1992 Mazda MX3 1.6 from North America

Summary:

The Devil Car

Faults:

Car started off with just an idle problem, turned it up and thought I had a sweet car. God, was I wrong. Overheats, Idle goes up and down, car alarm wouldn't stop going off. Never wants to start, leaves me stranded all the time.

General Comments:

The car looks great, I love the way it handles. For the first five days I loved it,then this car went down hill fast. It started overheating and wouldn't throw any heat. My idles goes up and down. Car alarm goes on and off all the time. It is a tiny car which dosen't bother me that much because I saw it before I bought it, so I knew this, but over time you will find this car harder and harder to deal with. It should be a two seater the backseats are about pointless. The trunk area is very nice and surprisingly large. The 1.6 is a gutless engine on the highway would definitely try to get the V6. Fuel economy is great and that was about the only thing I liked about the car when I got rid of it. Now I have a 1995 VW jetta and I LOVE my jetta so much more. I've heard great feedback about the MX-3's and I really wish I would have had the same luck others did. Worst 1000 miles of my life.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 13th February, 2008

1992 Mazda MX3 SE 1.8 from North America

Summary:

Nimble and Sporty, But I've Heard Expensive To Fix

Faults:

I just got it, so haven't had a chance to really 'see' what has gone wrong, only what blemishes it has now.

It looks like it could use new brakes and shocks. Back window wiper needs some repair.

General Comments:

Engine and transmission are in great shape.

It wants to go and the V6 makes it rumble a bit.

Paint job is pretty good. Has a little rust in places, but it sat outside for a year before I bought it.

The seats are really low and kind of hard to get out of.

The automatic shifter is placed too close to the radio console.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd August, 2007

1992 Mazda MX3 GS 1.8L V6 24v DOHC from North America

Summary:

Unreal

Faults:

The water pump went bad, cracked radiator cap, housing clutch and pressure plate was replaced. All new rotors/brakes, 3x front coil springs; reverse lights wouldn't come on.(bulbs not blown) Valve cover gaskets went bad; they were replaced timing belt tensioner went out. Replaced the timing belt and the power window buttons broke. Window motors would act like they were going out. The sun-roof opens/closes very roughly.

General Comments:

I must admit that I haven't owned too many cars, but out of the ones I had (2001 grand am,1993 probe,1999 Taurus,1996 Neon,1995 acclaim) I fell in love with my two MX-3's Yes indeed they are very expensive to fix, and why I don't know. The car has Excellent Handling Pretty fast Acceleration and can do a mean Burn out. I had mine opened up to 147 MPH Before forced to slow down and she was still gaining. in Tribute to my first 92 Mazda MX-3 GS May she rest in peace...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th May, 2007

1992 Mazda MX3 1.6L, 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Great First Car!!

Faults:

Had to get a new resonator. Two new winter tires because, the owner before kept putting air in it when it had a small leak. When putting it to the floor and reaching 5000 rpm in first gear the exhaust smokes and stinks, but I guess its cause it burns oil?

General Comments:

Overall I really enjoy this car. I put a lot of work into it to make it look nice, it's a head turner now. It handles really good and brakes fast. Although it's not quite as fast acceleration I would like it to be its still a peppy little car. There's not much cargo room for back passengers. Clutch is a little noisy when pressed in.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd August, 2006

7th Nov 2007, 16:57

It smokes because (generally speaking) your driving at WideOpenThrottle (WOT) and during WOT it could just be excess fuel being wasted so the car doesn't run LEAN while at that rpm. It's a good way to avoid damage to the motor. Now.. if its real smoke, then I disregard my little bit of information. But generally speaking, during WOT its excess fuel being forced into the motor to avoid it from running lean.