1992 Mazda MX3 GS 1.8L V6 from North America

Summary:

This is the best car out their for performance.

Faults:

Well when I first got the car it had a bad driver side half shaft that I had to replace.

The A/C deeds to be recharged, but who needs an A/C anyway, just roll down the windows.

General Comments:

This is one of the quickest cars out there. It has its stock V6 motor and I have not lost a race yet.

It has very good handling as far as I can tell, I don't really take it around corners that fast.

The motor has started to knock loudly though.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th October, 2002

1st Nov 2002, 11:18

Try racing a supra. I have a '93 GS and my brother has a supra and he would smoke me like I was walking and he was driving. You will lose soon.

21st Nov 2003, 01:18

From Dr. Know.

Try the cheap route first by adding an octane booster to your tank, along with some premium gas and maybe a gas dryer. If that doesn't work you may have one or more of the following issues:

A Bad oxygen sensor. Due to the high mileage on your engine, the sensor is probably ready to fail. Another issue (due to high mileage and knocking) is possibly crank bearing wear, or a loose exhaust manifold. The bearings can be changed out once without having to rebuild your engine, but I recommend only doing this once.

It'll last you another 50,000 miles or so. Depending how hard you push it. Just don't use synthetic oil afterwards, or you may spin a bearing. Going this route is a heck of a lot cheaper than an overhaul, unless your already burning oil. It's to late if your already at that point. Your going to need an overhaul. Another good indicator of bad bearings would be crank or main oil seal leaks. When the lower bearings wear down, the shaft drops and creates a small gap that no new seal can...'seal'.

If it's the manifold, a lack of back pressure will cause a sort of ticky-knock sound (coming from the valves). Once the engine warms up the sound starts to diminish. Check for blow-by anyway.

If you have any further questions you can contact me at:

michlunap@netscape.net, and ask for "Dr. Know".

1992 Mazda MX3 RS 1.6 from North America

Summary:

Quick, cute little rice rocket

Faults:

Just basic repairs have been needed (oil change, tune up, etc.) I am also due to replace my back struts soon.

The interior of the car is still in excellent shape!

General Comments:

This is one FUN car to drive! I love it.

It has fantastic cornering - so much different from my other car (Monte Carlo SS.)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th September, 2002

25th Apr 2004, 08:49

That's funny I just gave up my 86 Monte Carlo for my now 93 Mazda mx3 gs 5 speed 1.8L, first I was depressed cause I sunk a lot of money in my Monte, but now I go twice as far with half the gas and this mx3 could probably keep up with the Monte!

1992 Mazda MX3 GS V6 1.8L from North America

Summary:

A quick, small, head turner

Faults:

All that I have replaced on the car is the Rear tires. Everything else is perfect.

My brother owned the car before me, and he had it for 3-4 years. The work he has done is more detailed. When he got the car he replaced the Transmission within the first year. Due to the guy putting it in not knowing what he was doing that Transmission failed within 6 months. He replaced it again having another shop do the work, and the transmission runs perfect. Great shifting and smooth. He also replaced the water pump late last year (seems to be an issue with MX-3's) And other small matainance repairs (brakes tires oil tune up etc.)

General Comments:

The speed upgrade for me is the best. I went from a 4 cyl. 1991 Honda CRX to this car, and love it.

Turns a lot of heads as well.

The car is pretty much stock, except for window tint, and some small extra's.

The Mile per gallon is not that great. The car gets about 230 Miles per full tank of gas. My CRX doubled that.

Comfort isn't as bad as others are saying. If you can handle a CRX or any sporty car then this isn't much different. IT's a little tough getting out of when you are tired, or dragging, but other than that long rides aren't a problem.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th July, 2002