MX-3.com

Hello, after several years of fun with my MX-3 I bought a new 08 Eclipse GT-P and think I might sell my Mazda.
It's a 1994 Mazda MX-3 GS with about 166,000 KM. 5 speed manual, sunroof, complete stock and only 2 owners including myself. Currently has the stock alloys on it but I have 15" summer rims (enkei i think) and tires(yokohama) with it as well. Interior is also a custom beige leather which a worn on the front seats. It had a complete professional body job a few years ago, but now rust has started to appear around wheels wells a bit. It has been sitting for a month and when I started it today it was running rough and has a check engine light on it for the first time ever. So I'm hoping it just needs a tune up from sitting for a while.

Any idea what it is worth? Either sold "as is" or probably with just a bit of work safety and e-tested?

Here is a pic:

Update: Oil at the spark plugs... guess the Mazda didn't appreciate me replacing it.

I would have to say it depends on the market in your area. I always check out autotrader.ca for a good range in price. Remember GS manuals are quite rare in Alberta anyway and are worth more then any RS and any GS that is auto.

eclipse gtp? you mean gt? pr gts? isnt gtp a pontiac thing?

I want that generation of eclipse!!! thats my next one I hope, v6 standard spyder i want it!

In Canada its called an Eclipse GT or GTP. The P meaning I have the performance package (larger rims, aluminum pedals etc). I got an 08 because I don't like the styling changes of the 09. It's a pretty fun car. I was going to from the MX-3 to the MX-5 but I went away from that test drive disappointed. It had no power at all, the V6 in the MX-3 would be about even with it. Except the V6 in the MX-3 revs much nicer and sounds better. Interior was also meh. The price also starts to add up once you start adding features to it... features that are already standard on the Eclipse.

I tried the Eclipse GS base model, it was alright, it didn't wow me, felt underpowered. Then I tried the fully loaded GT... oh man, totally different car. Interior is so nice it flows well like the 94+ MX-3 dash did. Seat/seating position is comfortable and holds you in place. So much HP or torque. Unlike the MX-3 and MX-5 where you have to try to drive them fast, you now have to try and drive the car slowly. It's a heavy car going by the spec sheet. But it doesn't feel like it at all. I jumped from the MX-5 Miata to the Eclipse and found the Eclipse just as agile. Also, it's pretty smooth. But when you start to race it the suspension isn't too soft, not rolly at all, it's completely solid and seems to hunker down the faster you go in the corners. It feels more stable doing 160kph around the bend than 80kph.
I really like my MX-3 all the years I had it... but really this generation of Eclipse (I didn't like the previous Chevrolet built ones) is hugely improved in every category. Only thing it's tied with is exterior styling. I still love the look of the MX-3 and when you factor in the age of the car, it was WAY a head of it's time.

I'm hoping Mazda brings out a new generation of the MX-3 or an RX8 with a little bit nicer interior, less engine problems and some damn torque.

From searching it looks like the oil in the spark plugs is caused by the valve cover gasket? Odd that it would give out from sitting for just a few weeks. How much does that cost to repair usually at a garage? Just trying to figure out if it's worth fixing and selling with safety and E-test or sell "AS IS"?

The worst thing about doing the valve covers is pulling the intake manifold to do the back one. I'm dreading this task myself.