Lookin' to buy my first MX3...Please help..Sorry long

[Ms.Skazzi]

Hello everyone! I'm new, I'm 24 and livin' in the Lower Mainland of B.C. I'm so happy to have found this site and so much info. This is my first post to the board and I'm hoping for a little help, a couple opinions and maybe some buyer beware advice on buying a MX3.

A little background...
On Sept 20th, I lost my Pride and Joy, an 88 Mint condition Nissan Pulsar NX. *sob* *sniff*. ICBC (BC Insurance Comp) has only given me $3600 CAN in value for it. I'm having a hard time letting go and am really itching to get another Pulsar though I've discovered that nothing in the Pulsar market that I've seen (yet) compares to the car I had. It was such a zippy, fun, stylish, versatile, sporty car to drive and that's still what I need. It's very sad..anywho...

I discovered today that I REALLY like the look of the MX3 which makes me very happy! And I've read this evening that reviews of this car are great and sounds like something I could truly love! I am thinking that with my Budget (which is likely tops $4500 Canadian, give or take a bit)that my search for an MX3 will be quite limited, though I have seen SOME in my price range.

What are the kinds of things I should be most concerned about in my search for a lower priced MX3? How are they at higher KMS?

Any advice for newbies? Suggestions?

Any help would be greatly appreciated and my apologies if I've made zero sense!!
Thanks everyone.

Cheers! Cheers!
Tanna

<small>[ October 05, 2003, 04:49 AM: Message edited by: Tanna ]</small>

[Sean Mandell]

Go for the 93 special edition V6.
All mx-3's are pretty damn reliable but you do have to remember that one is a 4cyl and the other is a v6. The v6 imo is the way to go but you could probably get a newer 4cyl one for a decent price. hope this helps a little.

[lakersfan1]

Look at MX3's and Nissan NX2000's. But from what I've seen, looks like resale for MX3's in Canada is better than in the states. NX2000 has T-Tops, though.

[MX-3 for Me]

Welcome lady!
Well keep your eyes peeled for such problems as slipping transmission as mx-3's have a tendancy to have weak transmissions(for auto), and make sure the calipers (especially the rear ones) are in good shape because when i bought my mx, the transmission was on its way out and the rear calipers had to be replaced but luckily i didnt have to pay for it(its pretty expensive).
I bought my mx at 145,000 kms and right now its at 191,000 kms and going strong! besides that I would suggest the V6 because they're pretty quick compaired to the 4 cylinder. My best friend has the 4 cylinder and it lacks pick up compaired to my v6.
I would suggest the mx-3 GS, but just beware of that transmission problem!
Anyways- if you buy one, remember your not just buying a car, your buying into a society!
Everyone here is muchos helpful and if you have any other questions or anything at all- people on this board are so helpful and quick to give you answers.
Happy hunting!

[Ms.Skazzi]

Wow. And also that this community is more north American than the Pulsar (aka EXA) crazed Aussies where it's community was based.

Cheers, cheers!
Tanna

[Ms.Skazzi]

Sorry. Would someone please explain what to look for re: Those rear Calipers. Is it a visual, amateur eye problem that can be detected?

Thanks so much!

[Nd4SpdSe]

Originally posted by Tanna:
"MX-3 for me", I LOVE the look of the GS! Especially the interior!! Hot! Could someone please explain the Interior options for different years?

There are 2 types of dashes, the 92-93's have the regular, plain but nice interior, but no cupholders.
<img src="http://mx-3.com/interior/dash92-93-01.jpg" alt=" - " />

94+'s have a a rounded dash
<img src="http://mx-3.com/interior/dash94-98-01.jpg" alt=" - " />

Also, 92-93's ahve almost racing style seats, but butt-grooves for rear seats
94+'s have regular seats with adjustable headrests and the rear's are more of a bench.

[lakersfan1]

NX2000 T-tops are fine as far as I know. My brother-in-law had one up till last year. Had it for god knows how long, and never any problems. It's not as nice looking as the MX-3 I agree, but the 2.0L 4 cylinder is a strong engine that lasts, and lasts. Lots of hop-up gear for that engine. It's also got as much originality as the MX3, in that not everyone owns one, or would even recognize one.

But problems with MX3 GS 5 speeds is usually only the synchros if running the stock 1.8L engine. You'll notice that right away when shifting quickly. Some of it will probably be a little better with a nice sythetic gear lube, or even running a little ATF in it in the cold weather.

[curtklze]

the main problem will be finding one for a good price over there, They are alot cheaper in toronto(about half the price), you could try in calafornia.

[Damien]

Tanna if your short on funds ($4500 or so) you prob wont be able to pick up a good condition GS. Id say save for a GS if your interested or look into the RS more, they are cheaper, usually less options but dont let people fool you, they arent all that bad. If i had to buy an mx3 it would be another RS :p

[Csillag]

Definately no probs with the RS (I'm sticking by mine).
If you don't do mods on the exhaust, but wanna stay OEM, the primary cat could give you a headache and a half on price. The rear disk brakes (I'd heard) can be a bit of a nag, with e-brake seizing up, as well as caliper probs, (someone correct me if I'm wrong on that one), and the infamous idle air control prob... From previous posts, you'd notice many/all experience idle problems, as in rough idling but there have been creative solutions to fix that as well. IMO, these cars are very hardy, and most definately fun!

[kuruption1983]

Aight my suggestions;
the precidia GS is pretty good, as said b4 caliper problem is common, its not visual, just pull the e-brake and see how good it holds the car @ 40KM/H, my left rear one was seized so my car was always in the middle of the street when i forgot to put it in gear while parked. As for power, you dont really feel it unless you have a 92-93 4cyl or wanna race someone, which i highly doubt you will (i dont, considering i am the biggest show-off when it comes to cars <img src="http://www.sikbluemx3.com/yesnod.gif" alt=" - " /> .

One other suggestion is to look at other cars too, like civics, integras, or something common as it is kind of hard to find rare cars like mx3s or such in BC, and it would cost you alot less on maintanence and easier to get parts for.

[DVH]

i'll sell you mine.........im movin to bc on noverber 9th......if your interested, it is an rs, full kit too many othe r mods to list