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I currently own a '93 4 cylinder which still obtains great gas mileage but body rust and a few other misc items are taking it's toll on the car. To repair everything, especially rust and painting, would reach $2000 or slightly exceed that amount. I'm current;y viewing another '93 MX3 in "BEAUTIFUL" condition with original everything, all power, no rust, low mileage, etc. but has the V6 engine. I want to stick with this car if possible because we all know it's fun to drive, handles well and of course, gets that great fuel mileage, at least with the 4 cylinder. Therefore, I ask those who have the V6, how well is your fuel mileage with this engine?

Any other major differences compared to the 4 cyl?

Thank you.

The standard issue MX-3 RS is pure economy car in a pretty sporty looking package with average handling. The standard issue MX-3 GS increased performance including handling and gets good economy but not like the RS. Any V6 variant - standard K8, or KL will not get > 30 mpg. There might be a few exceptions, but I'm speaking generally.
Specifically I have a KLDE in mine and get average 27 mpg combined city/hwy - probably 60 - 70% hwy miles. I'm sure others will claim they have been able to squeeze more with standalone engine management and other mods - but those would be the exceptions. I might see 28 -29 mpg in a pure highway trip (flat roads and wind at my back) but doubt I'll ever see 30 mpg. Personally I'm happy with the compromise. Except for the faded red paint I love the way the car looks, it is quick and way above average handling. I say it is worth the extra $ for fuel. If you go from 30+ mpg to around 25 mpg would you still be happy?

Buy the car, buy the car. Never had a problem with my GS fuel economy. Fill ups were inexpensive compared to my Mazda MPV and I never even considered gas when going on a road trip. Win win I'd say.

davmac wrote: If you go from 30+ mpg to around 25 mpg would you still be happy?

Being spoiled for 17 years with great fuel mileage from my 4 cylinder, I think I wouldn't be happy. I have reached 36 MPG at times while the average is about 30 - 32. Speed or quick take-offs aren't a major issue with me. Fuel mileage is.

My 93gs 1.8 got 400-450km a tank, my current setup gets 200-220km per tank. Meh, I'm happy with it

I've been getting 26mpg this year on my ZE and I'm sure it's not perfectly thuned. I was getting 30 on the K8 before the swap.

the few mpg you will lose are more than made up for in fun.

24/30 for me with stock K8

I float between 30 and 32 city with a stock K8, and my highway mileage reflects my spirited driving, so don't even ask about that one

My other car, got about 29 highway with 400+ pounds of cargo at California freeway speeds. ZE btw, not a K8.

My advice, buy the super clean GS and cut out a bunch of weight. If you don't need it, don't keep it, that will boost your fuel economy, especially if you drive carefully already.

MrMazda92 wrote:I float between 30 and 32 city with a stock K8, and my highway mileage reflects my spirited driving, so don't even ask about that one

My other car, got about 29 highway with 400+ pounds of cargo at California freeway speeds. ZE btw, not a K8.

I wonder how does one get 30 mpg with K8, I don't think they got that much brand new from factory.
I mean what do you do to have 30mpg with k8, pump tires up to 45psi, run premium, coast whenever possible???

I only get 24 city and that's best it's gonna get and I do maintain my car religiously.

I never did anything special. And to be totally truthful I didn't keep a log back then, but I know that right now on the ZE I consistantly get 450km to a tank and before the swap I was getting in the neighborhood of 520km...which is really closer to 29mpg.

I also get a little over 400 to a tank. I have undersized tires. Driving habit doesn't seem to change it much.

mitmaks wrote:I wonder how does one get 30 mpg with K8, I don't think they got that much brand new from factory.
I mean what do you do to have 30mpg with k8, pump tires up to 45psi, run premium, coast whenever possible???

I only get 24 city and that's best it's gonna get and I do maintain my car religiously.

I actually do run my tires at 45, I fill with Regular(88 octane at my closest Chevron), and the rest is up to me. I don't use my brakes while driving around town unless somebody does some thing stupid(cuts me off, non-signaled turns, etc), I coast shockingly often, and I know the timing on almost every light in my city that I pass regularly. I'm a delivery driver for a local company, and I drive on my own time for nothing but the pleasure. Basically, I know where I'm going, I'm never in a hurry(I plan ahead), and I treat the throttle like a chicken egg.

Like everyone else, my mileage changes dramatically when I want to go fast. Typically for me, that'll be country roads or the freeway, where it doesn't hurt economy so much anyways. If I'm starting and stopping often, there's no reason to floor it, at all.

What's the difference between the K8 and the ZE?

I average 25-30mpg with my GS.. has over 260k on it.
Clean air filter and run synthetic.

k8 is the stock 130hp engine found in the GS you can swap this in for the KLZE which has 200hp and it's a jspec engine.