For those of you who read other MS3 forums, sorry if you've seen this question before from me. I like to do my research before spending my $$ on a car, so I'm trying to get as much input as I can. I had been looking at nearly new Mazda3 i or s models, but I'm very interested in buying an MS3. I've read so many threads about motors blowing up, etc... Do any of you have high mileage experience with stock MS3s? Do you think many of the motor granades are due to mods/abuse, or is there a problem with the stock motor?
Reliability of bone stock MS3?
- Thread starter Klayfish
- Start date
I think in a stock form, the ms3 is very reliable. I have about 53k right now and for most of those miles I only had a MS CAI. I did have to have a turbo replaced and recently my front o2 sensor took a s***. The turbo was under warranty but the o2 sensor is not.
Aside from those two issues, it has proven to be very reliable.
Aside from those two issues, it has proven to be very reliable.
forums aren't really a good place to ask for reliability reports. Most people on the forums have mods, or they only join when they have a problem, which makes up a VERY small majority of buyers. Consumer Reports and other magazines generally provide better views with statistics you may be looking for.
- :
- 2010 Mazda5 GT
Ditto...
Here is user based reliability website that thrives on monthly updates from actual car owners. Every month you give a quick little update so the info is decently reliable as a gauge.
http://www.truedelta.com/models/Mazda3.php?session_code=639974213
http://www.truedelta.com/models/Mazda3.php?session_code=639974213
LovinMyMS3
Banned
Coming up on 3 years with only a couple bad shocks(replaced under warranty) and dealer notices. Otherwise it's been solid and I don't baby it.
SallySpeed3
Member
- :
- GT Mazdaspeed3, Cosmic Blue
2 years, 37K miles, moderately modded, and no problems! : )
Three years old with MS CAI and 47K later not a single engine or suspension issue. It does have its rattles and squeaks when the temp drops closer to 0, but the car has never ever left me stranded. If you buy used make sure the car only had one owner who changed oil regularly with no or very few mods. I think the rule of thumb is the car will take care of you as long as you take care of the car.
///M Compact
Member
I bought mine new in July of 2007. Dead stock except for an MSCAI added last summer. It has needed the following repairs:
LF strut at 25K
Turbo at 26K
VVT actuator at 46K
The car now has 52K and is throwing an intermittent P0401(EGR Flow Insufficient) fault code. Conveniently enough, the EGR system is not covered by either the powertrain or the 49 State emissions warranty. The cost of repair could be over $400. The only other problem is that the shocks feel like they are just about shot.
Nothing else has gone wrong, possibly because I haven't driven the car since December 21.
LF strut at 25K
Turbo at 26K
VVT actuator at 46K
The car now has 52K and is throwing an intermittent P0401(EGR Flow Insufficient) fault code. Conveniently enough, the EGR system is not covered by either the powertrain or the 49 State emissions warranty. The cost of repair could be over $400. The only other problem is that the shocks feel like they are just about shot.
Nothing else has gone wrong, possibly because I haven't driven the car since December 21.
guitarsoloist87
Member
- :
- 2007 Mazdaspeed 3
The insufficient flow is because of a tsb. You need a recalibration. It will throw rich codes eventually as well. The turbo seals leak oil you don't need new turbo. Get the ptp pcv valve fix. Relieves pressure. If you want an ms3, make sure it has less than 36k miles so you can get all the recalls covered. Mazda makes bad motor mounts, some spin bearings with no mods, some break rods with no mods, some have bad idler pulleys. They are all ms3, but each one is different. Whatever you do don't buy a Mitsubishi!
guitarsoloist87
Member
- :
- 2007 Mazdaspeed 3
Cp-e turbo back, went through 4 bpvs, mazdaspeed cold air, had motor mount replaced under warranty. I beat the s*** out of this car everyday and it takes it! 50k mscai been on a year the rest for years from previous owner. Solid car. Car and driver car of the year, and the motor is more like it came out of a FoMoCo pickup 
Except CR and others have no reports on special vehicles like the MS3. You can find plenty of reports for the MZ3.
Where do you suggest finding reliable reports for the MS3?
FWIW, at 32K, mine has been bone stock since purchase and has been 100% reliable, but I hardly ever beat on it.
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Saskatchewan17
Member
- :
- 2008 TR Mazdaspeed 3
Cp-e turbo back, went through 4 bpvs, mazdaspeed cold air, had motor mount replaced under warranty. I beat the s*** out of this car everyday and it takes it! 50k mscai been on a year the rest for years from previous owner. Solid car. Car and driver car of the year, and the motor is more like it came out of a FoMoCo pickup
The car does love to be driven hard.
///M Compact
Member
As I understand it, the TSB in question doesn't apply to the MS3. In any case, it's a moot point as I hope to sell the thing to Carmax as soon as the weather clears up a bit.
coololddude
Member
If you are going to keep it stock, why worry? That's what the Warranty is for.
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