9th Apr 2005, 21:11

I've got a 93' V6 automatic as well. Very similar problems between years 2-3 (had it 5yrs). I also spent at least the value of the car in repairs. This is my second MX3. My first one, a 1.6L, I traded in after 3yrs for the bigger 1.8L. The problems between the two were like day and night. I ran my old manual 1.6L into the dirt and with few problems, while I pampered my current 1.8L...and it's hating it.

WE CAN'T WIN... unless we put in a little of our own elbow grease. The car is older and at least we'll save $$ on the labor and pick up some skills for the next one;)

I'm going to attempt to fix mine up myself. Well, at least to a point where I can sell it with the peace of mind that I'm passing along a safe car. Good luck to you and yours... this will be my last MX3...time for the minivan any ways. Cheers!

13th Jul 2005, 12:42

As has been said, all of what you describe are typical problems with older cars... it's 13 years old, it's going to need some work. But I noticed you said the tires had to be replaced...

Tires ALWAYS need to be replaced. They wear down. That's their nature.

12th Sep 2005, 08:00

I have also had those same problems

I don't care what ANYBODY... even MECHANICS say, you should never have to spend more money on repairs then the car is worth.

A transmission going out does not happen to every car that is a decade old.

Other than that, brakes, rotors, batteries, CV Joints and everything else are common problems for a decade old vehical.

I hope you have goodluck with your MX3

Very fun car to drive.

--------Juan S.

14th Jan 2006, 20:42

Sorry to hear you got a lemon. The only major problem I've had with my car, is the auto tranny going out on me while doing 65mph on the highway. It really sucked, but, I got a good used one for $400 and installed for $400 and it's been perfect for now over a year. However, I do change the tranny fluid out every 2 to 3 months. Some may call it overkill... but the MX-3 trannies have a history of over heating and burning the fluid which was the reason my first tranny went out.

I'll never trade my MX in, however, I will be getting a 2nd car soon and my MX-3 will pretty much be used as just cruising around town for the weekends. I put on factory side skirts, GS spoiler, colored matched rear mud guards, Viper alarm,17" Enkei rims, Alpine deck, Boston Acoustics speakers, euro gauges... and I'm not done yet. It's amazing how brand new the MX-3 looks when kept up with. Now all I need to do is get her dropped!

1st May 2008, 23:53

I just bought a 1993 Mazda MX3 GS V-6 5 speed. It's fun to drive.

I am looking for a good mechanic and a place to get parts (they are hard to find). I bought it from the original owner, who took very good care of it. I am not familiar with Mazdas. I live in Orange County California.

I just got car back after two week in the shop, it died on the way to work. Found out I had to replace the distributor and ACM computer. It seems to be fine now.

Next on my list is the front struts. Can anyone help?

13th May 2009, 13:56

Dude MX3 is the best car ever!! just poeple need to take better care of it, get it looked at before buying it duh!! lol.

9th Feb 2011, 21:54

I just bought a 93 MX3 4 cylinder, 5 speed for $250, the previous owner said it was ticking when he'd turn the wheel, so they had the CV axles replaced, still made a ticking sound. He was then reversing straight out and heard the ticking, he thought it was the transmission, parked it, then I bought it.

Any thoughts? Maybe the valves need adjusting?

10th Feb 2011, 17:29

Is it ticking when parked and idling? If yes, it's engine related. Get a mechanic's stethoscope and listen to the injectors, to the valves at the valve cover, and so on. Some Mazdas have a clicking noise when warming up, which may come from the EGR valve or an air pump. It doesn't appear to cause further trouble.

Does it only click when you drive? Does it click faster as you gain speed? If yes, check the wheel bearings, CV joints, brake disks and calipers etc.

Does it only click when you hit a bump? Or only when you turn the steering wheel? Check suspension and steering.