Mazda MX-3 Review Covering 1991

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Quick Summary of the Mazda MX-3

OVERALL

The Mazda MX-3 is a car which sold well in the UK but has been largely forgotten, being born as it was just as the hot hatch trend waned and before today’s generation of small coupes drew breath. It’s no longer with us, but that shouldn’t be an excuse not to track a good used one down. The 1.6i is fine if you are just sold on the MX-3’s cute looks, but the 1.8i is the model to go for if you enjoy driving. It’s something with a little splash of exotic engineering, something that was conjured up in a moment of marketing madness. As long as you’re prepared to look after it and can forgive the dowdy interior, it’s a fantastic little car. Buy the newest you can afford and you may have an outside wager on a future classic in your garage.

THE JOY OF SIX

The Mazda MX-3 is a product of Mazda at its best. The early nineties saw Mazda launching the MX-3, the RX-7 twin turbo and the evergreen MX-5. These driver’s cars were cherished by their owners and are much sought-after on the used market. The MX-3 carried on where the sorely-missed original Honda CRX left off, bridging the generation gap between the little Honda and cars like the Vauxhall Tigra and Ford Puma.Available in two guises, a 1.6-litre four-cylinder and the fascinating 1.8-litre V6, the MX-3 lasted for seven years and, like the RX-7 model, has yet to be replaced. When the MX-3’s successor does arrive, perhaps then history will remember the little Mazda for what it was: a sweet-handling, technologically innovative baby coupe.
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History of the MX-3

Whilst the MX-3’s on-paper credentials looked good, its timing was even better. Launched in 1991, the little Mazda took advantage of the decreasing GTi market. Insurance costs had given the hot hatch market a bash and the Peugeot 205 GTi had just died, whilst the 306 was two years away. Volkswagen’s Golf GTi had grown old and bloated, and warm hatches just didn’t appeal. The Mazda MX-3 was a perfect product of its time, offering modest performance and a smart body shape coupled with a reasonable insurance rating.Two models were launched, the self-explanatory 1.6i and 1.8i. The larger-engined MX-3 was by far the more interesting with its tiny V6, but the four-cylinder car proved more popular, reflecting the premium most people put on an affordable insurance grouping. In January 1993 side impact beams were fitted whilst in June 1993 a limited edition all-white 1.8-litre variant was launched. Only 150 examples of this model were produced.July 1994 saw a mild update, with new seats and trim. The 1.6i received a 108bhp engine, 20bhp up from its previous meagre power output, whilst the 1.8i received a driver’s airbag and new alloy wheels. Strangely enough, it wasn’t until October 1996 that a manual gearbox was made available on the 1.6i, perhaps reflecting Mazda’s initial product differentiation between the gentle 1.6i and sporty 1.8i. In February 1997 Mazda deleted the 1.6i automatic, re-introduced it in June, and then quietly deleted the entire MX-3 range the following year.
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Mazda MX-3 Road Test

A tale of Jekyll and Hyde. The 1.6i is a sweet, but sedate little runner, happiest when doing the undemanding things like travelling to the shops or gentle cruising. With such a benign little car, road rage is all but impossible; the Mazda is too laid back to raise the pulse. 0-60 in 10.5 isn’t slow, but it feels cruel to subject such a gentle-natured car to such a merciless thrashing.The 1.8i on the other hand is not particularly quick, but makes all the right noises. It’s the sort of car that will make you feel like a back-road driving hero until that point when you’re overtaken by a clapped-out Bedford Astramax on remould tyres. There’s a genuinely exotic feel to the engine response, and a well-looked after example should feel tight and competent when cornering. Traction from the front tyres is excellent and performance feels a lot better than it actually is. Whilst 0-60mph in 8.5 seconds is as quick as an MGF, the MX-3 somehow feels more exciting, the tiny pistons giving the engine a delightfully light feel through the throttle.
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Buying a Mazda MX-3

The MX-3 suffers from the usual Mazda failing of insubstantial plastics qualities. This is where the MX-3 shows its age worst. In terms of driving, a well-looked after MX-3 still feels modern, but the standards of fit and finish inside are now eclipsed even by bargain Korean offerings. The 1.8i V6 should be especially carefully inspected, as it may well have led a harder life than the relatively sedate 1.6i model. Check the front tyres for wear and also check the suspension. Standard fit shock absorbers weren’t too durable and soon give the car a slightly baggy feeling when cornering on a bumpy surface. The manual gearbox is on the whole good, but try engaging and pulling away in second gear to check the synchromesh isn’t failing. Have a look under the car to assess the condition of the exhaust, as a replacement isn’t cheap.The 1.8-litre engine is a complex unit and needs expert tender loving care. The fuel injection system is known to go haywire, running too rich and then too lean with little warning, especially if the car is run out of fuel on a regular basis. The meagre nature of the reserve tank, with just fifteen miles or so before the fuel runs dry, makes this a distinct possibility. If neglected, big bills could be around the corner. The 1.6i is a more utilitarian motor and is quite happy with big miles. Mazda have a good reputation for reliability and a properly looked-after MX-3 should be no exception.
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Mazda MX-3 Typical Pricing

Used Mazda MX-3s are relatively common, and you can afford to shop around to find one you want. The automatic 1.6i model can be found starting from £1,200 for a 1991 J-registered car, whilst a 1996 P plate example will be around £3,125. Prices for the 1.6i manual models are approximately £100 less than the automatic, with a fair opening price for a 1996 P-registered car being £3,050. The more desirable 1.8i starts at around £1,300 for a 1991 car, rising to £1,800 for a 1996 N-plate model. The last of these V6 cars is a 1998 R-registered example, worth around £3,000.Insurance is Group 13 for the 1.6i cars and Group 15 for the 1.8i.
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Mazda MX-3 Parts

(approx. based on 1.6 manual) The MX-3 is a reasonably cheap car to buy – and if that raises suspicion you’d be right. There has to be a catch and it’s in the price of parts. A blowing exhaust system will blow around £600 from your exhausted current account. A new clutch assembly is a more reasonable £130, while a new radiator is around £220. An alternator is a slightly depressing £310, and a dead starter motor will start you looking for ways to dredge up around £135. One of those teardrop-shaped headlamps will have you crying on the shoulder of your local Mazda dealer as he gleefully relieves you of around £165.
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Mazda MX-3 Rated

Performance Performance 2.5 out of 5

Comfort

Handling

Economy

Styling

Equipment

Build

Depreciation Depreciation 2.5 out of 5

Insurance

Value

Mazda MX-3 Review1991 - 1998