MX-3 Info Pls - looking at buying one

[MyZmZm]

Hi there! I've been reading a bit on your site and am hoping you can help me out. I currently own a 2002 Protege5 which I love, but I want to keep her looking good as long as possible so I'd like to get a winter car. I'd very much like to stay in the Mazda family, and am looking at possibly getting a MX-3.

I do know I would prefer to get the GS (V6) vs the RS (4cyl) for obvious reasons, but I don't know a lot about the car, either specific to the v6 model or in general.

I have found one GS locally so far (haven't been looking very hard/far) that has 194K km on it, second owner, 5spd. I'm taking a look at the car tomorrow night, but the owner did mention that it's burning a little oil - don't know how much, I will definitely find that out - and he mentioned something about the driver's power window switch needing to be fixed/replaced. The brakes have apparently been done recently, as well as new shocks. He's asking $2800CA obo.

Other than for this car specifically, what are some notable things I should be aware of with this car? Quirks, common problems, recalls, TSBs, etc? What are some specific questions I should ask the seller of this or any MX-3?

Thanks, and hope to find out lots more from your site. What I've seen/read so far, it looks great.

[PATDIESEL]

As the V6 ages they generally burn some oil. About a quart every 3000KM is not uncommon. The window switches are also a pain. You can find them pretty regularly on E-Bay for about 65 US dollars.
Other than that, look for rust obviously, usually found in hte corner of the fender and windshield just under the hood and around the suspension. I'm sure if it was winter diven there will be some, but you are looking for holes inthe metal or large rust spots that look thin or weak. Ask if he has maintenance records from himself and the previous owner. Ask how long he owned the car. If he hasn't had it long there might be a good reason why he is selling it after not having owned it for long. Check that the body panel seams are neat and have an even gap along the joints of the panels. If you find that they are uneven or that the gap changes you can jsut about bet it was in a wreck. Depending on which body panels you'll know where it was hit. Then see if you can find a way to look under the panel (either under the hood or under the car). If the metal under the body panel is wrinkled badly don't buy it. It means that there was a decent amount of structural damage. Check the tires tread. If the wear is uneven from outside to inside then there could be a few minor things wrong with the suspension.
Lastly and most improtantly. Have the car checked by a trusted mechanic. They can tell better than you what shape the car is in. It costs about 100 bucks around here and in the end can save you from buying a lemon or paying too much if the car needs some work. Good luck and get ready to sell that Protoge, you'll love the MX-3 so much that it will be the Summer car now

[lakersfan1]

You're looking for an MX3 as a winter beater? And keeping a Protege as a summer car? Something's wrong with your priorities here.

[MyZmZm]

thanks for the replies. took a look at the car tonight and it's a definite no-go - not in good shape at all. i still have a couple months, so i'll keep my eyes open for another one.

i was told today by a Mazda Master Mechanic that the timing belts, cam washers (iirc), and valve seals are common problems with these cars, along with the door switch. are there any others i should be aware of?

as for misplaced priorities, we'll have to see. another car means a little less money for the P5 (the list never ends!), but i really want to keep the miles down and keep her looking great as long as possible.

this is my Morrigan; i love her to bits, and she's never treated me wrong

http://www.msprotege.com/members/MyZmZm ... G_1091.jpg

[PATDIESEL]

I've not heard of timing or cam washers being a problem with these cars ever...
Shouldn't be too hard to find a decent one in Canada. They are all over the place up there.

[hgallegos915]

maybe they meant the cam friction gear noise? never had problems like those except power windows AAAHH POWER WINDOW.. i wish so bad i had manual windows..

[mx3hatchcrap]

Check kellys blue book on line.. its free.
enter the details of the car you want,
Subtract any known needed repair costs.. and make a reasonable offer to the guy after checking out the mx3 with a good mechanic..
yeah rust sucks.. and is expensive to do lotsa body work..
wait for a better deal if you need to..
don't rake yourself over the coals for any vehcille.