What to Look for in a used Mazdaspeed3

[CC87]

Hey all,

New on the forums, but not new to forums. I tried a search but came up with nothing. I've been thinking about getting a MS3 for a daily driver, and besides the basic things, is there anything in particular I should be looking for?

I'm looking for as cheap as possible, which is probably going to be an 07, and I know that they have had a few recalls. How will I be able to check if they have had these recalls implemented? Or if their engine fell out, will I see something like that on carfax? The power really appeals to me (I drive an evolution ix right now), and it seems with a conservative tune and intake I could average 30mpg+ on the highway (I do a lot of highway traveling).

Thanks for your input guys! Lookin forward to spending a good amount of time on these forums

 

[Super Unique]

Hey all,

New on the forums, but not new to forums. I tried a search but came up with nothing. I've been thinking about getting a MS3 for a daily driver, and besides the basic things, is there anything in particular I should be looking for?

I'm looking for as cheap as possible, which is probably going to be an 07, and I know that they have had a few recalls. How will I be able to check if they have had these recalls implemented? Or if their engine fell out, will I see something like that on carfax? The power really appeals to me (I drive an evolution ix right now), and it seems with a conservative tune and intake I could average 30mpg+ on the highway (I do a lot of highway traveling).

Thanks for your input guys! Lookin forward to spending a good amount of time on these forums

Well, for one thing, expecting 30+ mpg in high speed highway driving is unrealistic at best. You should expect around 25-26mpg in 70+ mph cruising. If your talking about 55mph secondary roads at cruise then yes 30+ is possible.

 

[coololddude]

look for wet spots on the seats. that means the driver was on boost WITH passengers!!

 

[CC87]

thanks for the tip about the gas mileage..
i actually have driven a ms3 with passengers, and got on it.. no wet spots though

bump for more suggestions!

 

[79_Limited]

I have had my 07 for 1.5 years and it has been dead reliable as a DD. I had to do a flash update and the bolt recall but that is about it.

You can get 30 mpg at highway speeds if you drive like granny. I tend to get about 26-27 mpg in mixed driving. This car blows the doors off my old heavily modded BMW. The MS3 has the same euro handling feel but blows the BMW away when it comes to power.

I wish the stock shifter was not as clunky.

 

[Mocoso]

Are you buying used from dealer or from private party? if dealer they "SHOULD" have done all the TSB's and recal work (engine bolt and ECU flash are the only ones that come to mind and that is only on some earlier 07's )
If private party ask them for the paperwork and/or have them take it to dealer and let dealer tell you what still needs to be done to it.

Only problem I had with mine other than the bolt/ecu flash was a busted rear shock and I can attribute that to going too fast on the crappy 405 thru West LA

 

[Super Unique]

Don't forget to check for obvious signs of abuse, wouldn't want to get something half heartedly modded, then flogged.