2007 Mazdaspeed 3 is HOT

[Charlie]

Details Charlie?

Apex seals.

Motors that last 50k before needing to be rebuilt/replaced, this is considered "normal". Exhaust port issues. Fuel filters clogging up in record time causing the car to lean out and burn up the motor.

The RX8 isn't much better - first they had to 'de-rate" them from 250 to 237 hp, now with the dyno numbers that most people get, they're saying real world HP is closer to 210 at the "crank". Add to the fact that Mazda is recalling almost all of them as they are apparently having vacuum issues with the motors. Add to the fact that the things have no torque and get pretty lousy gas mileage (16-18 mpg).

Neat cars, but about as reliable and finicky as an early 60's british or italian sports car. The big thing now seems to be an LS1/LS6 swap into those chassis - that I could handle.

-Charlie

[SchnellerVert]

Wow sounds like the late 80's for Mazda all over again. Since I don't follow mutiple brands I had no idea this was still an issue with the apex seals.

Funny how they use Graphite for them. Anybody know why the RX8 never got the three rotor Wankel?

[DrMcDave]

yeah ls1's and mazdas make for some pretty beastly little cars.

[german g]

i love mazda's new styling trends, but everything except the miata and rx-8 are wrong wheel drive

yep
I love the styling on the rx8s and 50/50 weight too :-), but no rotory junk for me, now an ls swap in one, now that would be sick!!!

[bmw_e30]

Everytime I get a hard on for a third gen RX7, I talk to someone that actually owns one of those POS's and it goes back limp.

-Charlie

Yup.

Also, they had plenty of glue, interior materials, and paint issues with them.

Aside from the apex seals always tearing due to being too thin. Most rebuilders use 3mm seals now. And did I mention they drink oil like no tomorrow.

My old man has a 2nd gen with a 13B non-turbo. Great handling car. Reminds me of a japanese E30 if there ever was one.


I also love the Mazdaspeed3. Great handling, great looking car. Volvo designed safety. It starts at about 22k. Great bargain.

[silverfbimmer]

One of my friends has an RX-8 now and he has had nothing but problems with it. All sorts of little things that just don't work properly.
I also read a report that said the renesis motor in the Rx-8 loses a ton of HP after like 30,000 miles. Like Charlie said, apex seals.

[CarsSuck]

A few months ago an RX-8 with an after market turbo was traded in at the bmw dealership I work at and i took it for a short spin. I was pretty impressed. The car was loud as hell, but was really fast. Easily faster than an e46 M3. I was impressed with how smooth the power delivery was.

[VAPORBLADE]

My wife and I bought a Mazda Speed6 for her primary car. It is sick - awd 6 speed 4cyc with a turbo. It is too much fun to drive. I know I would be in trouble with it. LOL

[JPbmw]

AWD 6 speed would rock hard but I refuse to drive a front wheel drive car.

Exactly.

[Jand3rson]

My mom just bought an '07 Mazda 3, the 4-door sedan, and that thing is fucking sweet! It's a 2.0L 5-speed manual, and it's very quick! She got the sport package with the rear wing, 16" wheels, and all kinds of other cool shit. That car is really something, it's very nice inside and out.

[NC325iC]

rx7 2nd and 3rd and rx8 are the only mazdas id buy, not because of reliability cause we all know what rotarties like to do but because all other mazdas arent nearly as badass

[ZinRot325i]

I don't think I could ever stomach a Mazda.
Most ppl I know who have them have loads of problems after a short while.
I think it's a pretty package + marketing, without any QC.

[BMDub]

this is hot.

[CleanAzzE30z]

i love mazda's new styling trends, but everything except the miata and rx-8 are wrong wheel drive

X 1 meeeleeeon!!

[AdironRider]

Yeah the front wheel drive aspect would be a major killer for me.