ended up sitting in the Volvo 340. Comfort at last! nice old Blaupunct radio to listen to in there too.

[@mfbfreak]

340 seats are indeed excellent!

[@jarthurs]

When I scrapped my old Citroen AX I very seriously considered keeping the drivers seat and turning it into a rather unwieldy office chair. It was even better than the seat in my ZX which I could happily do a six hour drive non-stop in.

[@HubNut]

My Fox has Volvo 340 seats. I can't wait to see what they're like. Comfy at first impression.

[@Radfordperson]

Fit the headlamp wipers from a 340, and you're in heaven!

[@Radfordperson]

I scrapped a 340, kept the seats, they were in the hall for some time, same intentions as you, however, the family cat took them over!

[@neilthomas9244]

Ooh! Is this the end of the 323, and "hello" new [or at least different] car? The gloss of "new" ownership seem to be wearing a little thin.If you are comparing the 323 to a woman, it must be the morning after comparison after a skinful, opening your eyes in the morning and groaning "oh no, I did'nt did I?"

[@DRILLBABYDRIL]

Neil Thomas We all knew from the kick off it was a crock of shite. It’s the type of car that looks as if the back seats should be full of Alsatian fur and an ashtray full of Berkeley cig dimps. No offence to Mr Hubmut. It’s just a bad example

[@robk3596]

@clay walsh, think that's his dog loving brother!

[@darrenwilkins7670]

Great video Ian...When you mentioned about looks and that of a beautiful lady i could sense a swiss Toni quote coming on...Just needed a mention of fine wine and belgian chocolates!!😂

[@homeopathical]

I'm lead to believe that the Ford Focus was based on this series of 323F. Once Ford owned either a majority share or wholly-owned Mazda they took the design and went for it. Shame they ditched the pillar-less doors :p I had the 323 before it, not the poppy-up light one but the saloon version. Cracking car until it got a nose job pushing a Golf out of the way that pulled out on me :\

[@HubNut]

Certainly, Ford was influenced by the 323F's suspension. Ford and Mazda have a long relationship.

[@MillerCorner]

The sort of person who defends a car by slagging off another (ESPECIALLY with badge snobbery) is no true petrolhead!

[@phantom62]

My first car was a Mk2 Ford Escort, German built, French automatic gearbox and British upholstery lol. Was reliable, except for the stalling fault at junctions. Had to have that adjusted for my driving test.

[@jonphelps3638]

Ian, I was surprised you offloaded the Skoda, Especially as you did the rustproffing, etc.... for the Mazda. It does appear to be a old dog...I had a Merc W123 coupe once. That had a leaky sunroof and I was forever mopping water from the foot wells until fixed and it never demisted properly. But oh, I was a beautiful pillar-less coupe.!!!I'm a fan of estate cars too. The X-type estate is better looking that the saloon. I'm biased. I drive one! haha.

[@nickthomas181]

Tick follows tock and this most certainly isn't a keeper!

[@timhancock6626]

When VW put single point injection on the Skoda Favorit they strangled it powerwise, and it was just not enough to pull along the heavier estate car, but was OK in the hatch...just. Our last Skoda Felicia estate had multipoint injection with about 75bhp and power steering. It still was not exactly powerful and late in its life with 150,000 miles on it had become gutless. We drove the Felicia to Bordeaux and back with the family in it, and it managed just fine.

[@jusb1066]

it was less powerful with a carb, only around 50 vs the 60 with single injection, good job they didnt use the 1 litre engine from the 105s,...that had 44, sometimes you met a hill it wouldnt manage top stop and start on..

[@timhancock6626]

@@jusb1066 Our 1990 twin choke carb model was far more lively as it was pre cat and the the monotronic injection killed the throttle response so you couldn't flood the catalyst. I think it was 54bhp for the carb and 60 for the single point injection, but you had terrific throttle response from the carb and no cat converter losses, so it definitely felt faster. We had them side by side and I enjoyed the carburettor model far more as a drivers car.

[@spainter1985]

Indeed, the earlier carbed non-cat Favorits produced more power than the first SPi models, I believe 62bhp versus circa 54bhp (LXi existed before LXiE). I owned both a 1991 1.3 carb and 1994 1.3 SPi and the earlier carbed car performed notably better. It was however properly rectified when the Felicia got multipoint fuel injection in around 1997 I believe. The Mpi equipped cars feel quite perky even by today's standards.

[@chrisredfield3240]

The MK5 escort was a lot better looking than the last escorts. I had the mk5 facelift K-M reg. Almost seemed like the front did not match the back, and that oval grill was never supposed to be on the car with that bonnet.

[@simonwelch560]

You know you're getting old when cheap unremarkable cars you used to drive into the ground now cost silly money :) one of my very few new car buys was a green Astra Mk2 estate. It was practical as I remember.

[@ShortCycle.]

I hate bad or singular reverse lights. Top tip stick your rear fog(s) on for extra illumination reversing

[@stephenstokes8318]

From now on when I'm in town are have to keep an eye for green Mazda 323F or one of the other cars in your fleet as you seem to come to Warminster quite often

[@Dan-hq2js]

Two differing opinions can be right , i don't hate the escort but the mazda is better looking and a more quality package , escorts do everything OK, where as the Mazda has more stand out quirky looks and features and I'm damn sure it handles nicer so personally for me I'd take the mazda but don't consider the escort terrible, just bland.

[@kevinsmith6269]

I love Fords but loved the escort cabrio review, We're all allowed to like different cars and have different opinions :)

[@simonhodgetts6530]

Always amuses me that the view from your rear window when you’re driving in the beautiful country looks like the view from the coach in The Italian Job! (Caine version..........of course!)

[@3653-w2s]

Always liked the 323 never did have one. When you mentioned the tire noise on certain roads, I recall my 1987 Toyota Corolla Wagon did the same thing. I never changed them, because it was dandy little grocery getter but I always wondered if it was in the tire design.

[@swingkid100]

Having owned a large variety of different makes of car, I remember distinctly running my first Skoda Favorit (an H plate LS) whilst several colleagues had late model Ford Escorts. Not sure why they were popular because they had endless problems. I was continually reminded how crap my Skoda was, by said colleagues, even though it was endlessly reliable and economical. Meanwhile, during this time, these people were spending hundreds keeping the Escorts going. One turbo diesel model in particular, seemed very troublesome, having serious gearbox failure, fuel pump issues etc. Most of these Escorts showed serious signs of body rot setting in also, despite not being very old. A few years back, I rescued an 89` Sierra from my local scrappy. Despite being a little crusty, it took very little work to get a fresh MOT, and this proved to be one of my favourite cars and I regret selling it. Fords from this period seemed pretty fair. There is such motoring variety out there, it seems a shame to persist with one make regardless.

[@itsmephil2255]

I can never understand why as a car lover some people feel the need to slag off other brands... I'm no lover of the original beetle.... But others like them...live and let live I say

[@NB_NB_NB]

All cars should come with the JDM indicator/wiper setup, you can indicate whilst changing gear

[@dorbellbuster2011]

The Last of the Escorts I could never warm too. So I Agree with what your saying there. When the Focus Replaced it in 1998 Leaps and Bounds ahead at the time.

[@cappaculla]

Ian doesn't hate certain cars, he just states the issues.. No rose tinted specs just honestly.. Thx for the vid Ian

[@48by40]

I love Ford's always have , we are not all the same you have a right to an opinion it is your channel , just look at the final edition of the ford Scorpio it was a dog ugly car , just my opinion , please keep up the great work you do .

[@interceptor-ss8kb]

The last Scorpio was ugly as hell but really nice to drive and extremely comfortable. I think the exterior designer was off his face on meth as were the guys at ford for signing it off.

[@48by40]

Yes great to drive very smooth , at least you don't have to look at it when you drive it , yet the one before , I think it was a K to a M plate was very good looking ,

[@graemew7001]

@@48by40 I've said exactly that to my Dad 'at least you don't have to look at it when you drive it' about his Vauxhall Mokka, lovely car to travel in, quiet and comfy but OMG its been hit with the ugly stick IMO lol

[@ShedTV]

Sad as I was to see the Favorit go, I think the 323F as an interesting and fairly rare car is a worthy replacement. I wonder though if bringing the so unloved example you have bought up to scratch is going to be a real uphill struggle rather than a straightforward running improvement project like many of your fleet have been. Given the amount of time and effort that it's two fibreglass siblings swallow up, do you have time to deal with the Mazda, or as a daily driver are the things wrong with it going to irritate you more than that Escort?

[@HubNut]

Yeah, tinkering time hard to find. I'm still persevering though.

[@CortinasAndClassics]

The last escort that I really liked was the mk4. On the sunroof Ian, I had a polo with the leakage problem. I opened it as far as possible and it was funny of dirt and crud, cleaned it out and greased the runners and used vaseline around the edge where it meets the seal against the roof. 👍

[@HubNut]

I can't actually open the sunroof on mine. Further explorations in a future video...

[@CortinasAndClassics]

@@HubNut oh.... That kind of sucks.

[@kevinsmith6269]

I love Fords and yes I like the mk6 Escort, I admit the mk5 was underdeveloped from the mk4 and half arsed but I like the mk6 especially in Ghia trim. I even loved the mottled brown plastic wood dash. But I still loved your Escort cabrio review :) You're totally entitled to have your own opinions about cars and car brands Ian and some people just need to accept we're all different, have different opinions, likes and dislikes. I've also read critical to the point of nasty comments when you change you car to one some viewers don't approve of or take the Mazda to a local garage for MOT work. I just don't understand this, just because I subscribe to your channel and I've bought a TWC mug and TWC hoody doesn't make me think I have the right to tell you what your own opinion of a car should be or how you should live your life!!! Amazing channel Ian thank you :) Just keep being yourself, don't feel you have to justify yourself and keep videoing your adventures in TWC :)

[@terryatkinson899]

Can't see the Mazda staying long with you judging by your comments. My cinquecento was like yours with loud roadnoise and it turned out to be the tyres were ancient and hardened. New tyres transformed it.

[@terryatkinson899]

@Pedro DLR I have both cars, the 899 s and the 1108 sporting. The sporting appeared on sale cheap so I bought it as a project after getting the 899 on the road. In the summer I will sort it. Can't ever see myself selling either, they are that good to drive.

[@TheAllMightyGodofCod]

The interior not only looks as new as it actually still looks modern!

[@Karlsfish]

I almost agreed with you until you said the Citroen zx looked good 😂.

[@Mowogjones]

It doesn't look bad...inoffensive more like.

[@lookandlisten5740]

I thought it was a smart looking car for its time especially the 3 door 1.9d volcane ..which I owned

[@Jordanskiy]

I think the ZX is a great looking car. I'd even go as far to say that I prefer the styling over its PSA stablemate, the 306... and I say this as the owner of a 306.

[@AdrianColes]

ZX is better than the 308, or any similar Pug in my view (disclosure, I’ve owned 405s and a 206)

[@grenvillephillips6998]

There can be no taste without prejudice, but the Escort review did seem a bit tetchy and letting the rain fall on the interior verged on the sacrilegious. It has to be said though, that by the mk5 iteration the Escort had definitely jumped the shark. Back in 1993 Mazdas seemed particularly well made but were treated with scorn and suspicion by the Max Power boys. Owners were assumed to shop at Dunn & Co. I think the seats in Japanese cars are designed for Japanese bottoms which are a different shape to the occidental variety.

[@AdrianColes]

Admit it, who else had to look up the definiton of occidental.....?? Great word....

[@niallsommerville9941]

Dare I say it, at least some of the transmitted road noise on older cars may be due to the age of the rubber suspension components. I've always thought attractively designed estates was a particularly British thing, Rovers are a personal favourite, the only non Brit ones I feel that didn't look like they'd had a box tracked on the back were the early SAAB 93/5's. Another good point of the 323 is that the underside of the headlining must be really waterproof or you'd be wearing it by now.

[@jbenekeorr]

I have a camper converted Mazda Bongo (ridiculous name) which presumably has the same column stalks - I know exactly what you mean about the push away mist function! I love the back to front stalks like you say. I find it more natural that way as you can flick the indicator on and off much more easily on roundabouts etc.

[@zola561]

Isn’t it also called Freda lol

[@jbenekeorr]

zola561 Yes! That’s the Ford version. Identical apart from the badges basically. Mine is technically a Bongo Friendee. Needless to say mine is de-badged...

[@misterLukeG]

I used to flick to intermittent wipers and back to off for a single wipe as opposed to pushing it away. Just a small tip for one of the many foibles lol

[@Trance88]

I really wish they would've brought the Mazda 323F to America. I've always liked how this car looks since I played it in Grand Turismo 2 on the playstation.

[@rollingtroll]

Ah yes, wiper philosophy. You never really know what you like best until you encounter it. So far my Volvo 440 wins, tap down for mist, push down for 1, push down further for 2, push up for intermittent and, and here's the clever one, tap up from intermittent for mist during intermittent. Invaluable! Also great travel feel. As for the indicator/light one, I prefer a seperate light switch on the dash and then high beam flash towards you and high beam 'on' away from you, pity so many combine the two in towards you. It's all right with the Volvo as you won't accidentally turn the high beam on instead of flash but it's still a pity. I'm someone who has a driving style that's focused on comfort so I really don't like having to use the brakes a lot to slow down. Pity that! I don't have a special love for the Escort but I can imagine people thinking "all right Ian, we get the point". Honestly though, I prefer that. Honest journalism. As for the looks; I guess not everyone is completely biased by those. I think the Hyundai Lantra (1996 I believe) is a horrible car looks-wise, but it drove quite all right that time I tested it. Would I buy it? Obviously not. Looks do matter, but it's possible to like the way an ugly car drives I guess. Since up to the Astra F it was a Kadett here, I'm sort of lost in your Astra terminology. I always liked the 'boring' 1992-1999 model Astra though, I had a 1996 dark green metallic Astra 1.6i estate and I honestly loved that thing. It was quiet, it was comfortable, great seats, great original speakers. I'm not sure why people hate them so much. Thanks for the info. The 323 is actually still on my 'test drive' list. I like hard chairs so maybe I won't mind them as much. The back seat looks highly uncomfortable though.

[@chazw1964]

At this end of the price range my outlook is if it goes and stops reliably all is well. I am using a free hand me down 2003 Fiat Punto 1.2 Active for a weekend DIY/tip run hack, not much to like with it except it's doing me a much needed turn, and it gives me something to mend with scrap yard spares.

[@jdmguy44]

I agree. These 323F Mazda's were cool cars, and really nice looking. I remember when these came out in the late nineties. There was nothing else like them. Still think they are interesting today. In fact I think I might have a look at the classifieds just to see....

[@MGBetts1]

Exactly - the "cool" factor is what it's all about. It simply isn't very cool to own a 1990s Escort. Nowadays there's a sort of "retro cool" about Škodas.

[@backwoodsbungalow9674]

A few 323F on eBay; including a low mileage estate. 🤔

[@anticat900]

Mazdas have been off my list since my 626 and Montrose, both seemed good at being cars, but now got a liking for a 80's Honda accord or a 323 as you presently have but with pop up lights :-)

[@sooty655]

As a life-long Ford fan, I have to tell you, Mr Hubnut, that your opinion of the Mk6 Escort is............pretty well spot on. 😉

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Never driven a late Escort so no idea what they were like. That sunroof drip would drive me bonkers. Bit like the leak i once had in a Spitfire which used to make me look like i had peed myself every time i got out when it rained. Cheers for the video Ian.

[@martinfarley2026]

keep saying as it is don't worry about the others , i am a lover of banger nomics can't go wrong

[@icecreamconn5948]

My Dad had a 1997 badged 323 (Familia) when I was growing up, it had the same dashboard and also absolutely loved to fog up every time it rained. Fan was feeble at clearing it. Other thing I remember about that car was how low it sat to the ground. If you hit a big pothole the chassis would hit the ground, ultimately that's what killed it, a cracked chassis. Wondering if you've found any similarities with this?

[@sleepycatpictures1176]

Still got a couple of Mk 2 Astra's. Love 'em. On a different topic, I know why the alarm kept going off on your Omega estate. I had the same problem.

[@maxxo5534]

another excellent video! one of the best channels on youtube

[@kevinsmith6269]

The best channel on KZbin :)

[@huntsbychainsaw5986]

With the mist function on the wipers, I prefer a light upward motion on the stalk instead of down. I've owned a 1991 Ford Escort wagon and a 1995 Ford Escort sedan. I'd did like to drive them both because they handled well enough and had so little power left I could drive them flat out everywhere and didn't need to worry about overcooking a corner. I do love a car I can hit the rev-limiter between every gear change and not need to worry about it.

[@HubNut]

Power: Less is More. ;-)

[@huntsbychainsaw5986]

@@HubNut I completely agree! It's much more fun to use all 80hp then to hold 300hp back all the time. 😁

[@fatwalletboy2]

I wonder what the basis is for the good cornering on such an old car? Did Mazda run firm suspension or roll bars......very stiff chassis/bodyshell.......strengthened suspension mounts.......wide track.......4ws perhaps?

[@HubNut]

Low, wide, firm suspension and nice gearing to the steering.

[@datathunderstorm]

fatwalletboy2 Funny you should ask that question. The Mazda MX-3 (I had one ...a 1.6 twin cam) and the Mazda 323F used virtually similar floor pans, and literally identical mechanical propulsion gubbins in those floor pans. The Mazda MX-3 which is factually a shrunken 323F coupe in a mini skirt - had an interesting setup on the rear wheels which Mazda seemed to have conveniently forgotten to mention in their advertising literature of the year; Y’see, the rear wheels incorporated PASSIVE REAR WHEEL STEER....!!! No, seriously! 😳 I’ve seen videos on KZbin showing this in action. And it REALLY WORKED! The reason why the 323F goes around corners so well is because it also has passive rear wheel steer. Ten years ago, I was going up a ramp on the A406, at Park Royal, and was speeding up to pass the traffic lights before they changed. I needed to do a 90 degree right turn immediately after the lights to cross the A406 over to the Ace Cafe side. Well, the MX-3 beat the lights, but speed wise, I was too ‘hot’ for the corner. I turned anyway, expecting the MX-3 (Codename: Dark Angel) to lose control and skid as I turned. The damn thing took the corner like it was on rails and didn’t even wag its rear end! I was initially quite stunned at its performance, then extremely elated. That’s when I realised the vehicle did have passive rear wheel steer and it worked a treat in conditions like that! The KZbin video shows an MX-3 weaving between cones at speed. You can clearly see the rear wheels turning slightly back and forth as the coupe tracks neatly between the cones. I do wonder why Mazda kept very quiet about this rather amazing innovation at the time. And yes, I do miss my MX-3......and WAS considering upgrading to a Mazda 323ZX 2.0 V6....but the price of petrol and road tax put me off.....😪

[@dannyhtheretrogamingmaster9548]

I very nearly bought a Mazda 6 diesel but bought my current Astra sport hatch instead. I remember an old Mazda 626 near where I used to live with Looney Toons paintwork and stickers on it - it looked kind of cool but not something I would enjoy owning if I'm honest. I've previously owned an Astra mk3 estate and it was so practical but the engine was well slow as it was a 1.4 spi merit version. My brother owns a 2001 mk4 astra estate and has owned it for 10 years, it is starting to get a few problems now but it has lasted really well.

[@m80tmm]

Don’t bother about the haters. My dad had a 1993 brand new Escort and it was a junky car. Needed a exhaust O ring CAT Side, clutch, boot lock stopped working and rust started to develop on rear wheel arch. Wire came through inner rear tyre due to bad camber toe out/in. Got shot of it before the MOT. Worst car we owned and a reflection on how many of that age remain on the road today. Your spot on Ian!

[@OscarGarcia-sk8px]

That sunroof leak would rive me mad. If you manage to fix that everything else is fixable.

[@BlueXonar]

I think a lot of the road roar can be attributed to the tyres which are currently fitted.

[@HubNut]

Possibly, but I do generally find that cheaper oriental cars are a bit noisy. Starlet, Matiz and Nippa are all the same.

[@terry9325]

Hi have you ever come across an old Daf 600 or Daffodil , I remember my farther in-law having one in the early seventies it was the first car to have one of those weird variable gears ,I think Volvo bought them out in the eighties ,

[@HubNut]

I've driven a DAF 33, which is a later version. Volvo bought them out in the 1970s. The 340 should have been a DAF.

[@trojanhunter007]

Road noise in my 09 zafira 1.9cdti auto is epic! Especially on the motorway. If you never suffered from travel sickness before then you haven't traveled in the very back seats if a zafira and not forgetting the thrill of the probability of turning into a fireball lol

[@matthewshaw6275]

how do you rate the mazda 323 against it,s older brother mazda 929 wagon 80,s vs 90s

[@HubNut]

Very different animals. You wouldn't want to hustle a 929 wagon down a twisty Welsh roads!

[@TeamZSsx]

The Mk6 Escort is a polished Mk5 and as they say you can't polish a turd. The rot at Ford set in with the horrendous MK4 rust problems and they didn't recover untill Focus.

[@Thanos.m]

I understood the value of comfort in a car quite early i think its more important in a daily car to be able to get out of car without back ache and without feeling shattered rather than being able to take corners very fast. most people my age being a young driver are going for full on sportiness meanwhile I go for comfort in terms of daily drivers hence I got a Rover 45 which am intending to replace with a 75 auto or a Jag for even more comfort and refinement maybe I'm just spoiled but that's how I value a daily

[@HubNut]

Be wary of Jags. S-Type seats are awful.

[@jensenhealey907efi]

Road noise in my experience is more a function of the tires rather than the car itself. I realize that it is not the approved hubnut way and would probably double the investment in the car but treating the car to a new set of tires might transform it.

[@gikku3]

Indicators on the right is the correct location for right hand drive.

[@valeinikofff]

not only the 323, but a whole family of kia's based on it, have tht problem with moisture...

[@rydermike33]

Totally agree Ian. 'Beauty is in the eye of....' and all that. A shame that folk get so hot under the collar about someone else's car preference! Don't understand it at all. The Mazda seemed to be 'getting on' ok despite, what sounded like, very wet conditions. Thanks again.

[@pugman205]

hopefully see you at the NEC on Friday at either 11 or 3

[@gosportjamie]

It's probably fair to say that decent tyres could make a big difference to the road noise. Cheap tyres are often very poor in terms of road noise where decent tyres have a lot of money spent on them to develop them in terms of road noise, the classic NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness...)

[@stevenjones19-m8i]

Hi Ian,i like the Escorts,especially the RS2000 in the shape you last driven,nice quick car,but in all I like any car to a point.your reviews of cars is fine to me.you could change your reversing light to led light and it will be better to park.

[@jumpingjehovahs]

Textbook bit of Swiss Toni about 7 minutes in, top work!

[@kittyhawk9707]

I loved the handling of my 323F , mine was the 1.8 bigger tyres and didn't really notice any road noise , Yeah the mist function was a bit of an annoyance . Yeah it did seem to steam up an awful lot , but related to that opening the window after it has been raining , u know when you have a cig , it caused water to drip in .. that is the problem with no gutters ..common on my Citroen C4 . also it is a bit of a faff trying to change a headlight bulb ..not much room in there.

[@dtulip8]

Always had a soft spot for the 323f, would love to see you buy or review a cheapo MK1 Focus to see what a good Ford can be, or you're welcome to come to Leicester and test my MK2 haha!

[@michelod.i.y.5202]

With regards to estate cars, I think nearly all models look better in the estate version. Loads more practical than any SUV too.

[@martinpook5707]

With my designers hat on I did say the the Escort was bland, but the 323 is quite nice. Now car designers seem to be having a competition to see who can produce the ugliest car.

[@bid84]

Ian I’m impressed with your enthusiasm for the mediocre! Just bought an Alfa 156 2.0 pre facelift, wonder if you ever owned an Alfa? I also have a 71 scimitar se5a Manual and 2.0 Passat Fsi. Combined worth of about 7k but I guess it’s a fleet of sorts!

[@HubNut]

Only Alfa I've owned was a 164 V6 Lusso. I really like it! What a noise.

[@bid84]

HubNut 164 is a quality Alfa, especially in V6 form. I approve 👍🏻

[@dandy1dandy198]

By far the comfiest car I had was a 97 xsara thats diesel engine sounded like an idling tractor. I think different cars give us different confidence levels of reliability. It's not always the best looking of cars give us the best deal.

[@saddoncarrs6963]

Agree with your comments on Vauxhall/Opel estate cars. I think the new Insignia estate is a particularly good looking car - are you allowed to mention new cars on Hubnut?

[@davidbates247]

I think standard escort is a bit crappy but rs2000 and more so cosworth was something special and is very nice !

[@julianparker6090]

We all have likes and dislikes. This means that we have to accept without taking to the keyboard when somebody declares that they don't like a car that you love or enjoy owning . In the Escort video, you were giving your personal opinion of the car. That is what you do not only as a motoring journalist, but as someone interested in cars. I liked the early Fords, but I'm not impressed by them after the 80's. On Facebook the other day, a Seicento owner had found that their car had developed a puddle of water in the footwell, which it never had before. Most comments were helpful in trying to solve the problem. One reply was "Well, it's Italian". Surprising really, seeing as that group is a private group which you have to ask to join.

[@julianparker6090]

@@Codzilla71 Nothing to do with "Internet police".

[@andrewwilson8317]

Don't worry about the critics Ian, everyone has their opinion. I respect your honesty in your vlogs . Not much point in having an opinion if you just owing to gush about how wonderful something is like fake Chinese customer feedback reviews! Have you driven a V6 mx3 ? Never driven one but ,by all accounts,they are meant to be a great drive? Did drive a Mitsubishi FTO and thought it had a brilliant little V6 engine.

[@HubNut]

I have driven an MX-3, and it left me a bit cold - possibly because I had a Peugeot 306 at the time, and the Mazda's rather firm suspension was a bit of a shock!

[@k8vnl]

As a ford fan i think the skoda was a very good buy actually.

[@dodgydruid]

My Robin actually has a mist thingy, pull down on the stalk and gives a single wipe n a squirt, I have been trying to change the jet housing as the auld Mini plastic one has gone a bit leaky and its pinhole surgery at a right angle behind the radio aperture and me phat hands ain't getting in there in this lifetime nor the next hehe So tomorrow will be arming youngest daughter with spanner and send her into the breach to tackle it :) Got a lovely SS replacement just a total bugger to get the crapo one out first.

[@Cavalier_Steve]

Shame Vauxhall didn’t do a MK3 Cavalier estate, i think they missed a trick there probably why the vectra got an estate, I just so happen to like the look of estate cars, although I love the MK2 Cavalier i don’t like the estate so much because of the lights, the saloon on the other hand is my favourite!

[@lookandlisten5740]

I was never a ford person, especially when the first Sierra came out (of the jelly mold) I thought someone's been given to much artistic license..followed by a P45. But as a Focus owner, I think they've nailed it...for now anyway !

[@TheNKS777]

I am car Crazy but TUK has the most Soul 😁

[@jaggass]

I saw a 323F the one before this the other day. Very rare now.

[@imnotamechanic3491]

You are spot on about rear views from modern cars, it's not easy to see out the back of my Avantime, but atleast it has unique styling to justify the massive C-pillar (and the lack of B-pillar means over the shoulder view is wonderful - annoying when I drove my other car and discover such an obstructed view). But most cars in the last 10 years, particularly SUV's and 'crossovers', have tiny rear windows with such raked C-pillars everything behind is a mystery unless you have a rear view camera fitted. Can't say I agree with you on styling of mid-90's family hatches, whilst I think the Escort is a terrible car (I didn't have a ride in one until around 2004 and was shocked at just how bad it was, certainly worse than my dads Felicia), I never saw much appeal in the styling of the 306 or ZX (and I am a bit partial to Citroens as did have an AX until it sacrificed itself to remove a modern astra from the road, pity about my leg). But you are completely right, everyone is different and has different tastes, whilst plenty of people marvel at the Avantime's styling, just as many say its ugly, too big or just a blown up megane, and whilst they are of course all wrong, if lots of people had liked it it wouldn't be interesting (just as the Nissan Juke would be interesting had it been a disaster).

[@essjayaitch]

I owned a 1992 Escort at the time that this shape 323 came out and I was fortunate to drive one a few times. Although I liked the shape of the Escort, I thought the 323 was better looking and drove better. Out of the 9 cars I've owned, 7 have been Fords - mainly because my Father worked for a Ford main dealer and he has only ever owned Fords, but that habit was broken when I had a Mazda 6 from new - a car I hankered after since their introduction 3 years earlier. Interestingly enough, the column stalks on the 6 were European in their operation (indicators on the left, wipers on the right) unlike the 323!

[@yeoldegamer5112]

One of the best things VW ever built into their 90's cars (possibly also earlier) was the programmable wiper relay. You switch on and off for the first wipe and then on again for the next one and it would keep the timing, up to a 90 seconds interval IIRC. So easy to use. BMW made it an expensive module in later 3 series E36 versions which you couldn't cheaply retrofit on earlier ones because why make things simple? smh

[@HubNut]

I fitted one of those relays to a Citroen BX. I didn't like it, because it was too easy to set a gap you didn't want. Far prefer a simple adjustable switch.

[@peer6038]

Hey! Heard you mentioned something about problems with high idle. Have not seen all the movies you made about the Mazda so you might have checked it already, otherwise it is quite common for the idle valve to trouble

[@HubNut]

More to come on that soon.

[@robertpowell7672]

Hi Ian. I was surprised that you didn't mention the Vauxhall cavalier when listing the estate models. Used to see a lot about but Cavaliers seem to have vanished off the radar. Obviously about to become sought after.

[@HubNut]

I didn't find the Cavalier's styling that neat. Sierra was more composed. Must be because the Cavalier was a knock-off from Australia. ;-)

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Hello Ian, yes, having one reversing light isn't great (a flaw shared with my lady wife's MG3 which I know that you reviewed a couple of years ago). The rear visibility of mine was even worse, as I had a rear spoiler, but it did help to place it a bit when parking, bizarrely... I agree about the mirrors, though, I have never to this day had a car with better ones. If ever a car needed retro-fitted parking sensors, the 323F was it! I agree about the tyre noise too, and the inverted indicator and wiper stalks used to drive me crazy.

[@kevinpritchard6260]

Agreed awful reversing light I use to turn on the rear fog lamp which helped may be worth a try next Time

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

That's an interesting way to help reversing at night!

[@projectronnie]

Ian get a rover 75 or mg zt for power and show us tips on how to look after them remember about pride of long bridge please come hope you do what I say

[@chriseccles1454]

Had a 99 Omega cdx estate lovely looking and well equipped. Always liked the look of MG ztt estate which I think is better looking than Rover 75 versions, shame they all seem to have magic miles on them now.

[@HubNut]

I'm afraid I don't much like the 75/ZT. Too big, too modern. Not sure I can make PoL sadly.