CARFIX

Mazda 808 NA Wagon (1977–1978)

The Mazda 808/818 Base, a popular choice in the 1970s, especially in places like New Zealand, offered reliable and affordable transportation. This wiki is designed to help you understand and maintain your classic Mazda.

Parts for the Mazda 808 NA Wagon

Known issues

Owners of the Mazda 808/818 Base should be aware of some potential issues related to rotary engine wear (on some models) and carburetor problems. These issues often become apparent between 80,000 and 150,000 kilometers. Regular maintenance and careful observation of your vehicle's performance can help identify and address these problems early.

WOF tips

When preparing your Mazda 808/818 Base for a Warrant of Fitness (WOF), pay close attention to suspension ball joints for wear. Also, thoroughly inspect for rust, particularly around the windscreen and sills, as these are common areas of concern.

About the Mazda 808 NA Wagon

The Mazda 808/818 Base holds a place in automotive history. In New Zealand, it was a familiar sight, often chosen for its dependable nature and accessible price point. While not known for motorsport heritage or groundbreaking innovations, its practical appeal made it a workhorse for many families.

Maintaining Your Mazda 808/818 Base
Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping your Mazda 808/818 Base running well. Consider these maintenance areas:
• Engine: Regular engine oil and oil filter changes are vital. Addressing potential carburetor issues is essential for smooth operation.
• Cooling System: Maintaining the correct radiator coolant level and inspecting the thermostat and thermostat housing gasket are important for preventing overheating.
• Steering & Suspension: Inspect and, if necessary, replace suspension bushes (leaf spring, rear leaf spring front eye, radius arm front) and steering components like the steering idler arm and tie rod ends. Front shocks/struts and bump stops also contribute to ride comfort and handling.
• Transmission: Using the correct automatic transmission fluid and adhering to recommended service intervals will prolong the life of your transmission.
• Ignition: Replacement of spark plugs at the determined service interval.
• Braking system: Check and replace your stop light switches as needed.

Questions owners ask

What are the common WOF failure points for a MAZDA 808;818 1977–1978 in New Zealand?
When preparing your MAZDA 808;818 for a WOF, pay close attention to the suspension ball joints for wear. Additionally, thoroughly inspect for rust, particularly around the windscreen and sills, as these are common areas of concern for this model.
Where can I get replacement suspension bushes for my MAZDA 808;818 1977–1978 in NZ?
CARFIX stocks 120 SKUs for the MAZDA 808;818 1977–1978. You should be able to find various suspension bushes, including leaf spring, rear leaf spring front eye, and radius arm front bushes, through CARFIX.
How often should I change the engine oil and oil filter on my MAZDA 808;818 1977–1978?
For your MAZDA 808;818 1977–1978, regular engine oil and oil filter changes are vital. The recommended service interval for this vehicle is 5000km.
What are some common issues to look out for with the MAZDA 808;818 1977–1978?
Owners of the MAZDA 808;818 1977–1978 should be aware of potential issues related to rotary engine wear (on some models) and carburetor problems. These issues often become apparent between 80,000 and 150,000 kilometers. Regular maintenance and careful observation of your vehicle's performance can help identify and address these problems early.
What kind of maintenance does the cooling system of a MAZDA 808;818 1977–1978 require?
Maintaining the correct radiator coolant level is important for preventing overheating in your MAZDA 808;818 1977–1978. You should also inspect the thermostat and thermostat housing gasket regularly.