MX-3 WANNABE

[deepfacets]

Dad is looking to get an MX-3 for my daughter. I've got a line on a 92 base model (4 cyl, manual).

I could use some help "gimme a clue" as to what I need to watch out for before I buy it. It has high miles . . . 180,000+, but the seller says no problems, with oil changes @ 3,000 miles.

I'll be checking it out next weekend, so drop me a line & hook me up. . . thanks

[MX3-Freak]

My best recomendation is a compression test....

[papa roached]

auto or manual? the autos are not known for lasting a long time

[lakersfan1]

Originally posted by papa roached:
auto or manual? the autos are not known for lasting a long time

That's true. Chicago is almost devoid of manuals. I spent three months looking for a new 626 or Protege with a manual transmission between something like 10 Chicagoland dealers. Had to get a crappy auto. Now that POS is my wife's. Even when a Mazda automatic is working as intended, it still drives like *** . It brings the term 'slushbox' to full fruition.

[GregoryChristian]

Originally posted by papa roached:
auto or manual? the autos are not known for lasting a long time

he said it was a manual

[deepfacets]

Sounds like the manual tranny is a good call. Anything besides the compression that I need to be especially watchful for?

When I test drive it, how high should I "wind it out" to? Where should I expect to find the power band? What should be my optimal shift point? How much RPM should I expect to drop between shifts?

I realize that the 4 banger is not going to light up the tires between shifts, but I will "push it" to check it out. Just wondering what to expect out of the enourmous 88 ponies. I had a little 4 banger datsun (nissan) years ago that had it's (limited) fun spot. I'll be looking for the sweet spot in the mx-3 torque curve.

Thanks

[monty73741]

well the 92 i4 has 88 hp
I would take it to a mechanic to let them check it out, put it on there machine....etc etc.......best 50-75 bucks u can spend

[Talon_66]

I agree with Monty, take it, get it inspected. Its worth the added security. Most/some mechanics will actually offer a warranty for 30-90 days.

[Typhoonk]

take it for a test drive. My main concern is the clutch - all the one's I test drove were slipping like made. I got the guy to reduce the price 500 bucks and installed an aftermarket clutch.

Make sure around the seats the bolts that hold them on are not super rusty, could mean it's a rust bucket car - not worth fixing.

Next take a small magnet and walk around the car looking for body putty fixes from a crash. (not all salesmen will tell you if it's been in an accident)

Also you can take the vin to the local licensing office (don't know about the states, I'm in canada) and ask for the history and see if it's been wrote off.

Hope this helps!!! A good Mx-3 should last a long time.

[deepfacets]

More good info . . . thanks. I probably won't have time to get it checked out professionally, I'm buying it from an individual about 300 miles away from where I live . . . Ebay kind of thing, sort of . . . and have to make a fairly quick decision to eith buy it, or catch the bus back home. A little risky, but it is less than $2000, so I figure I can afford some small problems, instead of paying the markup from a dealer.

[Gro Harlem]

Mazda automatic tranny's are garbage b/c they are ford transmissions.

[MX3-Freak]

Originally posted by Gro Harlem:
Mazda automatic tranny's are garbage b/c they are ford transmissions.

Huh? This is a manual trans.