[virginia_mx6]

Hi, I'm from Virginia (USA) and new to the forum. I'm considering buying a '93 mx6 with the 2.5v6 and manual transmission and 200k miles. The car is drivable, but is prone to overheating. It's a one owner car with records, spent a good portion of its life garaged, but after almost 30 years it definitely needs some tlc. I've always liked the look of these cars and was surprised mazda didn't continue with the line. I have some mechanical ablility, for things like fluid changes, bolt on parts etc. I plan on putting around ~$10k freshen it up.

I've been looking around to buy a sporty manual transmission car to drive maybe once or twice a week, doesn't have to be incredibly fast, just fun to drive and looks good. Before I decide to take the plunge, I have some questions about the Mx6.

Are parts readily available?
What are the common problems?
Anything I should inspect on the car that should make me walk away?

Thanks!

 

[TwoPedalWarrior]

overheating can usually be an easy fix. there is thermostat that is an easy change, and the system could have air in it - a good burp would fix that. You don't need to spend 10k to freshing it up, unless that means paint as well. Doing a top down rebuild can be done for about 1k, and if you do suspension, and engine parts, another 1500. Its a fun car, there are enough parts out there to keep you going. Like every 30 year old car, it will need some work

 

[virginia_mx6]

overheating can usually be an easy fix. there is thermostat that is an easy change, and the system could have air in it - a good burp would fix that. You don't need to spend 10k to freshing it up, unless that means paint as well. Doing a top down rebuild can be done for about 1k, and if you do suspension, and engine parts, another 1500. Its a fun car, there are enough parts out there to keep you going. Like every 30 year old car, it will need some work

Thank you, yes I was thinking a repaint and good custom seat covers after I get everything mechanically stable.

 

[Goodbar]

Replacing the entire cooling system such as radiator, hoses, thermostat, even water pump is easily within the capability of the backyard mechanic.....and quite inexpensive. All I can say is I have a 1994, and about the year 2010 I decided if I learned to repair it, this could be a lifetime car. Now it has 300,000 miles, I drive it everyday on the highway at 75 mph, and it runs and looks like new. I was able to repaint it by finding a paint booth for rent and buying PPG premium car paints for $ 150. I get asked if I want to sell it at least once a month.

 

[virginia_mx6]

Replacing the entire cooling system such as radiator, hoses, thermostat, even water pump is easily within the capability of the backyard mechanic.....and quite inexpensive. All I can say is I have a 1994, and about the year 2010 I decided if I learned to repair it, this could be a lifetime car. Now it has 300,000 miles, I drive it everyday on the highway at 75 mph, and it runs and looks like new. I was able to repaint it by finding a paint booth for rent and buying PPG premium car paints for $ 150. I get asked if I want to sell it at least once a month.

thanks for the info, I think I'll get the car.

 

[Smith]

Hi, I'm from Virginia (USA) and new to the forum. I'm considering buying a '93 mx6 with the 2.5v6 and manual transmission and 200k miles. The car is drivable, but is prone to overheating. It's a one owner car with records, spent a good portion of its life garaged, but after almost 30 years it definitely needs some tlc. I've always liked the look of these cars and was surprised mazda didn't continue with the line. I have some mechanical ablility, for things like fluid changes, bolt on parts etc. I plan on putting around ~$10k freshen it up.

I've been looking around to buy a sporty manual transmission car to drive maybe once or twice a week, doesn't have to be incredibly fast, just fun to drive and looks good. Before I decide to take the plunge, I have some questions about the Mx6.

Are parts readily available?
What are the common problems?
Anything I should inspect on the car that should make me walk away?

Thanks!

Forget the worn out engine and buy a used low mile Japanese engine for less than $1000, better yet get a new engine and tranny search "used Japanese engines mazda"

 

[porker999]

Your overheating could be caused just by air trapped in the radiator/cooling system.

Try idling it with the coolant fill cap off (not the overflow container cap).

Watch the level, as it could overflow if too hot. Air bubbles trapped may be seen coming out and the coolant will expand as it is heated, possibly overflow unless you have a turkey baster or something to remove it and save it and keep the level from overflowing.

You might need to add a little coolant or distilled water to fill the bubble "voids"once it cools down. Depends on how much and if air was trapped.

Do all this with the heater set open to max heat. (You don't need to turn the fan on).

Watch it closely, if you run it too long with cap off and coolant isn't at proper concentration (50-50 or better) level, it can boil over and overflow, since no pressure is maintained. Just let it idle and keep your eye on the level (with your eye not too close, of course!)

You don't have to do this for too long...once it reaches normal temp.,10-15 minutes should show air bubbles if they are there.

Another way to note trapped air is if your temp guage goes up a bit from normal and then returns to normal as the coolant cycles.

Don't overdo it on the time for this, as it can boil over and surprise you if you do it for too long. You can repeat the process once it cools down again, if needed.

Good luck and hope it is this simple.

RE: putting 10K into it...you can get a pretty good, newer car without problems (IF you can find one ) for less, I would think, but 10K properly used for this car will get you a very nice, reliable car.

DON'T buy one just because it is there. Trust your instinct...if you have doubts or don't feel too good about it or right about it-WALK AWAY! To repeat: WALK AWAY!!!

There are aftermarket parts available but "Genuine Mazda" parts for some things may be NLA. If you know what it will need, check with a Mazda dealership parts dept. first to see if it still available. Remember, last of these cars was made in 1997.

Again,good luck. A good running MX-6 in good shape is a great looking and reliable fun car!