Need Basic Info About Buying a mx-3

[DrStrangelove]

Im looking for a relativly cheap (ive got around 3000 to spend) sporty car, thats fairly reliable. Mx3's seem to work I love the styling one the mazda speed front end is in place and even without it the lines are clean. What im asking is what should I know before buying one, how reliable they are, and any other information that would be helpful thanks for your time.

[Maddbuck]

I've had both versions of the MX-3 and they are great cars. I had an RS auto and now a GS 5-spd Special Edition. <BR>My recommendation is to get a GS 5-spd, that is the 1.8l V6 version of the MX-3. I'm sure others will agree that the GS has greater potential for upgrades. Get one that has power everything.<BR>things to look out for are: Oil leaking into the sparkplug wells, distributor, wires, other obvious external defects like tire condition and rust etc. check condition of the accessory belts and ask when the engine timing belt was last changed. It is recommended to change every 60,000 miles on both version of the MX-3. Other people may add to the list because I may not have covered all the things to look out for. <BR>Happy Hunting for your new Jewel of a car.

[-=deathtrap-mx3=-]

do NOT get an automatic!! mine is dying and i'm not even at 80K miles.

[Brainless]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by -=deathtrap-mx3=-:<BR><STRONG>do NOT get an automatic!! mine is dying and i'm not even at 80K miles.</STRONG><HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>...and 5 speed is so much fun do drive.<P>As for the reliability, I've had my RS (4 cyl) for a year now and didn't have any major problem.

[ssmog]

You might also want to be sure to pull a spark plug or two out and carefully and closely inspect them for oil and ash deposits. According to the Mazda dealer in Stratford Ontario some MX-3's have a nasty habbit of the vavle guide wearing excessively in the rear bank. I had oil burning in myine before i replaced the motor, don't get disguraged, i had 264,000 kms on mine before i changed the motor.