Mazda MX-3... any good? - READ ONLY

31 messages, Last post on Dec 29, 2002 at 2:57 PM

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What is this discussion about? Mazda MX-3, Hatchback

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#5 of 31 MX-3 by michael28 Dec 15, 1999 (12:46 am)
The mx-3 v6 has 130hp at 6500rpm and 115 torque at 4500. The 0-60 as I recall from Motortrend was 8.3 seconds. The car really does not have that much torque and could use more. It is a high revving powerplant.
#6 of 31 MX-3 by judas Dec 26, 1999 (3:06 pm)
You're right on the HP and TQ numbers but I think you're a little optomistic on the 0-60 times. I was thinking it was 8.7. 1/4 time as around 16.1-16.3. I test drove one years ago and it didn't compare with the two pocket rockets I had about the same time, an 89 Mirage GT Turbo and a 89 Supercharged MR2. The engine, while smooth, is surprizingly gutless. Also, I doubt there's much difference on insurance between the 4 and the 6. Either way you're looking at an older car that wasn't very expensive when it was produced. I doubt the insurance company is going to kill you too bad for the extra 25 or 30 HP the 6 has.
#7 of 31 1995 Mazda MX-3 by vader007 Dec 28, 1999 (3:23 am)
I have had no problems with my car. The only thing is, it is so low to the ground and many a times have I scraped. It's been a very reliable car for me and gets great gas milage. I'm actually selling mine now, It will be impossible to put a baby car-seat back there in those bucket seats!
#8 of 31 Reliable 4-cyl by esimpson Mar 29, 2000 (10:04 pm)
Got a '93 4-cyl with 120k miles on it. Repairs have been non-existant. Just the standard preventative maintenance, tires, belts, oil, filters, headlights. I'm shooting for 200k before considering a new car. We'll see. Keeps going and going. Pretty good in the snow - has a slight understeer if you hit a corner too hard, easily controlled by letting off the gas and the front end whips back in line.
#9 of 31 Would KILL... by vocus Apr 23, 2000 (5:49 am)
For a 1994 or newer MX-3 GS with automatic. Always LOVED them! Just my thoughts
#10 of 31 MX3 by tickbitty Apr 27, 2000 (6:41 pm)
just saw one of these and thought I'd look it up. Can't believe it was not a more successful car. Great looking, and a hatch!! WoW
#11 of 31 I too have been looking at them.. by photog0264 Jun 21, 2000 (8:20 am)
I recently purchased a Brand new Escort ZX2 and love it dearly. However it was involved in a serious accident and I am stuck with a rented ## Escort sedan till mine is repaired. Because of my loathing for this smelly abused under powered car. It got me thinking back to the days when I had two vehicles and the ease with which I could deal with these types of minor crisis. So I have begun a used car search to be concluded in the spring of next year. The car that keeps coming to mind is the 1993 Mazda MX3 GSi Hatchback. Despite it's age it for looks it can still hold it's own against most of todays more contemporary models and the same can be said for MX3 GSi's performance. What concerns me though is the mileage. Right off the mark despite it's past reliabilty it would end up being high maintence car due to the age. My late 1987 Acura Integra made it to 200,000 miles before the final bang from the transmision. With no disrespect intended to any of the owners of this little classic; I honestly can't see an MX3 making it much past 200,000 miles. In my case as the MX3 would be used as a back up and short zip run car the yearly mileage would be considerably less than normal. However it still makes me wonder just how much the maintence costs will be on plus 100,000 mile "pocket rocket" with a manual transmission. Certainly cheaper than if it had an auto trans. but even a manual trans can get expensive, this is to say nothing of the other repairs.
#12 of 31 I too have am considering one of these little gems... by anonymous Jun 22, 2000 (1:55 am)
I recently purchased a Brand new Escort ZX2 and love it dearly. However it was involved in a serious accident and I am stuck with a rented ## Escort sedan till mine is repaired. Because of my loathing for this smelly abused under powered car. It got me thinking back to the days when I had two vehicles and the ease with which I could deal with these types of minor crisis. So I have begun a used car search to be concluded in the spring of next year. The car that keeps coming to mind is the 1993 Mazda MX3 GSi Hatchback. Despite it's age it for looks it can still hold it's own against most of todays more contemporary models and the same can be said for MX3 GSi's performance. What concerns me though is the mileage. Right off the mark despite it's past reliabilty it would end up being high maintence car due to the age. My late 1987 Acura Integra made it to 200,000 miles before the final bang from the transmision. With no disrespect intended to any of the owners of this little classic; I honestly can't see an MX3 making it much past 200,000 miles. In my case as the MX3 would be used as a back up and short zip run car the yearly mileage would be considerably less than normal. However it still makes me wonder just how much the maintence costs will be on plus 100,000 mile "pocket rocket" with a manual transmission. Certainly cheaper than if it had an auto trans. but even a manual trans can get expensive, this is to say nothing of the other repairs. Your
#13 of 31 A while back by freddy_k Jun 27, 2000 (3:41 pm)
I traded my '94 escort GT with a friends V6 MX3 for one full day. I was very happy to give it back to him. The escort was quicker and seemed more agile, and I found it all around more fun too drive.
#14 of 31 MX3 is good and can be better! by bandersen1 Jul 13, 2000 (8:06 pm)
I have a 92 with the V6 5-speed. You have to let it rev past 4 grand to feel the pull otherwise remember it is only 1.8 liters. I'm up to 170,000 kilometers and the car has only needed the usual stuff and one CV joint. Still, it is time to move on to something a little more comfortable - like a Millenia S! How about swapping the engine with the 2.5 from the 626 or Mx6. It is a bolt-in job! Check out www.mx-3.com for alot of info!