1992 Mazda MX3 GS from North America - Comments

I would have to say everything has gone wrong with the car.

2 weeks after I bought it, the engine had to be re-built. Clutch had to be replaced, timing belt was replaced, spark plugs were also replaced. The car can't seem to keep a steady RPM when in neutral, shifts from 600 up to 1500.

It destroys tires, but that's probably due to my driving, brakes tend to overheat on a daily basis, had many electrical problems, including the distributor which cost over 400$ for a used one, and another 300$ to install.

Oxygen sensor is dead, very hard to replace, have to go under the car. All fluids have to be topped up on a regular basis, coolant, oil, power-steering fluid and brake fluid. There is a leak in the transmission.

The car makes noise when windows are down. Parts falling off everywhere. The car is very fragile, it's easy to scratch it with a nail, you could easily destroy this car with your bare hands.

Just recently a seal on number 1 cylinder broke, now the car can't go over 150kmh, takes about 30 seconds to go from 0-100kmh. Because of certain laws in Canada, it would cost me more to sell the car than it is worth, I'm probably just gonna sell it for parts.

There is few cars that are worse than this, I will never buy another Mazda, I would not recommend a Mazda for anyone. Parts are expensive, and every-time you fix something, another part breaks down. It's simply a horrible car.

You have probably very bad luck...

I have a `92 Mazda Mx3 V6, which I have had for about 2 years.. I haven`t had a single problem with my car.

Only had to replace parts that has been worn out because of normal use.

Only brake pads and discs.

I love this car, and will probably try to get some "plastic" mods for it :)

- Jannis J. -- Norway

Sounds to me like absolute abuse.

I owned mine in Germany, the V-6, 1992 model. I of course, maintained it. I did that myself. It's not too hard to do.

I used to drive mine at speeds exceeding 130 MPH on a daily basis for over three years. I never had leaks, or any of these problems you're describing.

I suggest, you take a closer look at your next used-car purchase, otherwise I fear you'll be adding another bad car to your never to own again cars.

I've had my MX3 for about 5 years now. I had quite a few problems with it, especially lately. However, I should note that it has 290,000 km on it right now, so that would be 110 years old in a human. Just now I had a transmission or/and clutch problem, which will probably cost me a bit (if I decide to fix it). Here is what I have replaced so far:

- both drive shafts

- alternator

- water pump

- timing belt

- rear calipers/rotors/bearings

- front rotors.

Things that still don't work.

- power windows buttons from driver's side

- sunroof (would not close properly)

- check engine light is on full time (crank angle sensor is gone)

- and now looks like transmission is gone as well.

For anyone reading the top original comment, don't listen to it! I own a 92 GS, I drive it hard, fast, and I all I have had to replace is the brake pads. Nothing is wrong with these cars. They are in fact, probably the BEST car you could buy in it's class. The GS can blow any Honda or Acura off the road, while still maintaining a respectable sport-class fuel economy. Given that not many of these cars were ever produced, some parts run higher than a Honda, but that is obvious because there are millions of Hondas everywhere you look. As long as you get the car thouroughly inspected by a professional before purchasing it, you should have no problems except for cases of just bad luck.

~A.

I also own a 92 Mazda mx3 gs, and the only things that have gone wrong with it are things that I have caused. I had an accident with mine (i hit a truck) and it crumpled up like a sheet of paper. I did not scratch the paint on his vehicle, but I nearly wrote mine off. the replacement parts such as a headlight or hood are VERY hard to find and are quite expensive. for example the headlight costs over 250 dollars Canadian, new. the car however, is quite good when used and NOT abused for example change the oil more religiously than you go to church.

OK I own a 1992 Mazda mx3...For some reason it quit running... i have it in the shop right now and they are telling me it could be the computer...Now I'm having a real hard time finding a computer for my car.. can n e 1 help me out.. or do you know the correct name for the computer... thank you...

I own a 1993 v6 and I think it's a great car only thing i,ve had 2 replace is the oil pan (oil sump) and the little anti-roll bar (torsion diff) no rust on it (13year old) its abit thirsty max 25mpg I live in england petrol is not cheap, but that does not really bother me great all round car so that 1st writer must have been so unlucky.

I own a 1994 V6 and wouldn't part with it although I'm having problems with the power steering leaking and attempts to fix it seem to be in-vain.

I'm now going to have to let a garage deal with it, but it is an incredible car to drive and problems seem few and far apart. One of the best cars on the road.

I have a 92 MX3 with a 174,000 miles on it. (4c ylinder)! This car is great. I got it for $100 (US), put 1600$ more into, which included new tires, breaks, rotors, brake lines, full exhaust, frame pull, body work, new full paint job and about 2.5 weeks of my hard work. Did it all with some minor help. This was a project car.

This thing is great!!! I beat the living hell out of this car!! I usually cruise around 80mph to 105mph on the highway and race it through the streets of Philadelphia. Any american car under these conditions most likely would have died by now..

The clutch has been slipping for 4 weeks or so, but it comes and goes, very odd.

The engine leaks oil from a valve cover, usually taking in an extra 1 to 2 qts of oil for every 3000 miles.

Other than that it, drives great, handles awesome and never leaves me hangin on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck.. In fact I just hit a deer with it and am going today to find parts to fix it up.

The MX3 is a small little pocket racer, and parking it in the city is awesome. Best car I have ever bought and fixed for the money.. it's my 5 or 6th car that I have rebuilt and drove.

The guy on top just got beat and bought one that wasn't taken care of and not maintained. Next time take it to the shop for a overview and opinion of a GOOD mechanic.

I own a 92 MX-3 1.6 liter, and I have owned every car under the sun. I have driven this car for two weeks without oil in it at all and not a problem. Granted, I had to replace both C.V. axles, radiator, and brakes, but to me that's minor and a lot cheaper that a new engine. This I must say is the only car that can keep up with me. I have owned all American cars brand new ones and all of them junk!!! The MX-3 is one car I would not get rid of for anything!!!

13th December 2006:

If it won't run it could be ignitor module failure, which is quite common on all the V6 engines. It's easy to check.

The ECU (computer) is usually behind the centre console and failure is almost unknown unless it's physically damaged. If the garage is insisting it needs a new ECU take it to another.