USED Mazda 3 MPS / Mazdaspeed3 - What goes wrong and should you buy one?

[@sahandbagheri6641]

this monster was designed back in 2008, it's freaking 16 yearssss ago. props to Mazda for being distinct and not try to be a boring corolla or civic. I had one of these and I can't think of any reliability issues during 5 yrs ownership. Oil, tyres, plugs , waterpump were the only I had to replace.

[@AlfiePrice-r3s]

While this is a very good looking car, you can’t say the civic of the same generation was boring. It looks completely stand out from everything else of that time and the K20 engine is one of the most fun engines ever made

[@championxxlNL]

​​@@AlfiePrice-r3snot to mention the k20 runs without issues for 100s of 1000s of miles while putting out more power. I would love an mps, I think they're great but the potential for the technical issues that can happen absolutely put me of, I'd go bankrupt in an instant Edit: didn't mean the k20 has more power from the factory but they can reliably make 400-500 hp on stock internals

[@imBriz]

@@AlfiePrice-r3s hate my K20 its a fucking doggggggggg

[@Madisonscott1125]

Just bought a 07 with 22,000km. Barn find no rust. Keeping it forever!!! Love it

[@glensubtorq]

I bought one when they first released. It was a crazy car! Tramlined like a monster, ate tyres in months and went like a freak. I hated it and loved it at the same time. Terrible in the wet, no front traction, handled like a wet dog on a tiled floor.

[@stevenmuscat8126]

Haha- I remember going for a test drive on a main arterial road in the wet. Two lane changes from torque steer. Turned around and returned car.

[@sav7123]

@@stevenmuscat8126these cars aren’t for everyone 😅

[@stevenmuscat8126]

@@sav7123 True story. Would be a fun car, just not driving home in the rain after a bad day at work on Sydney roads.

[@RaymondLo84]

handled like a wet dog on a tiled floor :D time to upgrade tires :) HAHA

[@xwin557x3]

My experience exactly. But how I do miss it.

[@znova9240]

06 Gen 1 former owner. What a car. Absolutely cut me to pieces to sell her. It has 282000km on it, 303whp and almost 500nm of torque paired with bigger wheels and tyres, coilovers, polyurethane bushes throughout, upgraded engine mounts, short shifter, front mount intercooler conversion, proper tune from a MPS guru and alot of supporting modifications to ensure reliability. I drove it with respect, and honestly it never left me on the side of the road. Key was maintenance, a good quality tune, monitoring AFR at all times and not driving like a dickhead constantly. It was an absolute weapon of a car. Almost zero torque steer with those suspension upgrades. 0-100 in 5 seconds dead. I kept it fairly stock looking other than the wheels and tyres, wiped the smile off many a V8 owners face even on the highway. The thing I fell in love with and what I miss most was it had personality. It felt alive, like it had a soul. You couldn't just jump in it like a Golf R and floor it if you'd never driven it before or it might bite back! All while looking like a regular old Mazda 3. Really regret selling her.

[@heronshorts]

This thing is fun to drive and the torque steer will always wake you up. A mate of mine got his at low mileage from a mother who was selling it because she didnt want her son to have it as his first car coz of how quick it is lol.

[@dhnirt]

Owned one of these for 4 years. DP, catback and a good tune. Never ever failed and I really gave that thing a go car 🚗💨

[@WatchKek]

The MPS is cool as, first came across it in Need For Speed Carbon and loved it in that.

[@Its-Chuck-G]

Owned a Gen 2 one of these for 8 years, absolutely loved it. Great fun to punt around, only thing that ever needed fixing on it was a loose baffle in the fuel tank - just replaced it with a wrecker tank for a few hundred bucks. Owned a couple of Polo/Golf GTIs and an S3 since, but the MPS was more fun than those other hatches.

[@smz003]

BEEN WAITING FOR THIS EPISODE SINCE THE BEGINNING 🔥

[@claytonsmoothy314]

I had this exact car, infact that could be my old car,bloody terrific car.fitted Whiteline rear sway bar,eibach lowered springs,intake,rear gearbox mount,Cobb access port and removed second cat.ran semi slicks on front the whole time I owned it.loved it,miss it.took it back to stock to sell it and sold of all mod parts

[@daedile282]

Man, I miss my 2007 Speed3. I'm gonna buy one again

[@DarkKnight2845]

Good video, always loved the design of the MPS/Mazdaspeed 3 models

[@CinematicBanger]

I have a 2012 w/tech pkg! 46k miles only and I !ove it💯💯😍

[@mr.knight1359]

i actually think its a very handsome car if you think otherwise you are WRONG

[@wiltonlawrence882]

😂

[@zyawillis8040]

😬

[@phiwanhlengethwa3874]

I came to make this comment.

[@HadrianTAZ]

I DO think others will agree with ya

[@tattoojim182]

It is a good looking car, and MUCH better looking than the gen 1

[@tattoojim182]

I owned one for 4 years, absolutely loved it. Never had any issues even though I didn’t daily it. A well looked after and unmodified one will be very reliable

[@TheTericbarraclough]

just sold my gen 1 MPS yesterday after 11 years. Sold it with 302000kms. It was still so awesome and what a reliable car. Bought my gen 2 MPS about a month ago and love it so much. Completely stock standard and aim to leave it as such.

[@theaussiecriminologist]

I owned a BL MPS for 11 years and did 80,000km in it. I gave it a bit every now and then. I never had a single issue with it. Occasionally the engine light would come on and the mechanic would reset it and tell me to take it out for a good drive in the country, that solved the issue. Sold it second hand in 2022 for $19000.

[@RaymondLo84]

Second hand for $19000, it basically paid for itself...

[@jacklewis7780]

Drove one for almost ten years. I won’t hear complaints about torque steer when accelerating quickly - you were warned. What is annoying is that when you’re relaxed into your drive and are at cruising speed, steering never seems to find centre so the car wanders even in a straight line and you’re constantly having to correct it.

[@alexmedosh5385]

Agreed!

[@刘思坤]

As a service consultant at an automotive shop, I frequently encounter issues with TCM in this particular model when it starts ageing

[@SatanDotExe]

I would own one of these but the fact there were loads of these cars in the UK, now not many left on the road, that speaks for itself.

[@fckuyo3918]

check the hedges of local laneways, there must be a few there...

[@LukW-m7s]

Unmodified these are fine, because they are so highly pushed to the limit engineering wise to begin with people try and push too much from them cheaply and they bust.

[@caniborrowapencil5160]

You can mod the stock engine pretty safely up to 330hp if you do your steps correctly (hpfp/downpipe/accessport etc). Thing is everybody wants to tune these cars like they have an rb26 or 2jz engine because they’re so fun, and then it goes zoom zoom boom.

[@club1fan552]

The series one did have bad torque steer but in the series 2 the torque was reduced in first and second making it easier to live with. The 6 MPS was a better balanced vehicle with (partial), AWD. Would love to see a review...

[@markbiggart1265]

Oh my goodness you managed to capture rare footage of a new shape Honda Civic that’s actually been sold and driving on Aussie roads?!

[@xX_T0X1K_Xx]

I own one. let me correct you it’s pretty much a new shape Focus the engine was even made by ford. I am in Nz and have a JDM BL3FW Axela Mazdaspeed 3 Gen 2 2009 and I can assure you there’s ford logos printed on the engine amazing car lots of fun to drive and has been my reliable daily pushing 300hp

[@ElderlyAnteater]

I always think the looks are one of the best things about these! Can't believe people don't like the way they look

[@roadsofjapan6009]

Nice review…. So we just have the ST left to review , great little play list there once the blue oval is reviewed. 👍

[@Low760]

Xr5t?

[@NJ728]

My 2011 3 MPS has 210 000km, still in immaculate condition. Amazing vehicle, and it still keeps up with modern hot hatches.

[@LooseKnob]

I've had my BL MPS for a few years now and is stock. Had no major mechanical issues. Just keep it serviced and it will look after you. Mods are tempting but a slippery slope and you risk reliability. Have to agree that you have plenty of power and don’t need more for the street. These cars aren't perfect but a load of fun to drive and that is what makes them special.

[@coopsnz1]

bk going up in price in japan, Bl starting to go up

[@junaidisrael3723]

I have owned my 2010 mps for 5 years havnt had any issues besides the stock car audio amp failing still runs like a dream completely stock really fun to drive

[@caniborrowapencil5160]

My amp failed as well, just wondering if you managed to replace with an aftermarket amp without rewiring or swapping out the stock speakers?

[@sereyy]

Bought mine new in 2012 daily it with 230,000 kms now in 2024. Still going strong with no major problems. Only had the right side engine mount break from drag racing at Willowbank hahah. Gonna keep mine until it dies if it does die heheh.

[@mazdarene]

13’ last gen Mazdaspeed3 no issues about engine, completely stock, maintenance on time, only oem parts for replacement. 150k miles on it.

[@scottcarter2362]

I had a fast ride in one of these a few years ago as a passenger. It was one of the most memorable drives I've had. Admittedly his car had a few mods(most notably an aftermarket differential) but Jeee Zuz that thing was proper fast. I'd love one.

[@eponymous7910]

I remember seeing plenty of these in the wild upon release but they're rare as hens teeth these days

[@jacktomis1743]

all got wrapped around trees

[@eliwwjd]

Proud owner of a red gen 2! tech package🔥💪tuned and built

[@NinaMango789]

I absolutely love mine, had a gen 1 and an MS6, the gen 2s hold up to rust a lot better with the new england winters we experience in the US. Good review!

[@joesky011]

I used to own one...a black one. Very cool. Yes, torque steer was an issue but the reason I got rid of it was because I clocked up 3 speeding tickets over a 12 month period!! 😀

[@glennstagg3559]

I have the Mazda 6 MPS, 18years old, it has decent mods and still daily driving hard. No issues with its JDM reliability...just change the oil people.

[@265justy]

I would think in terms of reliability.. They are pretty much the most reliable hot hatch from their era. The Type R might be slightly better... But the MPS certainly thumps everything else.. Especially the Euro stuff..

[@angeldust117]

Got a gen 1, went through an harnes and alternator replacement my first year of being the owner, the alternator was the original so its understandable after many these years it finally gave up (plus it had an amp and some heavy sound system so yeah, that was extra load to the alternator) too bad it took the harness down with it, other than that, solid fun daily, barely had any problems, spark plugs replaced as mandatory, had to replace an injector once because it was leaking, no big problems to deal with, and man, I do agree, gen 1 looks way better than gen 2.

[@nogvdub88]

I wouldnt call it unreliable. I owned a 07 gen1 MPS. Did a few mods to it like HPFP pumps and some bolt on mods, accessport. Really fun part. Only sold it due to losing my licence for 6 months.

[@JdmAnts]

Perfect timing 👌 was looking at them all week

[@kofnc]

Have to choose the Focus ST just for the 5 cylinder note but Ford quality…

[@sjb2471]

There’s nothing much wrong with European Ford quality, other than the dry dual clutch gearbox debacle (no different to VW of the era) for the Focus, or the few years we got ours ex South Africa. The German built Focus is known to be very robust

[@MrWilliam.Stewart]

Some say that the engine has a healthy torque output, and that a little torque steer is possible, all we know is, it can change all three lanes with the throttle alone!

[@Low760]

Just like a Saab 9-3 aero.

[@jamesrather1510]

Still a monster hatch and weapons grade car even in 2024. It redefined its genre in some ways, at least in the states. That Disii motor was a game changer in the industry for sure.

[@anakinskywalker4113]

Awesome video as alway guys keep it up. It is such a shame that Mazda doesn’t offer a current version of this car in Australia. It would be great addition to the line up in my view. As for things to be aware of like any performance car they need more maintenance than standard models. Change the oil super often, don’t skimp on anything if it needs maintenance then do it promptly.

[@1redgod]

169,000kms on mine, daily driven, no problems.

[@caniborrowapencil5160]

On mine (same model cosmic blue) I painted the roof black, black wheels, custom welded exhaust, and knight sport front bumper. Just doing these minor mods converts it into an absolute beast looking car. Imo the only better looking hot hatches are the much more expensive A45 amg’s/RS6’s. It’s been complimented heaps by people in public too because you don’t see many anymore. The biggest issue you see with these cars in Aus is the paint fade, don’t leave it in the sun. As far as mods a hpfp is a must, doesn’t matter if you don’t want to do anything else, the stock one is criminally bad and can even ruin stock engines.

[@christopherpauley8174]

I've owned 2, 1st and 2nd gen. I rebuilt the engine of the one I daily drive currently. The intake manifold is radically imbalanced for flow, the pcv system does a poor job of moving pressure out of the crankcase (but a great job of moving oil into the intake), and because it's 1st gen direct injection technology the runners and systems like the EGR get very clogged quickly. The only way to make the MZR engine reliable is to do all the maintenance on these systems plus spark plugs very frequently and use catch cans. If you buy a car where no one did any of this and it's got over 100k miles, you can reasonably expect to have to rebuild the engine as it's very likely cylinder 1 or 3 have low compression. That's engine. On the interior things like the door lock actuator, AC blend control actuator and speakers go bad and are painful to fix. On the exterior the rear jack points are very prone to rust/decay along with the rear subframe/trailing arms and hubs. If you buy one that stayed outside in a cold climate, you will probably see these issues. I've also owned a Focus ST. The ST was essentially the evolution of this car as 75% of the Mazdaspeed 3 is Ford. Ford fixed all the issues I described there in the ST and it's easily twice as reliable. If you are willing to go through all the headaches the driving experience of the Speed 3 is superior.

[@ashzciwobuz1277]

I've had one in the family since 2011 now with 280k km (not luxury) completely unmodified There have been a few recalls (check those have been done) Biggest problem we've had on this is the handbrake slipping CONSTANTLY. Second the sticky melty dash and the fuel air stuff failing (has had to be replaced on a few occasions) Biggest one missed is the handbrake and recalls

[@chris_MS3]

I have a gen 1 mps and in my opinion the first gen looks so much better.

[@tshepisopromise5559]

I was planning on buying this mps this December, I own a 2016 mazda 3 and I wanted to add this hatchback and just fit it with huge sound system.... I don't have issues with my current mazda but it's a no for this one now, rather go for the Austina hatch and modify my sedan look wise

[@zakura70jr]

As a current gen 1 owner... the only people who complain and have so many issues with these cars are people who think simply slapping mods without tuning ,not doing doing maintenance the right way or not doing the mods the right way and end up blowing engines are the ones who complain about how bad it is

[@brown8317]

is my man wearing a seiko willard?

[@alexcrowther3326]

He is. I've seen him wearing G shocks too, he has good taste 👍

[@waterbourne9282]

Thanks for the heads up.

[@garageblitztv3215]

Rhodes shopping centre and unit accommodation seems to be a popular spot for car reviews.

[@pn57192]

Fuel tank baffles can be an issue on these. Very common for them to come loose.

[@donwijeratne9313]

Yep this happened to me on SP25.

[@kingkire1556]

What are the symptoms?

[@jacklewis7780]

@@kingkire1556happened to mine at five years old. You could hear a metallic grinding noise when braking/stopping.

[@pn57192]

@@kingkire1556 what Jack had said but I had noticed it also leaving driveways as the car shakes about

[@kingkire1556]

Thanks for the info guys. So the baffles just end up moving around in the tank but the car will still drive fine. Thanks

[@taman82]

I'm eagerly awaiting for the Mazda CX-9 review

[@adnanrahman5883]

was in the market for the mps, but way too many were either flogged or just not well maintained. Eventually got a focus st instead

[@sav7123]

Don’t let the price fool you. these are not cheep cars.

[@Grudlin74]

Perhaps for your next sponsor you could find a audio after market specialist. This would many of us stuck in the early 2000's.

[@peterlattimore6013]

Only 2 years to late for my step son...not that he'd listen to advice on buying his 1st car. Was the timing chain due to lack of servicing.

[@jesus_built_my_hotrod]

Love the backwards safety features bit

[@andrevanderwalt2515]

Need to do a video on a HSV VXR, a competitor to this...

[@kriptoknap]

This car is gorgeus! Love the design!

[@PaddyBoy644]

3:24 It ok to be wrong Adam!

[@iamyu7931]

Getting one as a weekender next year when I turn 25. Just have an econobox 10th gen Civic to save that money for now.

[@caniborrowapencil5160]

Buy one unmodified and regularly serviced and you shouldn’t have any issues, just hard to find these days. Managed to snag one this year (same cosmic blue) unmodified with black wheels and upgraded exhaust regularly serviced by Mazda for $8,000. Such an underrated car, my mate has a $60,000 bmw m3 and the mps will still pull ahead in 3/4/5 gear from 80-120km/hr.

[@NixonAngelo]

00:10 my first Gen Mazdaspeed 3 It's still going strong at 240k miles. Only the AC compressor has gone out and everything is original

[@caniborrowapencil5160]

Have you ever needed to replace turbo seals? I bought mine at 150k stock and am thinking of upgrading the hpfp just in case they do go.

[@marlboro-manmat295]

The non-turbo SP25 (2.5 litre) version was a exciting car, far better than the SP23, and less audacious in appearance than the turbo.

[@joebot2127]

I was a bigger fan of the lancer sportback. Shame Mitsubishi ruined it, then discontinued the line.

[@DoPeRiDe123]

Good video, but I disagree with you on not wanting more power. You always want more power!

[@Zebra-l6k]

Another excellent review from the ReDriven team. Great Aussie content. But Adam .. trakkydaks? Really mate … next thing you’ll be swilling large cappuccino’s instead of your piccolo’s:)

[@brandonclarke5083]

These are crazy cheap especially the BK which looks much nicer, but the £710 tax a year for these is wild the 2.0 Mazda 3 Sport BK I’m currently selling is still a pricey £385 tax a year 🤦‍♂️ so fun to drive though

[@giggygiggy1393]

I think this was the same motor that was in the CX7 but detuned ...........with my CX7 i had Timing belt issues at 90,000km .......engine mounts issues and then weird engine code issues that would put car in limp mode.......not to mention fuel usage of around 18/L per 100km ....was a good car when it was a good car if you know what i mean

[@kathmanduishavingasale2145]

welcome to Rhodes! lots of interesting cars here

[@TwistedDonners]

It's a shame that this car has been ruined by association as it seems like it'd be a lot of fun otherwise. I do believe that this is the first time that anyone has received a prezzie on camera for lending their car too you lol. Kinda suprised that it doesn't have the usual Mazda reliability after what Hullsy was saying. Definitely an eye opening video and quite an enjoyable watch as well. Keep up the good work guys and look forward to Sunday's video as per usual 👍.

[@MartinJones123]

The MPS uses a 2.3 litre turbo 4 cylinder from Ford... I wish Mazda released a modern day Mazda 3 hothatch, as the brand doesn't have any enthusiast cars except for the MX-5...

[@_Diktator]

I actually think this car looks amazing, so I don't see why you would put something that's so subjective as a downside.

[@markbiggart1265]

Where specifically is that filming location it’s beautiful? Is it somewhere in Newcastle? Looks like a nice spot for a walk.

[@tomnewham1269]

I think Leichhardt.

[@simoncandy9673]

Looks like Homebush bay area around Sydney Olympic park.

[@LooseKnob]

That is Rhodes.

[@markbiggart1265]

@@LooseKnob where in Rhodes?

[@MrWilliam.Stewart]

It actully stands for Massive Power Steer.

[@Kraegy]

I thought it was PMS and not MPS. I wonder what that would stand for

[@XxThaFreaKxX]

thats a FKING clean mazdaspeed 3 damn ! my 2011 look shit next to it !

[@selgeaus]

I wish they released in sedan like Mazda 6 mps..

[@skilgour44]

...and that they continued the 6 MPS to this generation.

[@Low760]

​@@skilgour44we do have a 2.5t Mazda6 now too.

[@skilgour44]

@@Low760 which is producing about 20kW less. It's better than before, but not the same.

[@gregholloway4461]

@@skilgour44unless you run the current turbo 6 on 98, then it’s more or less a wash from a power perspective.

[@James-vv2bp]

This car is a beast. I have one.

[@2010-b8w]

Iv got a gen 1 mps and I love it

[@zhangliao161]

Unrelated to car thing, but nice seiko.

[@skilgour44]

I'd get the Civic Type R. I have been underwhelmed by the driving experience of almost every turbocharged engine I've driven. I'd much prefer a high-revving naturally aspirated engine, even if it is slower. The Type R would need some better suspension though; the ride is rock hard.

[@jacktomis1743]

even though mps fetch a good amount of money, type rs are ridiculously expensive

[@skilgour44]

@@jacktomis1743 the FK8 isn't that expensive and it's a good deal more unique compared to the base model than the MPS.

[@jamesrather1510]

These ate the contemporary Type R alive, and with a few bolt on mods are as fast as a stock FL5 or FL8 Type R.

[@skilgour44]

@@jamesrather1510 speed isn't everything. It may be able to be modified to FL5 levels but it wouldn't be as reliable at that power output. The FL5 can also be modified for more power.

[@jamesrather1510]

@@skilgour44 it is reliable at that power. I've had mine running at 280whp for the past decade. Intake, intercooler, exhaust, fuel pump upgrade, tune. The powertrain is overbuilt from the factory.

[@Low760]

A workmate has one. 300,000km on it. Still going strong.

[@jeremybean-hodges6397]

Please Mazda, do a turbo manual with the current 3.

[@JdmAnts]

Video on the previous model 3 MPS coming in dew time?

[@MrJumper68]

I live in Denmark.... Mazda is rustning like crazy

[@wog008]

Very nice great video & car .. can we please do A review on the RS MK2 Ford focus please..

[@JeremyGeduldt-m2h]

Mazda 3 MPS in fifth generation & fourth i am not sure the second best with 6 MPS after the RX range .

[@Hubi260]

I miss mine it was amazing

[@mrblonde2013]

The car is not the issue, like sporty/fast mazda models before it (rx8,rx7,gtx,sp23,etc) the owners were the issue. Backwards cap wearing youngsters with no money or mechanical sympathy, hence they were all trashed and abused...😢😢😢

[@fineandsmurfy]

I really wanted to buy one of these around 10 years ago, glad I didn't after watching this. The area where I live they are ALL modded in the cheesiest ways.

[@SamKram88]

What hot hatch would you buy?? Simple WRX STI!

[@alexmedosh5385]

I have a Mazda MPS. I definitely wouldn't recommend it unless you're mechanically minded. Otherwise you will be spending thousands every year.

[@nazuliwnl]

W camera upgrade

[@BEGGARWOOD1]

Why is it that it’s winter in Oz and it looks like Summer and it’s summer in the UK and it’s like winter !🥶

[@alistairharris7891]

Buy the manual sp25. Upgrade the suspension and add a sway bar. You will have 90% of the mps fun at 1/2 the price.

[@jamesrather1510]

More like 50%. The MZR turbo's sledgehammer power delivery is half the fun.

[@caniborrowapencil5160]

As a mps owner I can’t help but scoff at that. The turbo is the fun and if it fails you just install a better one since you have room, it looks much better (especially with mods), it’s more rare, and as to price they’re not much different (I bought mine at 150,000 km with upgraded engine mounts, exhaust and aftermarket wheels, otherwise unmodified regularly serviced by Mazda for $8,000). I’ve driven the sp25 and comparing to the mps it’s like a fake Rolex you buy for 50$ instead of the real thing.

[@alistairharris7891]

@@caniborrowapencil5160 so it’s worth Twice the price to have the turbo? I think not. If speed is your only metric then sure.

[@caniborrowapencil5160]

@@alistairharris7891 yes it is worth it to pay double for a turbo if the entire car costs under $10,000, not just for the turbo itself but also the space to install one/modify the car if you want. Build-wise it’s also a completely different car to the sp25/mazda 3, so aside from more speed you’re also paying for a unique and imo better gearbox, drive train, engine, bodykit, suspension and handling. Seems worth it to me 🤷

[@Jimmy180-b1n]

What is the grey car behind Jim? It looks like a Citroen C5 but surely you don’t get those in Oz?

[@lufunoraphalalani]

Please review the 10th and 11th generation Corolla

[@ProfessorKahn]

Bros outfit was cleaan

[@lachlancook6718]

Can we get a video of that Citroen C5 behind Jim there?