Does anyone have info or experience with a Mazda3 Speed3?

Seems like a neat car with a 6spd 260hp 4cylinder turbo. I believe its front wheel drive. Just wondering if it responds to mods well and how well do they last. I never knew mazda had this car as an option.

Thanks




"Remember do what you like because you have to drive it."--Me

From what I've heard, the first body style had some motor issues, they didn't last long at power levels over stock and enought actually broke that where stock.

The new body style has had some trans issues, haven't heard much about this but I know a few people blew them up.

This is coming from the Speed3 guys I talk to at the track, I've never personally looked into it.

That being said, I've been in both cars, and been in both cars around a road course and they are very fun and handle great.

It's the same motor I have in my car, slightly detuned. If it wasn't detuned, the Speed3 would just be out of control. They're fast as hell, I would have had one if mine hadn't been on the used lot. Living in the NE I need the AWD.

There have been some motor problems, especially in the cold, I'm not sure if these have been alleviated or not.

They respond ridiculously well to mods. I have the Cobb SRI and it's literally the only bolt on I've ever done to a car where I can actually feel the difference. All in all, they're nice cars. Mine was a bit of a spur of the moment purchase, and I regret not getting a truck like I really wanted, but they're nice cars.


Brian

Thanks for the info. I really like those little cars. I see you have a speed 6. I really need to look into that as well.
Thanks for the information.






"Remember do what you like because you have to drive it."--Me

This is no help but i love the styling of all these new mazdas. I didnt know the speed3s have 260hp and a 6speed tranny... sounds like win to me.

The new ones are boost limited in first and maybe second because of trans issues. At least that is what I was told last time I was at the drag strip talking with my buddy.



PRND321 Till I DIE
Old Motor: 160whp & 152ft/lbs, 1/4 Mile 15.4 @88.2
M45 + LD9 + 4T40-E, GO GO GO

24zeta wrote:Thanks for the info. I really like those little cars. I see you have a speed 6. I really need to look into that as well.
Thanks for the information.

I'd recommend either. I love my 6, the problem is they are incredibly rare to find having only been built for 2 years. Which is why, when I saw mine I naturally had to have it. haha

Good luck in your search, feel free to drop me a line if you have any questions.




Brian

it sucks that mazda got rid of the speed 6

but i drove the speed 3 and that thing is fast, really fast

the ride is stiff but it handles well

i dont really like the interior, just because its kind of drab in my oppinion, but i think they should offer leather like in the 3gt

This is has nothing to do with the 6 or 3 but i test drove the CX7 and it was amazing imo.... for a SUV of course.

Here's a review on my Speed6 that I wrote a while back for another forum.

I've got a 2006 MS6 with about 47K on it, bone stock. I bought it back in April. It definitely has its ups and downs.

Overall I love the car. I didn't buy it for speed really. I bought it because I wanted a classy sedan for work, but still fun to drive. I think it has met its purpose. It's got heated leather seats, power everything, Bose sound, 6 speed manual, and AWD. Everything I was looking for. It's definitely a heavy car, and you can kind of feel it when driving it, but it handles amazingly well. It has a Haldex-like AWD system, but it's not as people make it out to be in my opinion. I've never driven any other AWD car, so it's hard for me to compare. It goes through snow like no other, corners pretty good, and launches quite well. I can notice though that sometimes it takes a bit for the rear wheels to lock in. As far as the clutch goes, it's definitely touchy. It's pretty much either engaged or disengaged. There is a very small window as to where the sweet spot is, but I haven't found it unpredictable at all. I've gotten used to it and don't mind it.

Now for reliability. Just before I bought the car, the turbo was replaced with a redesigned version under warranty for faulty seals. This was a known issue which a lot of people had trouble with. I haven't had any issues with the turbo at all. It's recommended to run Mobil 15W-40 Turbo Diesel oil, and the turbo has been fine with that. There is however a significant number of MS6 owners that have had motors blow up. Mainly sounds like rod bearings going out and throwing the rod through the block. I haven't had that happen, knock on wood. I did have a purge valve go out which is very common, but that was a $25 fix.

Feel free to ask me any questions you may have about the MS6. The motor is the same as the MS3.



2010 Subaru Impreza WRX Limited
1999 Cavalier Z24 Supercharged
1999 Grand AM SE (Beater Car)
1997 GMC Sierra
2007 Honda CBR 600RR
2005 Honda TRX450R

One of my close friend has an MS3 2009 and he gets nothing but trouble. Every friday afternoon don't look for him he's at the dealership for fixes and broken stuff on his new car. lol The guy really takes car of his car too,never redlined this damn car. He found a big rust spot on his rear quarter panel too. Very sad.

Not sure it will hold up well.

The first generation had turbo seal and motor mount problems. Both warranty claims if they were taken care of on a used car. Beyond that you can do a LOT with them. factor turbo + DI means you can gain a LOT of horsepower with I/E/IC and tuning.

Both cars seem cool. I wish I would have know about the speed 6. Sounds like a perfect car.



"Remember do what you like because you have to drive it."--Me

Even with the incident i had with my Mazda3 (non turbo GT hatch) (motor blew, but not Mazda's fault) I love my car, and would get another in a heartbeat. Handles better stock, than my KYB AGX + Prokit + aluminum control arms w/ Prothane bushings equipped Sunfire GT lol.

Thrice . wrote:Even with the incident i had with my Mazda3 (non turbo GT hatch) (motor blew, but not Mazda's fault) I love my car, and would get another in a heartbeat. Handles better stock, than my KYB AGX + Prokit + aluminum control arms w/ Prothane bushings equipped Sunfire GT lol.

not even the slightest bit surprising