Hi! I am currently an owner of a 323 Astina, or just Astina (that's what we call it in Malaysia). RHD, automatic transmission, SOHC fuel injection model. I am only 19 years old and is looking for opportunities to make my car run the best as it can.

Before I go into the details of this weird issue, I'll list what I have fixed on the car: starter relay kit replaced, water pump replaced, new spark plugs, steering bush rack replaced, throttle body & MAF sensor cleaned, new air filter element.

There is a minor issue which annoys me sometimes which is the inconsistent cranking time. It usually happens in the morning when the car has been sitting for the night, where the car would crank for a few seconds until it finally starts. But the weird thing is, after driving for a while and turning off the car to let it sit for several hours when I'm at my workplace, it would only crank once and start instantly. The same thing would occur when I turn the engine off after starting the car up in the morning, then turning the engine on back again would start the car instantly without any trouble. I have replaced the starter relay kit because it was starting to go anyway because I would sometimes hear a single "click" when turning the car into ignition, but it would still crank for a few seconds in the morning despite having replaced the starter relay kit. The starter itself is in good condition, by the way.

The car NEVER fail to start, although it takes up to 5 seconds to crank in the morning.

The only major issues with the car is its leaking exhaust which I am planning to get it changed with an aftermarket exhaust because welding it is not an option anymore, it's already too beat-up. The driveshaft is broken as it makes clicking noise when I turn the steering wheel which I'm also planning to replace

I would also like to ask what are the common problems that the BG model have, such as rust spots, electronics issues because I heard one 323F owner has a lot of problems with electronics, and what components of the car are notorious for breaking easily and what are the fixes... just anything that could help me look out for them in the future in case they unfortunately happen! Thank you in advance!

Welcome to the club!

From memory my grandparents 1990 (carb 1.6) BG was a little slow to start when it was cold, but that one ate batteries as well, so it may have been related (bad aftermarket alarm system!).

My current BG 1.6 (fuel injected) can also take a little while to get started when it has been sat for more than a few days, but just like yours starts with one turn when it's hot. My local Mazda specialist advised me the B6 engine can do this due to not having the most powerful starter motors (and age) but also said it's nothing to worry about unless it fails to start completely or does it when warm.

I hope someone with a few more years BG experience can pitch in their opinion too

Problems - Rust. Watch the sills, rear wheel arches and just general under-body. Also, suspension rubbers are typically quite worn and tired by this point due to age; I recently replaced the balljoints, track rods & anti-roll bushes and it makes it drive much better! Also watch for the bushes on the rear stabiliser, it will squeak and they are hard to find, my Mazda dealer is shipping them in from Belgium for me as they can't find any in the UK. It doesn't seem to be affecting the handling, however.

I hope I could help

Take the distributor cap off and clean with a clean dry rag and inspect the electrodes they may need cleaning with emery paper , also clean the edge of the rotor arm . if this doesnt work they might need replacing.

Take the distributor cap off and clean with a clean dry rag and inspect the electrodes they may need cleaning with emery paper , also clean the edge of the rotor arm . if this doesnt work they might need replacing.