1998 Mazda MX3 RS 1.6i DOHC
Summary:
Rather rare Mazda coupe with large following on the internet
Faults:
Nothing.
General Comments:
Bigger more "sensible" and practical 2+2 sporting brother of the Mazda MX-5.
You can actually get 4 passengers in this sports coupe - even though it looks like a 2 seater.
108 Bhp engine adequate for everyday in the city driving - good acceleration, economical on fuel, NOT "lethal" to drive.
Mind boggling cornering ability.
Stops on a dime with its 4 disc brakes.
Excellent aerodynamics at motorway speeds - stays glued to the highway.
Futuristic sporty driving position.
Visibility is rather very good for the shape - but configure your seat & mirrors for maximum all round visibility.
You sit IN this car - it seems to wrap around you!
No loss of street credibility driving this coupe - it has a body to die for.
Practical boot space - can be expanded by folding rear seats.
Interior is spartan but adequate just like all true sports cars should be - you concentrate on your driving, not fiddling with gimmicky gadgets.
Dashboard well laid out.
Electric pack includes Pop-up and slide back sunroof, power windows, central locking & adjustable headlights.
This IS a sports car, buy it not for the power, but the adequate performance and beautiful slinky "Porsche 911-nesque" body shape.
Cheap "pose-mobile" that will not break the bank insurance wise.
Very reliable 1.6i DOHC engine - starts and goes everyday without missing a beat.
Trivia: The MX-3 was actually used as one of the futuristic (background) cars in the movie "I, Robot" - apparently on account of its still futuristic looking body, despite being introduced originally in 1991!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 22nd April, 2005
6th Jul 2006, 01:52
I also have a Mazda MX 3 1998 model, although mine is the 1.8 V6 model, and I don't think it's an RS! Any clues on what BHP my car has? Can I get it chipped/add a supercharger? Do you know any websites with info??? Any help would be appreciated.
3rd Oct 2006, 10:17
I also have a Mazda MX3 1998. It is silver in colour and has barely a mark on it. It goes very well indeed and was bought from a dealer with full service history and 'log book' document. The person who says they stopped making them in 1996 is talking pure rubbish.
2nd Nov 2006, 13:05
I owned a Mazda MX-3 1.8i V6 on a "R" plate. One of the last UK spec cars to come off the production line. Best car I ever bought. I have even seen an MX3 on an S plate.
11th Dec 2009, 13:09
I have a red MX3 V6 on a R plate; I love it. However parts are expensive, but the car is quick once past 3000, but I think visibility is poor; looking right on a roundabout, you need to stop because you cant see over the barrier. Also the rearview mirror is too low and obstructs the left view in my opinion, but I am 6 foot 2 and 18 stone ha ha!
29th Jun 2011, 02:57
Sorry, it's a bit late for my comment. In Jan 2010 I sold my 38k black MX3 1998 S reg as I wanted a bigger car. This was the worst mistake I ever made. It had no fancy gadgets like modern day cars, but it was reliable to a t. For 13 years old, it looked sexy and fantastic too. But thanks to ebay I managed to locate a 98 R on 90k to tide me over until some pensioner unearths one from their garage with 25k on it, well you never know the S-reg was off ebay 23k back in 2009... Mmmm should have kept it, what a twit.
8th Jul 2005, 23:23
There is no such thing as a 98 Mazda MX-3 RS. Mazda quits making the MX-3's in 96!!!