i had to get rid of my ms3 after only 12 days. VERY disappointing. When i bought my car from Carmax, there were no reports on the carfax. i started having a 'slipping' problem after only 6 days, it was minor and then didn't happen again for days. well on day 10-12, it kept getting worse. I was over the bay bridge at the time and was actually nervous to even get it to a carmax. so they said to take it to a local mechanic and they would reimburse me. the diagnosis was random multiple misfire, something that could normally be fixed. after they found the source of the problem, they also found out my car had been in for the same problem at 5,000 miles...it's at about 8,000 now..bought it at 7,500 (thought it was too good to be true). they also told me they fixed it but its something that will happen again and to get rid of the car!
so i get it towed to a mazda dealership, and this is where i got to find out the full report or what this car has been thru. The previous owner had done a LOT of work, and it was done a bit sloppy. they started having problems and of course aftermarket works voids the warrenty, so they had the stock parts put back on. unfortunately the car wasnt able to be tuned back to stock. and of course i didn't know any of this upon buying the car. It took me so long to find this car, i really wanted a wrx but it's a little out of my price range so when i found the ms3 2012 crystal white pearl i was excited since its the closest thing to the wrx i actually liked. i am so upset i had to give up my car, but now ive decided im going to just get the wrx and not even try and deal with the ms3 again because ive seen tons and tons of recalls and people with other problems. its sad though because it was TONS of fun to drive. I just thought i would throw this out there, and i hope no one else has this issue or any problems because it's a nice car for a decent price. Carmax was extremely helpful and made the process easy, they said my car shouldn't have even been on the lot and if they had known about this problem they maybe not have bought it. so now it's being auctioned. i am extremely lucky my problem happened sooner than later though so everything was taken care of. Im sure everyone knows this already but if youre gunna do work to your car, make sure it's done properly. and personally, i would start small and build up. i was satisfied with stock, but then again i wasnt racing, just having a little fun. So, just to be clear, i am not bad mouthing the ms3, at all...i loved it. so i guess if you do your full research on the car..hopefully all will be well.
