Looking to buy speed 3

[smp3000]

Hey guys,

I haven't been on this forum in a long time. I have quite the history here. First bought a 2001 MP3 in (well 2001) and was one of the first in the country to boost it using the BEGI kit. I loved that car.

I sold the boosted MP3 and bought an evo- which I still own.

I'm now in the market to buy a daily driver as my evo is fully built and not something that I want to- or should be- driven on a daily basis. Right away I thought of mazdaspeed- and looked at my budget and a 2007-2009 Speed 3 came up!! I'm sure I've already said something n00b- so don't be too harsh.

So with that said, what are the weak points of these cars? I know with the evo there are several things to look out for when buying used. Any pointers?

 

[Jdm_Mica]

Fwd
Leaking oil from turbo seals
Disi motor is kinda limited
$$$$ to make this car fast

 

[Jdm_Mica]

It's still a fun platform though!

 

[smp3000]

It's still a fun platform though!

I know it's a fun one!! I'm not concerned with making it fast at all. I'd love for it to have some get'up but that will be there regardless. My biggest concern will be for it to be reliable and a car we can take on short trips- aside from the daily driving.

The evo is staying int he garage unless it comes out for some weekend fun or a meet.

The Speed3 will be a new pride and joy, but it's purpose will be to be a cool daily.

 

[Jdm_Mica]

very reliable, just make sure it has all of the recalls taken care of :
smoking turbo
rear motor mount bolt
vvt ticking noise

i would personally stay away from any car that has been previously modded. If you decide to mod make sure to get a RMM and shifter bushings. They make a huge difference in these cars. Minor bolt-ons and tuned on an AP can make for a quick daily thats comfy and practical. Good Luck!!

 

[smp3000]

very reliable, just make sure it has all of the recalls taken care of :
smoking turbo
rear motor mount bolt
vvt ticking noise

i would personally stay away from any car that has been previously modded. If you decide to mod make sure to get a RMM and shifter bushings. They make a huge difference in these cars. Minor bolt-ons and tuned on an AP can make for a quick daily thats comfy and practical. Good Luck!!

I'll be sure to post here the cars I'm looking at. Maybe we can track down if anyone had modded them.

 

[Russm]

Try to buy a car that a 35+ YEAR OLD PREVIOUSLY OWNED WITH NO NON FACTORY MOD!
MOD APPLIED DUMB = FAIL WITH THIS CAR! Gerat DD when left alone.
Rear shocks and Front struts as well as bump stomps can go away with lower miles! Front O2 sensor, all motor mounts,needs synthetic tranny fluid, check VVT(cam chain tightness), fule pump on stock motor, front then rear sb bushings, other than thes issues great station wagon!