Looking at paying approx $1000 to rebuild mine...
worked find before the fluid ran a little low, then i replaced it, and it burnt, and now ive been told the whole thing needs to be replaced.
I'm at 300k with my V6, burns a lot of oil, just dont know what to do from here... sell it? replace the tranny, and then the engine in the near future?
I love the MX3, just cant afford this really, I need a new winshield too, it was cracked when i bought it, any ideas? can anyone out there help with any of these issues? *sigh*
Rebuild or buy?
- Aston Wards
- Regular Member
- Posts: 761
- Joined: December 28th, 2001, 2:01 am
- Location: Christchurch, New Zealand
if you can use a manual, then a swap is the best way to go...., cos you'll probably want a KL when your motor dies!
but if you have to stay auto, then get the tranny cooler, and don't be a Paul Walker at every traffic light!
MAKE sure when they rebuild your trans that they flush ALL the old oil out, otherwise you'll be back within a couple of months!
Know how you feel mate, i thought my Presso/MX3 was a moneypit...., then i got the Zed!
but if you have to stay auto, then get the tranny cooler, and don't be a Paul Walker at every traffic light!
MAKE sure when they rebuild your trans that they flush ALL the old oil out, otherwise you'll be back within a couple of months!
Know how you feel mate, i thought my Presso/MX3 was a moneypit...., then i got the Zed!

91 Eunos Presso KF-ZE
89 Nissan 300ZX TT 2+2
90 Nissan 300ZX TT 2+0

89 Nissan 300ZX TT 2+2
90 Nissan 300ZX TT 2+0

Swaping to a Manual Tx isnt as easy as you guys make it sound is it?
I would then be looking at a new stick inside the car, somehow installing a clutch... I would love a standard, but swapping doesnt seem to easy... But yea, i think im going to give this car another shot, its a 93 just needs the Tx, winshield, and an engine in the future... I can get a winshield for $329 + Tax installed, they say winshields for these are kind of rare and the rubber will need to be replaced when I get it done, and thats approx $80.
But yea, Definitely going to look into the seperate cooling kit for the Tx when I get it rebuilt, sounds like it makes a big difference, plus the engine design naturally overheats, the cars tiny and the engines huge...
I would then be looking at a new stick inside the car, somehow installing a clutch... I would love a standard, but swapping doesnt seem to easy... But yea, i think im going to give this car another shot, its a 93 just needs the Tx, winshield, and an engine in the future... I can get a winshield for $329 + Tax installed, they say winshields for these are kind of rare and the rubber will need to be replaced when I get it done, and thats approx $80.
But yea, Definitely going to look into the seperate cooling kit for the Tx when I get it rebuilt, sounds like it makes a big difference, plus the engine design naturally overheats, the cars tiny and the engines huge...
- Andrew_Pakula
- Senior Member
- Posts: 2362
- Joined: November 18th, 2000, 2:01 am
- Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Contact:
On a car that already has 300k I probably wouldn't repair the ATX transmission, better to just invest in another MX-3 with lower KMs.
Click here for Andrew's FIVE BUCKS Part-Out CLEARANCE!
My Former MX-3: http://www.zerokarma.com/mx-3/ - updated 10/10/2005
My New Ride: 2003 Lexus IS300 Intensa Blue Pearl, E-shift, Premium Package
My Former MX-3: http://www.zerokarma.com/mx-3/ - updated 10/10/2005
My New Ride: 2003 Lexus IS300 Intensa Blue Pearl, E-shift, Premium Package
No. Don't part it out koolguy. The MX-3 is one of those rare automobiles the truely is, one of a kind. Sure, the automatic tranny sucks, but, with proper care and a cooler for it installed, it'll provide you with many years of good service. You just gotta remember not to be too hard on the auto tranny.
I've had to replace my tranny once before, but, that was because of poor care of it on my part. But on this tranny I have now, I do baby her by checking on the fluid quality every 2 weeks and replacing the fluid and filter every 3 months. Some may call it overkill, but, peace of mind is the name of the game as far as I'm concerned, even though I do have a tranny cooler added to my 93 RS.
So, my advice to you is to hang in there, get the auto fixed, ADD A PLATE AND FIN TRANNY COOLER and baby it. You won't regret it.
Take care.
I've had to replace my tranny once before, but, that was because of poor care of it on my part. But on this tranny I have now, I do baby her by checking on the fluid quality every 2 weeks and replacing the fluid and filter every 3 months. Some may call it overkill, but, peace of mind is the name of the game as far as I'm concerned, even though I do have a tranny cooler added to my 93 RS.
So, my advice to you is to hang in there, get the auto fixed, ADD A PLATE AND FIN TRANNY COOLER and baby it. You won't regret it.
Take care.
If you fall, then get back up........Luck favors the prepared
- Aston Wards
- Regular Member
- Posts: 761
- Joined: December 28th, 2001, 2:01 am
- Location: Christchurch, New Zealand
I guess it depends on how attached to your car you are, cos the sensible solution would be to cut your losses...., mind you, i've wasted craploads of $$$ fixing mine, had it in storage for 12mths, then spent more $$$ on it. Sensible isn't my strong point either!
91 Eunos Presso KF-ZE
89 Nissan 300ZX TT 2+2
90 Nissan 300ZX TT 2+0

89 Nissan 300ZX TT 2+2
90 Nissan 300ZX TT 2+0
