gbowers

1. 257k miles on engine, slow start in freezing cold weather, if not driven within 2 week time frame. Starts fine in warmer weather.
2. For prior 10-15 years, I spent only $500-700 on minor repairs.
3. Although engine pulls strong, but will die with air cond. on at stoplight. Engine compression probably lower than 7, not recommend rebuilt. I would have to buy a rebuilt engine.
4. Although original tranny input shaft bearing noisy in most gears, tranny shifts fine all gears.
5. Engine requires 1 qt. oil after 400-500 miles
6. Suspension ok, no repairs
7. Exterior/interior like new condition, as car repainted all noble white (See recent photos below), including black rubber moldings and black border tail lights, so car looks exactly like 10 anniversary edition, without turbo.
8. Sunroof and hatch work fine.
9. Car drives like its on rails, with no body roll due to KYB shocks and struts, and steering is precise. Driver can power through turns with no kick out due to 4 wheel steering, whereas rear tires toe in/out.
10. All electricals ok, including logicon controls.
11. Two new split y-mufflers replaced 2002 in good condition with no rust.
11. Everything works on car.

As I am considering rebuilt tranny for $2.5k, including installation, please indicate if good idea, given engine may go only another minimum 10-20k miles. However, some original owners report almost 300k miles.

See recent photos below and please reply with your recommendations to install rebuilt tranny, 5-speed or not?:










Please reply with your recommendations as to install rebuilt tranny, 5-speed, or not?

diabolical1

iTrader: (3)

congrats on going 257k miles! it doesn't sound like it'll make it another 43k, but hey ...

that said, the car looks beautiful. it's kinda trippy though because it does look like a 10th Anniversary ... with phone dials! crazy, but nice.

i really don't know what to say about the tranny because i have no idea how much it costs to rebuild one. i just know it requires special tools that i don't have.

mazdaverx713b

iTrader: (91)

I don't see an issue with installing a rebuilt or a replacement transmission. Just know that you will, at some point, be looking at a replacement engine as well. But for now it sounds like the engine is healthy enough to be ok with putting a replacement transmission in the car and not worrying. Its incredible to hear that this car was so well cared for! How long have you owned the car?