Back on the forums and Considering a 3!

[SoCalRyder7]

Hey guys, I'm back on the forums but you probably don't know me and that's because I came from the MSP forum. But I sold my MSP about a year ago because of the problems is constantly gave me, though, some of it was driver error (hand). Anyways I'm going N/A (actually I've already been N/A on my civic lol) and I'm considering the Mazda3, 5spd, 2.3L. I've always like these cars and heard really good things about them.

So for those of you who do own the 2.3, 5spd hows the handling stock? I hear they have a rigged chassis so cornering and steering response is pretty spot on.

And since it's a 2.3, I'm pretty sure the power isn't exactly lacking, even stock. But I'd still like to know your experience with acceleration and mid-range punch.

Also there was a recent post by bbrich57 saying to:

* Check the "fluid filled RS upper mount". Do they tear easily? And really?? Fluid filled?? Anyone had problem with those and how much of a b**** is it to replace?

* "Weak upper strut bearing" Anyone had issues with this? is there a recommended brand that i should replace this with?

* And i guess in the 08' and 09's the power steering pump needs to be replaced. Im going to assume they fail catastrophically, and then acts as if the
is no power steering. Am I right? I was actually thinking of taking the PS belt of entirely but I'm not familiar yet with the 3's engine so I don't even
know if this is a good idea or not.

 

[adumbrille]

The chassis is shared with the Volvo s40, which is has a starting price of almost 30k, so needless to say it's a great chassis with above average handling in the segment.

To answer your other questions, we have electric power steering, no belt and pulley. I have an 07 which has a power steering recall which was free and I've never had any problems with it.

I've never heard of the weak upper strut bearing before.

And as far as the passenger mount, it's well known they're designed poorly and will frequently go out. You can buy a better aftermarket design for about 150 bucks, and it takes 15 minutes to change it out with basic mechanical knowledge and tools.

As far as power goes for the 2.3, it's adequate. You'll put down 125 to the wheels if you're auto, about 135 for a manual. Spend about $1,000 on an intake, header and exhaust and you net about a 20hp gain to the wheels which makes the car peppy.

 

[flatlander937]

The handling is pretty much awesome if your shocks aren't worn out. There is a local guy who autocrosses a bone stock Mazda3 hatch(first gen) with the only change being Hankook RS3 tires and he PAXes in top 3 every time it seems. He is an incredibly skilled driver(been doing it for about 20yrs) but the fact that he doesn't even need to change the struts/shocks or even a sway bar I think shows that it is VERY capable stock.

For driver comparison, I have a 2.0l sedan that is also stock(but with kinda poopy all-terrains that aren't super grippy) and he runs 4 seconds faster than me. Mostly because I'm not that great yet.

 

[adumbrille]

I second that, only part of the suspension that needs replacing asap is the crappy stock tires.