Sorry to be so upfront- but I need INSTANT help on a car purhase - T minus 24 hrs....

[04GTFX]

Hey guys I have just started to look at speed3's and thus far, only saw one and drove it in person. I really only want a white speed3 which are kind of rare so its not like there are a dime a dozen that I can go check out- especially in my price range. - 15k MAX but I did eventually find one driving by a random Suzuki dealership of all places

it has no mods besides a dealer installed MS CAI and looks relatively clean. I worked with the dealer to get it down to the price I want but didnt make a deposit since I want to come back again to check it on the hoist and see it 100% cleaned so I can inspect the body a bit.

here are my very uneducated observations that did raise some red flags


first off, its one owner with about 90K on it and I did some more digging with a mazda dealership and found all service records for it, and it DOES have MAP warentee for 160K or JUNE 2013!


sounds like a killer deal right?

well you be the judge

first off the test drive- since it was sitting in the lot not driven since the snow fall im sure lots of snow packed itself in the rims. so when I was driving the wheel was shaking HEAVILY - I assume its snow- next drive ill tell for sure. I also heard some backfire but didnt drive it long enough to hear what condition it happened in. normal?

1) there was lots of black carbon buildup around the tailpipe - normal?
2) I got the dealer to rev the car slightly ( car was about 1/2 to normal temp ) and saw black suit/water drops come out and go all over the snow- not allot but since the snow is white it was very easy to see.
3) once warmed up and idle I got the dealer to rev again to check for blue/white smoke to indicate turbo issue and I did see some smoke but again, it may be due to the cold outside so it was hard to tell exactly if its a normal exhaust smoke or something more- anymore ways of checking?
4) there was rust on the rear passenger wheel well area, that little lip that most mazdas get rust- is this a TSB yet? since its an 07 will they fix this issue 100%?
5) the car was white but I noticed the side molding to be kinda yellowish, even the plastic side skirt to be kind of yellowish. It could be because of the contact between all the whites- snow outside, white car, white trim but do you guys notice the plastic molding to be SLIGHTLY off?


thanks SO much !!!


please recommend ANY other checks when I go back tomorrow I think im just being over paranoid and expecting a PERFECT brand new car.....

[zmz3]

A used car purchase can be a good or bad experience, depending on how much caution you take before fully agreeing to purchase it.

I would personally take it to a mechanic and pay the $100 to have a thorough inspection to make sure the powertrain and other important parts of the car are functioning as good as they should.

Having said that, there are not a lot of people who have extensive knowledge in MazdaSpeed 3, but I recommended that you have a Mazda dealership look at it, and inspect it. It will be worth it because they will give you a run down of what you will need to fix/replace in near future, and long term.

I would however, be relctant to make a deal if the dealership makes an issue of you taking it to a mechanic or mazda dealership of your choice. Having said that, consider going to Mazda of Toronto, M and D Executive Auto Inc., QEW Mazda...


Be sure to inspect as much as you can... engine mounts, engine/tranny fluids, brake pads and rotors.

Having good warranty is decent, but don't just rely on that. Plan like you will own the car for a long time.


Hope this helps!

I'm sure Speed3 owners will get to your aid asap!

Good luck! and remember, be thorough!

[04GTFX]

of course! im trying as much as I can to check out this car but its easy to hear check this check that.....but what exactly would be NORMAL or a potential issue on the things I should look at?

[WeatherB]

I'm not a fan of the Mazdaspeed CAI, If I remember correctly they were discontinued early on because they upset the way the car ran. Then they came back and re-introduced a V2 that resolved the issue.

As for the wheel shaking, have them park the car inside overnight and give it a nice wash before you check it out next time.

Don't worry too much about the carbon in the tail pipe or the carbony water drops, those are normal for the Speed 3 thanks to the Direct Injection it uses.

What I'd be more worried about is blue / white smoke coming out of the tail pipe. Try this, take the car for a good test drive and make sure to drive it hard once or twice to clean out all the carbon. Then when you get back to the dealer, let it idle for 10 - 15 minutes and see if you get any smoke. Look up YouTube for videos of the Speed3 turbo smoke so you know what to expect.

The moldings will change colour over time, not much can be done about that. You can get them a bit closer with a nice clay bar and wax. The other option is to remove them all together.

By the way, never rev a car that`s not up to full operating temperature, especially one with a turbo.

[zmz3]

There are tons of things that can be checked. The list I have below is what I inspected while purchasing a '07 GX.

It's not specific to the speed3, but I would still check the mentioned below, at least, what I have down. I won't have everything, but I will do my best:

-head/tail lights
-tire wear/thread life - could show signs of alignment issues
-engine oil, engine compression ratio, tranny fluid, coolant fluid etc - pretty much a through inspection of all fluid levels and condition
-brake pads, rotors
-engine mounts and suspension for leakage
-rims > you mentioned you noticed a lot of vibration. Do your self a favour, and ask the dealer to wash it, if they won't for whatever reason, you wash it and drive it after. If shaking is still there could be balancing, wraped rims etc
-catalytic converter, exhaust system for a funny smell
- if it's equipped with AC, check for a funny smell as well.. Run the AC for a bit
-check to see if there is noticeable vibrations at red lights/stop signs
-emergency brake feel - if its too easy to set, that means it needs maintainence
-air filter

I know that some of the speed3's have smoking turbos, I am not sure if that's an issue or normal, but I would definitely check and inspect that

The carbon build up at tailpipe is not always an issue, most cars will have it. It builds up as you drive the car... A lot could mean that the car was driven hard... after all, it is a speed3
.
.
.
this is what comes to my head...

Speed3 owners will give you more pointers hopefully

[MRT_MS3]

The most potential issue which will be very costly in the future are the drivetrain. But having the MAP warranty gives you a little piece of mind. Just make sure that all the service records are well kept for the warranty to be valid. I guess you can check these first with any Mazda dealership.

[Sean80]

The side mouldings did were a little yellowed on my car when I bought it. I pulled them off as soon as I got home with a heat gun. The car looks better without the mouldings anyways IMO. You forgot to mention that it threw an engine light at the dealership.

[repoman_2]

The MAP warranty has to be transferred properly from owner to owner for it to stay valid. You have to have a letter from the original owner giving permission for the warranty to be transferred. If this process is not carried out properly the warranty is not valid and will not be honored. In short you have to be listed as the MAP warranty owner or you are S.O.L when attempting to make a claim against it

[Elusivellama]

1) there was lots of black carbon buildup around the tailpipe - normal?
2) I got the dealer to rev the car slightly ( car was about 1/2 to normal temp ) and saw black suit/water drops come out and go all over the snow- not allot but since the snow is white it was very easy to see.


Yeah, it's normal especially when not up to operating temperature.



3) once warmed up and idle I got the dealer to rev again to check for blue/white smoke to indicate turbo issue and I did see some smoke but again, it may be due to the cold outside so it was hard to tell exactly if its a normal exhaust smoke or something more- anymore ways of checking?


Can you smell if it's smoke or just water vapour? Ask them to do the same thing when the car is on a hoist and inside their garage, maybe.



4) there was rust on the rear passenger wheel well area, that little lip that most mazdas get rust- is this a TSB yet? since its an 07 will they fix this issue 100%?
5) the car was white but I noticed the side molding to be kinda yellowish, even the plastic side skirt to be kind of yellowish. It could be because of the contact between all the whites- snow outside, white car, white trim but do you guys notice the plastic molding to be SLIGHTLY off?

Don't know about the rust. The plastic molding stuff will tend to go slightly off-white, even showroom cars do this (I saw a new 2010 MS3 mfg. July 2009 in a dealer showroom, the bumper was very slightly off-white).

[04GTFX]

another huge thing I forgot to mention

when the heat was put on I did smell some burning

I have to test drive again to investigate further, I wonder if it was just because it was sitting...who knows

[Zoom Zoom Boy]

Personally, I'd stay clear of the 07' model year when buying used and especially so if the one you are looking at already has rust. 15K for an 07 MS3 with high mileage and rust is not a good deal at all. If you increase your budget to the 17K-18K range, you will have many options open to you in later model year MS3's including those with very low mileage and that have been maintained in mint condition, no rust and that don't have the issues that the 07's did.

The 07' was the first year introduction and like any 1st year intro, it had numerous issues once it got into production. Most notably, the fuel pump, the turbo, the engine mounts and a host of other things as I'm sure you have read by now. It is true that most of these issues were addressed via TSB and recalls which you should make sure were all performed on any 07' or MS3 you are considering. In addition, the later model years came with revised/upgraded parts from the factory, but there were also other small design and component changes in later model years of the MS3.

To answer your specific questions:

The steering wheel vibrations were likely just snow and ice build-up in the rim. Have them wash the car next time and then drive it. if still the same, the wheel balance is off and/or the tires have gone 'out of round' from sitting too long.

1) there was lots of black carbon buildup around the tailpipe - normal? Completely normal.
2) I got the dealer to rev the car slightly ( car was about 1/2 to normal temp ) and saw black suit/water drops come out and go all over the snow- not allot but since the snow is white it was very easy to see. Normal and it probably hadn't been driven in some time. Never rev an engine hard that isn't fully warmed up and this is particularly true with an MS3.
3) once warmed up and idle I got the dealer to rev again to check for blue/white smoke to indicate turbo issue and I did see some smoke but again, it may be due to the cold outside so it was hard to tell exactly if its a normal exhaust smoke or something more- anymore ways of checking? It's cold out. You're going to see smoke. The blue smoke is pretty noticeable, but have the dealer run the car inside their service bay and you will know for sure.
4) there was rust on the rear passenger wheel well area, that little lip that most mazdas get rust- is this a TSB yet? since its an 07 will they fix this issue 100%? If this car has rust, move on...even if they fix the rust, it will come back.
5) the car was white but I noticed the side molding to be kinda yellowish, even the plastic side skirt to be kind of yellowish. It could be because of the contact between all the whites- snow outside, white car, white trim but do you guys notice the plastic molding to be SLIGHTLY off?
Doesn't sound like the previous owner took a lot of care of the paint with this car through regular waxing et al. Some yellowing is normal if it was stored outside in direct sunlight for most of its life, and while a good detailing can restore it easily to true colour, it gives you some insight on how the car was maintained.

Lastly, as others have said, get an independant assessment of the car from another dealer or mechanic. Personally, I would only get another Mazda dealer to do this for you, if you are 100% assured of having a Mazda Master Tech look over the car. The old gen MS3's were limited production cars and most Mazda techs do not have extensive experience working on them and don't really know these cars that well. My recommendation would be to take it to Jimmy at Street Performance and have him look it over for you. Jimmy has seen more MS3's for service than any dealer tech and pretty much every MS3 owner on this forum has spent time with Jimmy at some point or another. He is an invaluable resource of MS3 related info and knows these cars very well. When it comes to my own MS3, he's the only guy that touches her now.

Good luck in your search.

[McGuyver_3]

The MAP warranty has to be transferred properly from owner to owner for it to stay valid. You have to have a letter from the original owner giving permission for the warranty to be transferred. If this process is not carried out properly the warranty is not valid and will not be honored. In short you have to be listed as the MAP warranty owner or you are S.O.L when attempting to make a claim against it


When I traded my sedan for my speed i had extended warranty on my sedan. I did not have to sign any papers for transferal of warranty from me to the dealer and I did not get the chance to transfer the warranty over. I had to repurchase it for the speed

[Mr Wilson]

I really have nothing to add apart from what weatherB and Zoom Zoom already said. For a minimal additional cost you can find an 08.5+ with less mileage and better body condition.

[Tokay444]

compression ratio isn't something will ever change without changing rod length, piston, height, thicker or thinner head gasket, machining the head, a crank with more or less stroke, or any combonation of the lot.
There are tons of things that can be checked. The list I have below is what I inspected while purchasing a '07 GX.

It's not specific to the speed3, but I would still check the mentioned below, at least, what I have down. I won't have everything, but I will do my best:

-head/tail lights
-tire wear/thread life - could show signs of alignment issues
-engine oil, engine compression ratio, tranny fluid, coolant fluid etc - pretty much a through inspection of all fluid levels and condition
-brake pads, rotors
-engine mounts and suspension for leakage
-rims > you mentioned you noticed a lot of vibration. Do your self a favour, and ask the dealer to wash it, if they won't for whatever reason, you wash it and drive it after. If shaking is still there could be balancing, wraped rims etc
-catalytic converter, exhaust system for a funny smell
- if it's equipped with AC, check for a funny smell as well.. Run the AC for a bit
-check to see if there is noticeable vibrations at red lights/stop signs
-emergency brake feel - if its too easy to set, that means it needs maintainence
-air filter

I know that some of the speed3's have smoking turbos, I am not sure if that's an issue or normal, but I would definitely check and inspect that

The carbon build up at tailpipe is not always an issue, most cars will have it. It builds up as you drive the car... A lot could mean that the car was driven hard... after all, it is a speed3
.
.
.
this is what comes to my head...

Speed3 owners will give you more pointers hopefully

[Zoom Zoom Boy]

compression ratio isn't something will ever change without changing rod length, piston, height, thicker or thinner head gasket, machining the head, a crank with more or less stroke, or any combonation of the lot.

I think he meant piston and valve compression in a cylinder as related to an engine on the way out.

[Tokay444]

Like a leak down test or a compression test? Yes. That should be done, or provided by the dealer.

[horto]

1. Sorry to be so upfront- but I need INSTANT help on a car purhase - T minus 24 hrs....
2. Hey guys I have just started to look at speed3's and thus far, only saw one and drove it


:whoa

i think you need to slow down and not become an emotional car buyer.

MAP good
rust bad

[Jeff-TheBiz]

The MAP warranty has to be transferred properly from owner to owner for it to stay valid.

Absolutely true.


You have to have a letter from the original owner giving permission for the warranty to be transferred.

Not the case.


If this process is not carried out properly the warranty is not valid and will not be honored. In short you have to be listed as the MAP warranty owner or you are S.O.L when attempting to make a claim against it

True.


When I traded my sedan for my speed i had extended warranty on my sedan. I did not have to sign any papers for transferal of warranty from me to the dealer and I did not get the chance to transfer the warranty over. I had to repurchase it for the speed

MAP can be tranferred from owner to owner but not from car to car..

[Zoom Zoom Boy]

So 04GTFX, what did you end up doing? Did you buy, or are you still shopping?