does the 1993 version of the RX suffer from any mechanical problems that are exceptional from all the other model years? I was told to avoid the 93 at all cost because it was a problem year. True? False?

 

I don't think anything major was changed mechanically from 93-95. The issue with the early 93's (it was fixed by the end of the production year) is the paint and interior trim peeling issues. There were also many recalls early on. Just make sure your car has had all the fixes. You can call Mazda and give them the vin. Lots of the early cars were repainted under warranty.

 

The differences between each year's model are not enough to concern yourself with.

Do the math on the total number of 3rd Gens that came into the US (numbers are approximate):

1993: 9500

1994: 2000

1995: 1050

Current number still on the road substantially less due to crashes and modifications for road racing.

So, if you exclude consideration of the 1993 model year you are down to less than 3050 vehicles originally imported. Breakdown those further to still on the road, automatics, manual, and color choice and you are chasing a needle in a hay stack.

My advice: focus on getting a car in good overall condition regardless of the year and you'll still have difficulty finding one.