lifespan of a mazda mx3?

kokosurf · 07-04-2007, 04:51 AM

Hi,
I really want to buy a mazda mx3 b/c it's so cute, but am thinking that there are other models more recent that may be better as far as the future goes...not sure if buying an mx3 with 220,000kms on it will last me very long or not? does anyone know how long they usually go for? would you recommend buying a new one, or getting this car? i'm a fairly uninformed girl, which is why i'm asking...it is a 1993 and a four cylinder...super nice to look at; new paint job; clean inside...any opinions would help!
thanks so much

Lenny · 07-04-2007, 05:12 AM

I would think anything over 250k would be pushing it. If you know a good mechanic, having them check it over would be a great idea. There would be lots of things that would need, or eventually need replacing, thinks like the water pump, alternator, etc.

I rarely see them on the road nowadays, then again, I never say many when they were new, but that could speak to the fact that they didn't last long.

They are great cars though.

KevinRX7 · 07-04-2007, 12:06 PM

I don't know much about MX3's but I would thing 225k KM on any car is pushing it though, no?

Johnny Drama · 07-04-2007, 12:59 PM

Honestly, as great as those cars were, and they looked great too, anything with that kind of mileage is asking for trouble IMO.

As Lenny said, when a car gets that many clicks on it, things will almost always be wearing out on it, unless you want to go over it with a fine tooth comb, replace everything and build it back up.

If you're just looking for something neat to drive, and want to make sure it will get you to work everyday, I hate to say it, but take a look at some older Honda Civics, not quite as cool as the MX3 but very relaiable, easy to fix, and it will save you money in the long run.

Mindcore · 07-04-2007, 07:24 PM

Ya, I'm with Lenny as well.. if you have a good mechanic that can go over the car, you probably could get some good use out of it. But repairs are in your future.

Harpoon · 07-05-2007, 10:44 AM

I had an MX3 with about 110,000 miles on it, and it was running great when I sold it. A little but of maintenance along the way but nothing to crazy.

SoFast · 07-06-2007, 01:36 AM

One of my buddies has one.. trust me, the thing won't die. I'll ask him what's he's got on it now, But I know it's over 150k miles

kokosurf · 07-09-2007, 05:09 AM

well, after much contemplation, i think i am buying a 95 honda civic...wanted the mx3 but the high mileage, a bit of painted over rust and worn cv joints swayed me into looking at other cars...plus the particular mx3 i was looking at was making some other strange noises, and it seemed to take forever to get my questions answered...decided to go with the civic only b/c it has 160,000km...not as cute, but at this point i still have student loans, so too many repairs may be problematic for my bank account...thanks for all your feedback though; if i found one in great shape, i'd be drivin' it!!!!

Lenny · 07-09-2007, 10:25 AM

Sorry you're not joining the mazda family, but I think that was the smart move. No sense getting in over your head.

Sparta · 07-09-2007, 11:30 AM

Ya, hate to say it, but that was probably a good choice. that's a lot of mileage on the MX3. You're better to go with something a little more reliable.

You should take a look at some older proteges. they are cool cars, can be modded up, and pretty reliable. You could probably find one in your price range.

07-04-2007, 04:51 AM	#1 (permalink)
kokosurf Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3	lifespan of a mazda mx3? Hi, I really want to buy a mazda mx3 b/c it's so cute, but am thinking that there are other models more recent that may be better as far as the future goes...not sure if buying an mx3 with 220,000kms on it will last me very long or not? does anyone know how long they usually go for? would you recommend buying a new one, or getting this car? i'm a fairly uninformed girl, which is why i'm asking...it is a 1993 and a four cylinder...super nice to look at; new paint job; clean inside...any opinions would help! thanks so much

07-04-2007, 05:12 AM	#2 (permalink)
Lenny Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 153	I would think anything over 250k would be pushing it. If you know a good mechanic, having them check it over would be a great idea. There would be lots of things that would need, or eventually need replacing, thinks like the water pump, alternator, etc. I rarely see them on the road nowadays, then again, I never say many when they were new, but that could speak to the fact that they didn't last long. They are great cars though. __________________ Mazda 3 ownnzz

07-04-2007, 12:59 PM	#4 (permalink)
Johnny Drama Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 555	Honestly, as great as those cars were, and they looked great too, anything with that kind of mileage is asking for trouble IMO. As Lenny said, when a car gets that many clicks on it, things will almost always be wearing out on it, unless you want to go over it with a fine tooth comb, replace everything and build it back up. If you're just looking for something neat to drive, and want to make sure it will get you to work everyday, I hate to say it, but take a look at some older Honda Civics, not quite as cool as the MX3 but very relaiable, easy to fix, and it will save you money in the long run. __________________ MazdaSpeed6

07-04-2007, 07:24 PM	#5 (permalink)
Mindcore Administrator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Look Out!!! Posts: 1,299	Ya, I'm with Lenny as well.. if you have a good mechanic that can go over the car, you probably could get some good use out of it. But repairs are in your future. __________________ core Mazda Forums .

07-09-2007, 05:09 AM	#8 (permalink)
kokosurf Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3	thank you! well, after much contemplation, i think i am buying a 95 honda civic...wanted the mx3 but the high mileage, a bit of painted over rust and worn cv joints swayed me into looking at other cars...plus the particular mx3 i was looking at was making some other strange noises, and it seemed to take forever to get my questions answered...decided to go with the civic only b/c it has 160,000km...not as cute, but at this point i still have student loans, so too many repairs may be problematic for my bank account...thanks for all your feedback though; if i found one in great shape, i'd be drivin' it!!!!

07-04-2007, 12:06 PM	#3 (permalink)
KevinRX7 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Bay Area Posts: 132	I don't know much about MX3's but I would thing 225k KM on any car is pushing it though, no?

07-05-2007, 10:44 AM	#6 (permalink)
Harpoon Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 59	I had an MX3 with about 110,000 miles on it, and it was running great when I sold it. A little but of maintenance along the way but nothing to crazy.

07-06-2007, 01:36 AM	#7 (permalink)
SoFast Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 95	One of my buddies has one.. trust me, the thing won't die. I'll ask him what's he's got on it now, But I know it's over 150k miles

07-09-2007, 10:25 AM	#9 (permalink)
Lenny Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 153	Sorry you're not joining the mazda family, but I think that was the smart move. No sense getting in over your head. __________________ Mazda 3 ownnzz

07-09-2007, 11:30 AM	#10 (permalink)
Sparta Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Jersey Posts: 79	Ya, hate to say it, but that was probably a good choice. that's a lot of mileage on the MX3. You're better to go with something a little more reliable. You should take a look at some older proteges. they are cool cars, can be modded up, and pretty reliable. You could probably find one in your price range.

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