Faults:

Battery died @ 208,000kms.

Shifter (5spd manual) came away from its mounting and the shift knob dropped 3 inches. I could still shift, but it was difficult. Easy fix.

Distributor died @ 212,000kms (lots of $$)

New driver-side CV shaft @ 214,000kms.

Ran on only rear bank of cylinders for a few weeks, turns out I needed a resealed front valve cover and new spark plugs on the front cylinder bank.

Various cosmetic things inside and outside, ie: cheap paint job with contamination and some runs, some interior panels painted silver? UGH.

Currently, its idling weird. It'll idle fine (600 rpm) at one light then at the next it'll idle at 1,300 rpm. In those cases, I tap the gas once to rev it up to 2,000. The revs rise then fall down to the proper 600 rpm.

As well, its using up oil lately. Possibly leaking, but more likely burning.

General Comments:

The handling is amazing. Even with the snow tires I have at the front and all seasons in the back, it corners very quickly and confidently. The turn in is very crisp and instant even with the high profile 205/60 series tires. Tap the brakes in mid-corner and the back doesn't even flinch. Nothing upsets this car. I can thank its short wheel base and quick steering ratio.

Gear ratios are close together and perfectly spaced, but I think 5th is a little short, ie: 3,500 rpm @ 100km/h. The engine is fairly powerful (128 hp @ 6,500, 115 lb-ft. @ 4,500), revs very quickly and smoothly. I've gotten it past the 7,000 rpm redline up to 8,000.

The few things that have gone wrong I can probably blame on me not having the car checked by a mechanic. However, I am a little upset that I overlooked the hideous interior "mods" someone before me made and the cheapo paint job.

Overall, a very agile and quick car that rides decently and is VERY tossable and fun to drive. I would recommend one only after having it checked out.

Faults:

The alternator/ ac belt broke on it. But I think its was the original belt, it still had a Mazda parts label printed on the belt. The front valve cover gasket started to leak a little, but I put some gasket sealer on it and pit it back on and it stopped the leak and runs great.

General Comments:

This car runs great and corners like my Honda after I totally redid the struts and lowered it. I haven't done anything to this mx-3 but a grounding kit. I love how comfortable the seats are, they wrap around you and hold you still no matter how you drive. The only thing that's get me is the seat belts get stuck and lock then you reach for the stereo or something.

Faults:

Simple stuff!

The alternator belt snapped on a frigid day in the winter. But it only cost $20 to fix.

One of the spark plugs blew out (literally) once while I was on the highway. My fault though because that should have been done during general maintenance and I put it off - they were all old and needed replacing. Still was cheap to fix (about $50 for all plugs and wires replaced)

Driver side CV-joint replaced at 170k, it was wearing out and also part of maintenance.

Battery died once. The Canadian Tire warranty recharged it for free.

The start was finicky for a while, turns out the connection to the battery was a little oxidized. Rubbed it off and then it started fine.

Some exterior rust is beginning to show.

Breaks need to be done soon.

General Comments:

This is indestructible. Excellent on gas and cheap to maintain (with almost no issues, regular oil changes and inspections is all that's needed)

Handles like a dream, turns sharp corners like a pro. Very sporty design and suspension. One downside is that its pretty slow, but that's what you get for the 4-cylinder automatic. The V6 is much quicker.

Very stylish and excellent interior. I often drive long distances and the seats are extremely comfortable. The backseats are small so not really comfy if you need more than one passenger.

I've been in two accidents with this thing and it still runs like new. Mostly exterior damage (had to replace bumpers, headlight and fender) This car is very sturdy and reliable.

One recommendation: get winter tires if you need to drive in snow! This car is very light and will easily slide on snow and ice with anything less than winter tires. I learned my lesson the hard way during my first winter (accident #1)...