Mazdaspeed3 vs. 3Sport GT maintainence costs?

[kenghk]

Does anyone know if there is a big difference in service costs between the speed and a regular 3, minus tires and gas?

[Edmonius]

Used to have a 3GT, have had a MS3 for around 2 years now. Main difference is that synthetic oil changes cost more. No real need for syn in the NA motor. And obviously if you break something on the MS3 motor it'll cost way more than on an NA MZR.

[Zoom Zoom Boy]

Does anyone know if there is a big difference in service costs between the speed and a regular 3, minus tires and gas?

I own one of each. Both have had zero mechanical issues and only recently, I had to change out the rear pads on the 2005 GT, as one of the rear brakes had seized and had worn the one pad down badly. Other than that, some minor trim noises in the MS3 that were addressed via TSB and a moonroof that needed reseating in the GT when it was new and a rattling glovebox. That's it. The 2005 GT has 90K on it and the MS3 has 20K on the odo.

The MS3 will cost you more in gas for two reasons. First, it needs a minimum of 91 octane gas. Second, because you will be in boost more than you think, it will go through gas a lot quicker than a GT. It is possible to get almost the same gas mileage as the GT if you stay out of boost, but then, why have an MS3... You don't buy that type of car to worry about fuel consumption.

Tires will cost you more as the rim size on the MS3 is 18" vs. the 17" rims on the GT and because of the extra power and the turbo egging you on to boost it, you will eat through tires quicker. Also, the MS3 uses high performance summer tires which are softer in compound for grip, have lower tread wear and wear faster. You will need winter tires for either the MS3 or GT, as the stock tires on both car's are horrendous in winter weather and even a light dusting of snow.

The fact that the MS3 has a turbo and a lot of upgraded suspension, brake and engine components does mean that if you are out of warrannty and need repairs, the parts will cost more than the GT. However, if you are out of warranty, use a good mechanic such as Jimmy at Street Performance and you will still save a whack load of money as opposed to taking it to a dealer.

Personally, I would stay clear of used 2007 MS3 models. The initial MS3's had quite a few design issues such as weak mounts, bad turbo's and seals, bad fuel pumps, smoking turbo issues, premature rear shock failure etc. that were addressed and corrected by Mazda in subsequent model years. Most of the 2007's were also fixed via recall and TSB, but mechanically, some small changes were also made by Mazda and I'd stick with new or a later used model year. Note that all MS3 models, including the 2010's appear to suffer from frozen and creaking bushings in really cold weather. This noise goes away after about 10 minutes of driving once the car warms up.

Oh and I use synthetic oil in all my cars, NA or turbo, so there is no difference to me in that regard, other than the Amsoil I run in the MS3 costs a little more per bottle than the German Castrol I use in the GT.

Hope this helps.

[ramboh]

Great reply Zoom Zoom Boy. I agree 100%.

I don't have a normal Mazda3 but my 2008 Mazdaspeed3 has been practically flawless so far. I have almost 50K on the odometer.

[SKYMP3]

My 07 is at 45k now....engine light went on few times and replaced the 02 sensor under warranty. Other than that....no problem.
Extra cost - extra fun....103hp more stock vs stock....With the used price on the 1 Gen MS3, it is really worth it to get a MS3 over a Mazda 3

[horto]

My 07 is at 45k now....engine light went on few times and replaced the 02 sensor under warranty. Other than that....no problem.
Extra cost - extra fun....103hp more stock vs stock....With the used price on the 1 Gen MS3, it is really worth it to get a MS3 over a Mazda 3

+1

97,000k km on my `07, not much has gone wrong... rear strut was blown when i bought it... was fixed before i drove it off the lot for good.

at the time of purchase (last august) i was debating between a brand new `09 GT or an `07-`08 MS3. First time I drove the MS3 I fell in love (BOOST!) The car puts a smile on my face every. single. day.

My only regret now that I`ve started modding it is I wish I would have spent a bit more $$ on it and got an 08.5 with lower kms.

There is no doubt in my mind, get the speed 3 over the regular GT. There is no comparison. It`s a different car. And it`s got more awesome inside!

[FLIPDADY]

I had a chance to get a MS3 over my current 3 sedan. Now I'm kicking myself because I didn't.

Despite the fact that premium gas is required for the MS3 I wouldn't hesitate picking one up.

[RedRaptor]

The MS3 is a beast. MajesticBlueNTO took me a for a spin in his...and I was blown away. Its a completely different car over a GT.

[kenghk]

Thanks for the reply guys. I figured tires and gas would be more. I'll be leasing a 10 or 11 as my 07SportGT is up soon. CWP of course!

[cosic]

I'm just jumped over 50,000 kms in over 2 years on my MS3 and I haven't had to take it into for service yet *knock on wood*.. Mind you, I don't drive it all too hard.