Note that Mazdaspeed3’s suffered from potentially weak motor mounts that were addressed in a recall. A Mazda dealer should be able to tell if the work was carried out on the model you’re looking at. If the motor mount lets go during driving, you’re in for a world of problems—not to mention a potential loss of control and an expensive tow-truck ride to the shop.
A loud metallic grinding noise from the engine compartment while the car is running may indicate a bad belt tensioner. This isn’t a tremendous deal to replace, but have a listen to the car at idle with the hood open regardless.
Shoppers will want to check the used Mazdaspeed3 for common signs of turbocharger trouble, too. With the engine running at operating temperature, walk around back and check for any signs of oily smelling, white-colored smoke coming from the tailpipe. Among other things, this could indicate a variety of problems with the turbocharger or PCV system. White oily smoke doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem with the engine itself, though it may mean oil is leaking past internal seals within the turbo and being burned in the exhaust stream.
If possible, remove the pipes and couplers between the turbocharger, intercooler and engine, checking within for a buildup of oil. Typically, a thin film of oil is normal-- though thick oil buildup or pooling within the turbocharger plumbing could also indicate internal turbo seal problems. Note that heavy oil buildup in the intake and intercooler plumbing could also indicate excessive wear of piston rings.
Blown engines aren’t an entirely unheard-of occurrence in the Mazdaspeed 3 community-- though a quick scan of owner forums seems to suggest engines typically let go during the warranty period and without notice.
Many of the blown engines mentioned are from cars that have been heavily modified, so avoid a Mazdaspeed3 with serious engine ‘upgrades’ whenever possible. Aftermarket intake and exhaust parts are typically safe-- though modifications to run higher-than-factory levels of boost can turn an engine’s internals to oily, metallic soup if not set up improperly.
Despite the documented cases of engine failure, the very vast majority of Mazdaspeed 3 owners report tremendous satisfaction with their rides on the street, drag-strip and race-track. Though some common issues do exist, a well-maintained Mazdaspeed3 that’s in near-stock condition should be relatively worry-free. As a year-round, multi-purpose vehicle with a tremendous exciting side, there are few machines that can match it.
photo:Mazda
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| 2009 Mazdaspeed3 |
A loud metallic grinding noise from the engine compartment while the car is running may indicate a bad belt tensioner. This isn’t a tremendous deal to replace, but have a listen to the car at idle with the hood open regardless.
Shoppers will want to check the used Mazdaspeed3 for common signs of turbocharger trouble, too. With the engine running at operating temperature, walk around back and check for any signs of oily smelling, white-colored smoke coming from the tailpipe. Among other things, this could indicate a variety of problems with the turbocharger or PCV system. White oily smoke doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem with the engine itself, though it may mean oil is leaking past internal seals within the turbo and being burned in the exhaust stream.
If possible, remove the pipes and couplers between the turbocharger, intercooler and engine, checking within for a buildup of oil. Typically, a thin film of oil is normal-- though thick oil buildup or pooling within the turbocharger plumbing could also indicate internal turbo seal problems. Note that heavy oil buildup in the intake and intercooler plumbing could also indicate excessive wear of piston rings.
Blown engines aren’t an entirely unheard-of occurrence in the Mazdaspeed 3 community-- though a quick scan of owner forums seems to suggest engines typically let go during the warranty period and without notice.
Many of the blown engines mentioned are from cars that have been heavily modified, so avoid a Mazdaspeed3 with serious engine ‘upgrades’ whenever possible. Aftermarket intake and exhaust parts are typically safe-- though modifications to run higher-than-factory levels of boost can turn an engine’s internals to oily, metallic soup if not set up improperly.
Despite the documented cases of engine failure, the very vast majority of Mazdaspeed 3 owners report tremendous satisfaction with their rides on the street, drag-strip and race-track. Though some common issues do exist, a well-maintained Mazdaspeed3 that’s in near-stock condition should be relatively worry-free. As a year-round, multi-purpose vehicle with a tremendous exciting side, there are few machines that can match it.
 |
| 2009 Mazdaspeed3 |
photo:Mazda
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