I can't make up my mind.

[dp-r]

I figure that the 2008.5 have all the issues fixed, since it's very far into the model year. I also hope they incorporated the door/lock break-in fix. I was on the fence, too, but it seems like 2008 owners had less to say about the smoking issues, so it seems to be true that it was just a bad batch of turbos. Since they acknowledged it, the new models in production now should be okay.

That is what I'm hoping but no one knows for sure. There are rumors of a "bad batch" of turbos but have Mazda acknowledged this officially?

Seems I have 2 choices: get the MS3 and deal with the recalls, TSBs, CELs, turbo seals, rattles and squeaks or get a slower car with a bit more reliability. GTIs are more expensive and not much more reliable. A civic Si is more reliable, cheaper but slower.

I guess it's true then. I just can't have it all. (bang)

 

[ericrapp]

Have there been recalls on 08s. I thought most issues from 07 were under control?

 

[redspeed]

That is what I'm hoping but no one knows for sure. There are rumors of a "bad batch" of turbos but have Mazda acknowledged this officially?

Seems I have 2 choices: get the MS3 and deal with the recalls, TSBs, CELs, turbo seals, rattles and squeaks or get a slower car with a bit more reliability. GTIs are more expensive and not much more reliable. A civic Si is more reliable, cheaper but slower.

I guess it's true then. I just can't have it all. (bang)

You make it sound like the ms3 is the most problematic car ever. Two recalls: tranny mount and emissions, thats it. And if you get a 08 is already fixed. Most of the CELs are triggered my moding and the turbo seals is a hit or miss. Some ms3 will do it, others not. A lot of the smocking turbos are being fixed under warranty.

And for the rattles & squeaks, well I don't know, mine don't have any, running like the day I bought it.

 

[ALIEN3T]

I would buy mine agian. and liek soemone said before.

You will hear about more problems than not on a forum. First year usually bad. Most the recalls have been for 0,. if not early 07's.

Look around. i think there have been cars with way more problems than the MS3

 

[dp-r]

You make it sound like the ms3 is the most problematic car ever. Two recalls: tranny mount and emissions, thats it. And if you get a 08 is already fixed. Most of the CELs are triggered my moding and the turbo seals is a hit or miss. Some ms3 will do it, others not. A lot of the smocking turbos are being fixed under warranty.

And for the rattles & squeaks, well I don't know, mine don't have any, running like the day I bought it.

I'm not saying it is the most problematic car but the MZR engine does seem to have a problem with turbo seals. Don't get me wrong, I believe the speed3 is the best sport compact out there.
I know all car have issues. I took a peek at a popular Honda forum and I saw a lot of things going on with the Civic Si too specially the tranny and the 3rd gear grind. It also suffered from a couple of recalls.

Don't think for a minute I'm here to bash the MS3. I'm here because I like it.

 

[MS3JamOnIt]

I would buy another Speed3, no doubt. As a matter of fact, I would love to get a 08 GT, I now have a silver Sport 07 and never had a problem. Ive driven about 11,600 miles, including one trip to the track last Fall. The only negative is that the car does not like the cold, I live in New England. It makes some noises when its below 20.

Im 43 years old, with two kids and I have fun driving them to soccer games in this car. Other soccer parents have told me that they know when Im coming, they can hear my car and I think that is cool. This is a well-designed car, it's a great value, lots of safety features and more important its fast and fun to drive. I look forward to driving my car everyday.

I visit this forum to learn from other owners about the speed3 and the mods. A lot of the talk is over my head, but I keep reading to learn.

My mods are Mazdaspeed CAI and CBE, Short Shifter, rear motor mount. Next mods are the Cobb Stage 2 suspension and ETS 3.5 TMIC.

(p5silver)