1992 Mazda MX-3

The 1992 Mazda MX-3

The 1992 Mazda MX-3 was a compact sports car that was available with a choice of two engines and two transmissions. The base engine was a 1.6-liter four-cylinder that produced 110 horsepower and 100 lb-ft of torque. The optional engine was a 1.8-liter four-cylinder that produced 130 horsepower and 116 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were available with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission.

The MX-3 was praised for its handling and performance, but it was criticized for its cramped interior and lack of features.

Engine

1.6-liter Four-Cylinder

• Blown Head Gasket
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, white smoke from exhaust
  • Solution: Replace head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake Valve Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfiring, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace intake valves
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Belt Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine will not start, catastrophic engine failure
  • Solution: Replace timing belt
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: 92V085000

1.8-liter Four-Cylinder

• Blown Head Gasket
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, white smoke from exhaust
  • Solution: Replace head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake Valve Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfiring, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace intake valves
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Belt Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine will not start, catastrophic engine failure
  • Solution: Replace timing belt
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: 92V085000

Transmission

Five-Speed Manual Transmission

• Grinding Gears
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, grinding noise
  • Solution: Replace worn gears
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Clutch Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Slipping clutch, difficulty shifting gears
  • Solution: Replace clutch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Four-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Slipping Gears
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slips out of gear, lack of power
  • Solution: Replace worn gears
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission shifts erratically, delayed shifts
  • Solution: Replace valve body
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive noise, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace struts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per strut
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sway Bar Links
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise when turning
  • Solution: Replace sway bar links
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+ per link
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Electrical system problems, battery not charging
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine will not crank
  • Solution: Replace starter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust spots on body panels
  • Solution: Repair or replace rusted panels
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Power Window Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows do not work
  • Solution: Replace power window motor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per window
  • Recalls: None Found
• Interior Trim Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Loose or broken interior trim pieces
  • Solution: Replace or repair trim pieces
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ per piece
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1992 Mazda MX-3 is a fun and affordable sports car that is known for its handling and performance. However, it is important to be aware of the potential issues that can come with this vehicle. The most serious issues include blown head gaskets, intake valve problems, timing belt failure, and transmission problems. These issues can be expensive to fix, so it is important to factor this into the cost of ownership. Overall, the 1992 Mazda MX-3 is a good choice for drivers who are looking for a fun and affordable sports car, but they should be aware of the potential issues that can come with this vehicle.