Clutch needed replacing two times.
Tires cost $1600 (cdn), because they are sport tires (wider & thinner).
Transmission needed replacing.
New distributer cost $1000 (cdn).
Check engine light always flashes, could not even be fixed by the dealer.
Tune ups can be very expensive and are needed more often than most cars.
Electrical system has failed several times, sometimes right after the dealer fixed it. This is also an expensive repair.
I have developed a back problem due to the extremely tiny inside of this car. Over the years it has become worse, and I am only 6 feet!!
This is one car I can honestly say you will be playing a guessing game with as to whether or not it will start. Some days it will, some days it won't.
The failing electrical system is a regular occurance and is not only expensive to repair, but it leaves you so often with a car you cannot drive.
The back seats are to small for any adult, yet it is impossible to have a car seat back there because its to tiny climbing in and out with the baby (I've hit my son's head on the low roof more than once).
Driving is rough and bumpy, you are so low to the ground in this car you feel every single hole or bump on the road. Be prepared to bottom out quite a bit.
Fuel economy for the GS (1.9 V6) is terrible, nothing like I thought it would be.
Overall- the repairs on the car, no matter how large or small, are double the price of your worst nightmares.
Please, if I can help just one person, do not buy this car. It will only break your heart (and your bank), just like it did mine. GOOD LUCK.
Did you buy your car used? If so it may have encountered a flood. I have read a lot of reviews on this car and no one has had these kinds of problems. Not even me, I have a 94 MX3 1.6L 4Cyl DOHC 5 Speed.
Alright. This is the most biased review I have ever read. What are you doing with such and tiny car and trying to fit a baby in it. I know people who had a crystler 300 m special. it's a huge sporty car and they dumped it even though they loved it cause it was inconducive for children. this isn't designed for a family its designed for a student or a 20 year old.
Good point in the last comment..
Yes, I agree, if your looking to be hauling your family around you need a sedan, as far as repairs go if you're not willing to work on the car yourself or you don't know how, maintenance and repairs are going to be a lot especially on a foreign car such as this.
Your maintance repairs are going to be expensive because labour on any work on or in the engine compartment is expensive - you're better off doing it yourself. Also, it's a sports car; its going to have firm suspension so you can feel the road. You should have looked into what you were buying.
I currently own my second MX-3. The first one, a 1994 model was badly damaged by a deer. I now drive a 1995 to get to and from work. I bought this one because the first one was economical (about 40 mpg from the 1.6liter engine) and very reliable. I have nearly 200,000 miles on the '95 and repair and maintenance costs over the last 4 years have been less than $2000usd. That includes replacing the distributor, tires, oil changes, and a radiator. The clutch and transmission are original. My guess is the complaints are about a car that was not properly taken care of by the previous owner (s). You can't blame that on the manufacturer.
I agree with the above comments.. sounds like it wasn't maintained properly. I have a 1995 MX-3 that I purchased brand new 14 years ago. I have put 175,000 miles on it and had minimal maintenance. Basically just the wearables - belts, tires and brakes. I did have to replace the radiator this year but that's understandable since I live in a subtropical climate. It has been a virtually trouble free car and it still handles awesome and is a really fun ride.
Yea that first comment surprises me also. I bought a 94 mx3 used in 2000, it had 121,000 miles on it then, & today I am going on 206,000. Aside from normal wear & tear like tires, belts, tune up, I have only had to replace my radiator (totally my fault) and the alternator. I have had such great luck with my car that I am currently looking for another one with less miles. I love my car,
Note: A Comments RSS Feed is available. New comments appear in the Members Area before the main site