So, I've been in love with this car since I first discovered it. I love everything about it. I plan on getting one in a month or so, but after tracking down this forum and reading some articles I'm not hesistant. It seems like the turbos smoke, the tranny blows, or even the motor goes, all at low miles. I just wanted to know if you all thinks its worth the trouble. I mean these troubles seem inevitable, or is it just some cars have bad luck. Also a big question is, what are soom little tuning I can do to prevent running into these problems before they happen. Motor mounts, better seals, what do you all think?
Mazdaspeed 3???
- Thread starter koston33
- Start date
It's a machine. Machines break. Take into consideration that it's cheap and affordable to about anyone. It's also targeted to a younger crowd who by definition, tend to beat on them harder than your average joe consumer.
I have had 2 recalls and 2 check engine lights. Neither left me stranded and all were addressed quickly and getting my car back to me the same day.
My $35k 2002 BMW gets driven a lot nicer than my MS3 and is killing me in repairs. $610 alternator replacement 3 weeks ago! It's only got 60k on it! (gun)
I have had 2 recalls and 2 check engine lights. Neither left me stranded and all were addressed quickly and getting my car back to me the same day.
My $35k 2002 BMW gets driven a lot nicer than my MS3 and is killing me in repairs. $610 alternator replacement 3 weeks ago! It's only got 60k on it! (gun)
Young Roids
Member
- :
- The pennies have been saved the MS3 is mine!
Part of me is regretting my decision to get the MS3. Mainly do the the reality of $4 gas prices on the horizon I am wondering if I should have gone with a prius. I got a new plan though I am gonna start shifting at 2000rpm and see if I can get respectable mileage that way.
creature75
Member
i shift at 2000 rpms and get 24 mpg. its roughly 300miles per tank. the last time i filled my tank it cost me $52.47.
good luck w/shifting early.
good luck w/shifting early.
dont' blame the car.! Gas is because of the economy. The car itself is great. It's the way we drive that is causing the low gas milage. You can go with a prius, but it's not as "cool" as the ms3
Problem with the car can occurs for various reasons, and so much can happen. That's why there is warranty and if you keep your car stock, you can always get it fixed within the warranty period. If you mod your car, then you are taking the risk.
Problem with the car can occurs for various reasons, and so much can happen. That's why there is warranty and if you keep your car stock, you can always get it fixed within the warranty period. If you mod your car, then you are taking the risk.
Antoniogut
Member
keep it stock....or do simple bolt ons...if you think about it..of course your going to see alot of bad things happening because this is a forum where people come to for bad things and this is from people all over the us AND even europe...if there was never the internet causing you to you never hear about bad things im sure youd buy it without hesitation.
Young Roids
Member
- :
- The pennies have been saved the MS3 is mine!
No I won't be getting a prius now that I have already bought the MS3. But if I could do it all over I would be tempted. I will probly keep the MS3 for a while now maybe untill some of those ultra efficient diesels get here. The green lifestyle is calling my name.
It's kind of interesting that you use the word "stuck" here instead of "stock". I guess your subconscious is telling you that keeping it "stock" is, in essence, keeping it "stuck".
I've driven mine 12,000 miles and flog the s*** out of it each and every day. No problems to speak of.
My advice, change the motor / tranny fluid to a full synthetic ASAP - AMsoil or Redline.
Let the Car cool down running on idle for about 1-2 minutes before shutting it down - This lets the turbo cool hence keeping it happy
Get a short shifter kit and stronger rear engine motor mount so that you aren't ******* up the tranny with miss-shifts.
Block out the rattles and s*** by turning up radio and or rolling down the windows.
Buy the Cobb sri for the car because it's cheap, gives great power gains, sounds wicked and is easy to switch out for the stearlership visits if a problem arises.
My advice, change the motor / tranny fluid to a full synthetic ASAP - AMsoil or Redline.
Let the Car cool down running on idle for about 1-2 minutes before shutting it down - This lets the turbo cool hence keeping it happy
Get a short shifter kit and stronger rear engine motor mount so that you aren't ******* up the tranny with miss-shifts.
Block out the rattles and s*** by turning up radio and or rolling down the windows.
Buy the Cobb sri for the car because it's cheap, gives great power gains, sounds wicked and is easy to switch out for the stearlership visits if a problem arises.
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i have 20, xxx miles on mine and am problem free. i absolutely love the car and if i could go back to when i bought the car and gotten that or something else, i would have gotten the ms3 again. i average 25mpgs and drive about 100 miles a day. i am very glad i bought he gt package too. i love all the little bells and whistles it comes with. when you drive as much as me the little things really go along way
Silver Ecstasy
Member
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- 11 MS3 Sport
Roid -- Between your recent paint scratching incident, rising fuel costs and your oversight on the "mechanical" side of things, you're going to drive yourself into a paranoid mess.
I take it you're younger? Is the MS3 a little higher than what you'd like to be paying for every month? That might have been your first mistake.
I don't think you should start doubting yourself on things, and I'd certaintly stop overthinking your decision regarding the MS3. Most people who would buy such an amazing car like an MS3, then saying they'd rather go to a Prius, sounds like someone who can't afford the car and is living beyond their means.
I'm only calling it like I see it, and because I recognize some of the things you're doing as things i've done myself.
Relax bro..it'll all be good. Atleast you're not in my shoes, paying 20 gallons of Premium only to be getting 12 mpg. But i'lll ****** smoke you in the quarter!!!! lololz
I take it you're younger? Is the MS3 a little higher than what you'd like to be paying for every month? That might have been your first mistake.
I don't think you should start doubting yourself on things, and I'd certaintly stop overthinking your decision regarding the MS3. Most people who would buy such an amazing car like an MS3, then saying they'd rather go to a Prius, sounds like someone who can't afford the car and is living beyond their means.
I'm only calling it like I see it, and because I recognize some of the things you're doing as things i've done myself.
Relax bro..it'll all be good. Atleast you're not in my shoes, paying 20 gallons of Premium only to be getting 12 mpg. But i'lll ****** smoke you in the quarter!!!! lololz
you will read about a lot of mechanicle problems beacus theis is a forum and contains a lot of enthousiest who like to drive ther car at the limit (every now and then) is so doing there is a lot of stress put on the car and somethings bound to break. there are also a lot of modding going on and that can add more stress. if your looking for all out durabillity you should look at another car if you want a good all around car thats a blast to drive this is one of the top. if you want this car to last a long time keep it stock and baby it (but wheres the fun in that).
yeah, I'm in the same boat as you koston, I'm having the same questions and conserns cuz I'm considering buying one also.
Great Thread!!(kissass) lol
serialtoon
Member
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- 2008 Mazdaspeed 3
I feel the exact same way as you do. The problem with me is that i can afford it, easily....but i dont WANT to afford it...not sure if that makes sense or not. My money can go to other, better things. This is only 1 of my hobbies.
