Buying an MS3

[3DEE]

My wife and I are about to pick up a 08 Speed 3 in a few days. I see that most people had problems with engine mounts. And a few with turbos burning oil. It is worrying me a bit, so I wanna know how reliable is this car? I know dealers are usually asswipes when it comes to fixing something. What are your experiences?

[littleolme]

I've had mine for 13 months and have just under 15k on it. My person issues with my 08.5 MS3 have been quite minor. I have a slight brake squeal and the radio's been replaced (under warranty) due to unstable volume and base issues that were known to affect my VIN. Pretty happy so far.

[MSMitch]

I had a couple of recalls, rear suspension leak, a couple of check engine lights - overall though all fixed quickly and under warranty. Overall reliable great fun to drive car. I don't beat the crap out of it, but will drive it "spirited" from time to time. Enjoy and congrats!

[Zoom Zoom Boy]

Hey 3DEE,

I've had my 08.5 MS3 for almost a year now and approx. 14,500km. I believe a lot of the more known and publicized issues with the MS3's occurred to the first 2007 models and introduction year.

I have not had any issues that I would deem serious, but have had 4 minor issues.

1) Windshield/Dash/Cowl rattle. Surfaced when whether dropped below 10 degrees. Fixed via TSB.

2) In cold weather, -10 degrees Celsius or below, the bushings/springs/suspension will creak going over bumps or road imperfections when the car is cold. Once the car is warmed up, approx. 10 minutes of driving, this creak goes away. I had Jimmy at Street Performance look at the problem and he couldn't see anything wrong or any damage being caused by it. I'll have Mazda look at it this winter, but I think it is just a quirk of this car and being so stiffly sprung.

3) My center console will squeak in warm weather, +20 degrees, when hitting a large bump or when my leg pushes against it during hard cornering. I have isolated it to expansion of the black piano trim that came on the 08.5's rubbing against the console. Likely just needs lube. I'll be having Mazda look at this when I do my next service at 16K.

4) When cold only, the very first shift from 1st into 2nd gear can grind or be difficult/notchy. Only happens on the very first shift and then goes away completely. Car has always done this since new and I've had it looked at. Nothing mechanically wrong, so another little quirk that is easily overcome by pausing in neutral for a brief second before engaging 2nd gear.

Other than these minor things, the car has been rock solid and runs like a champ. The MS3 is a complete blast to drive and a wonderful blend of raw grunt with exceptional handling for a FWD car. It puts a smile on my face every day that I drive it and a large frown for the rare days where I let my wife drive it...like today for instance... I miss her already. My MS3 that is, not my wife. :chuckle

[Mazda3X2]

I have had my 08.5 for almost a year as well, 14,000 km's now.

Issues so far;

- Windshield rattle when below -5C or so.
- Notchy shifting from 1st to 2nd when first run cold.
- Suspension noise at left front over harsh bumps.
- Gas cap came apart causing CEL.

With my short list of mods the dealer here hasn't given me any slack with warranty as of yet.

I really like this car. It's fun to drive and looks super sharp. There seem to be some people starting to have issues with the engine lately that I have heard. I hope this won't prove to be an issue for everyone. The transmission feel could be better. Even with a TWM short throw shifter installed the shift feel is only decent at best.

Good luck with your purchase.

[3DEE]

Well these are all good news, since almost every car I had had creaking in winter and over bumps. Thanks guys, we'll be picking it up tomorrow looks like.

[Zoom Zoom Boy]

Well these are all good news, since almost every car I had had creaking in winter and over bumps. Thanks guys, we'll be picking it up tomorrow looks like.

Well, congrats and don't forget to post yourself in the MS3 registry. So, did you pick it up yet? If so, how did you enjoy the ride home?:)

[5_Alive]

Just buy it..

I've had my 07' and she's got 63k on her now, its fine..
besides the rear shocks and turbo that was all done under recall, the only maintenance i've done is front brake pads and spark plugs(cause I wanted to be safe)..

Regular oil changes and whatnot, its fine..

[3DEE]

Yea picked it up today. Car's crazy fast. Love it. Took my two buddy's for a ride. One's got the new Ralliart and the other 265 WRX. They loved it inside and out. We all agreed on the butt dyno that it's almost as fast as my friends 265.

[Zoom Zoom Boy]

Yea picked it up today. Car's crazy fast. Love it. Took my two buddy's for a ride. One's got the new Ralliart and the other 265 WRX. They loved it inside and out. We all agreed on the butt dyno that it's almost as fast as my friends 265.

Congrats again.

From say, a 40kmph roll, it is just as fast as a 265WRX, if not faster. It just isn't a 'launching' kind of car from dead stop and certainly can't compete at launch with the Subie's AWD. However, once moving, the MS3 is a beast and not many cars anywhere near its price and classification are faster, nor handle as well.

[spd frk]

Congrats on the buy. I have an 08.5 I purchased with only 10km on it. And I put them on test driving it. I now have 52,000km in my 13 months of ownership.

I have had Zero problems with the car mechanically, or aesthetically. And the services are relatively well priced. In the 1/4 with my mods I can outrun my friends supercharged E36 M3 and a new 335I coupe. The power is nice. Plus I still get 8.2L/100km on the highway.

[3DEE]

Congrats on the buy. I have an 08.5 I purchased with only 10km on it. And I put them on test driving it. I now have 52,000km in my 13 months of ownership.

I have had Zero problems with the car mechanically, or aesthetically. And the services are relatively well priced. In the 1/4 with my mods I can outrun my friends supercharged E36 M3 and a new 335I coupe. The power is nice. Plus I still get 8.2L/100km on the highway.

Wow that's pretty good. What did you run in the 1/4 mile? And btw, what mileage are you guys getting on average per tank. City and Hwy?

[Fobio]

with some mods and cojones, a MS3 can hit over 200km/h on the back straight at Mosport (Big Track)...where you can also reel in a modded STi...and pass him.

Congrats on the new ride! Feel free to hit me/us up if you ever want to drive the car the way it's meant to be driven.... =)

[Mazda3X2]

Wow that's pretty good. What did you run in the 1/4 mile? And btw, what mileage are you guys getting on average per tank. City and Hwy?

I use about 7.5L/100km all hwy and 9.5L/100km mixed. Very lightly modded.

[3DEE]

with some mods and cojones, a MS3 can hit over 200km/h on the back straight at Mosport (Big Track)...where you can also reel in a modded STi...and pass him.

Congrats on the new ride! Feel free to hit me/us up if you ever want to drive the car the way it's meant to be driven.... =)

Lol, I might take you up on that.

[spd frk]

I average 8.2L highway and about 9.8L mixed driving. I rarely drive only city.

I ran the 1/4 in 14.3 at 99MPH totally stock. That was with a crummy 2.286 60 foot. I also run at Dunnville and Toronto Motorports Park on the roadcourses, and with mods now easily keep up with M3's and 335's (my friends drive them so we go to races a lot together).

J

[Nabster]

i average about 8.5 mixed

[Whitems3]

good fuel economy

[cy88]

I average around 450km mixed city + hwy. If I go all hwy, it'll be around 600km.

So far my car has zero problem.