What is the best year Mazda 3 ? (1st gen) And Common Problems

You can find these cars at reasonable prices! It's a hidden reliable gem. In this video a former Master Mechanic and Engineer tells you the best years to but the Mazda 3 (1st gen) I'll tell you the best years and which engine to select to meet your needs.
My video showing how to screen a used car’s previous owner:
• Master Mechanic shares...
Mazda 3 repair videos and links:
Burns Auto Mart website:
burnsautomart....
Colton Richter
KZbin page about Mazda 3 modifications
• Building The Ultimate ...
Repair Video References:
Cabin air filter
Cabin air filter - there’s actually 2 of them - one on top of the other - it’s alittle tricky to get them in but Colton Richter shows a little trick to make this easier
• How To Change Mazda 3'...
MechDjango
• 2003-2008 Mazda 3 Cabi...
Colton Richter - says 2004 and 2005 many didn’t come with cabin air filters - there’s a blank piece of plastic in that area- but you can install one anyway
• How To Change Mazda 3'...
Fuel pump
The Parts Factory
How to replace the pump the correct way by dropping the tank
• How to Replace Mazda 3...
WangYu Autocare -2005 this fuel access hole has been cut before he got to it.
If you cut it - dirt, noise, and insects can now get in under your seat
• Fuel Pump Installation...
Water pump
Mega safety first good video - at 5:23 he used a silicon gasket maker on the water pump o ring - I would just use a puff of silicon spray to help ease installation
• Water pump replacement...
Electronic power steering pump
Jesse El Mecanico
• 2004 Mazda 3 Electric ...
• 2004 Mazda 3 Electric ...

[@Tigerroux]

I still have my 2006 3. 2.3 L No rust as I’ve kept it in the garage. Still runs great and has very low mileage for its age. I’ve driven her gently as I’m now a very old lady! 😂 I keep all repair and oil change records. I had to have my fuel pump lid fixed as I had the emissions code come up just recently. You’re right, they had to remove the gas tank to get to it. Bad design in that case. Age is getting to her like myself, but hate to let her go. Best car ever!

[@MJ100k]

Awesome ! By taking such good care of your car, you are truly doing a service to the next owner. Mostly likely someone who doesn’t have alot of money, who’s just trying to get to work and advance in the world. Salute and thanks to you 🫡

[@Tigerroux]

@@MJ100k Thanks! I’m retired, but yes, trying to survive the bad economy.

[@Mgmzx898]

Hi, I have a 2004 Mazda 3s sedan with the 2.3L engine. Some issues you didn't mention are that the motor mounts aren't particularly strong, and the passenger-side mount is prone to failure. A gear inside the power window motor is made of brittle plastic and breaks easily. Also, I've had some electrical issues, but I'm not sure if that's specific to my car, as I've only found a few forums where people had the same problems. My AC has also failed a few times. Other than that, I got this car at 80,000 miles, and it's currently just above 140,000. I trust this car won't leave me stranded, but it also has its quirks and issues.

[@MJ100k]

@@Mgmzx898 Cool, thanks for this info. It may help someone reading this comment one day 👍

[@VuzeYT]

Bro I live your humor. Hahaha half of genz can’t drive stick is so funny 😂

[@MJ100k]

Thanks… It’s funny because it’s true 🤣

[@gmsammyguitar]

Back in the day I used to own a 2001 Mazda protege, a fun zippy car. My best friend from college bought at that time a new 2004 Mazda3. I think the very first year has issues. His engine blew up at 117k miles. It kept making a ticking noise. Either way, I still think they are reliable, I've seen others get 180k, 200k out of it with basic maintenance. The Mazda company is unique, winning 24 hrs of le mans with a rotary engine!! Remaining with 6 speed automatic, while most other automakers have shifted to CVT. Even offering manual transmission in 2024 in some models. Not giving up on the combustion engine - sky active g & x engine technology. Great video!

[@MJ100k]

Thanks bro 👍 Yeah they definitely makes some great cars. I was surprised when I found they had high mileage numbers comparable to the Honda Civic. Much Respect to Mazda 🫡 💯

[@jockobacumbo623]

I do like the auto lab research.

[@MJ100k]

@@jockobacumbo623 Thank you 👍💯

[@bricegraham8256]

1:33 The im not sure about the 04. But the 05 also uses VVT and intake maniold runners that are vacuum operated. However what you stated is accurate. Those runner solinoids like to break and so do the hoses. But this isnt something youll deal with until you get close to 200,000 miles. This car does not like to run lean and will stall on you without two pedaling it if one of those things break. Its rather frustrating. I dealt with it before. Go OE for those runner solenoids. Dorman will break on you in a week.

[@MJ100k]

Thanks for this info👍 Yeap OE all the way 💯

[@herniagaming]

Is 2004 a decent year or should it be avoided?

[@torquemq]

I am very happy to have this as my daily driver. This is my first car as we speak and runs very well. i got the 2008 2.3l at 140k miles. What basic maintenance would u recommend to me. I am not knowledgable much about maintenance much as this is my first car. Any advice would be greatly appreciated 🙏🙏🙏

[@MJ100k]

Nice first car ! 👍 Unless you’re a mechanic yourself. The first thing I’d do is try and find a good mechanic to go to. See if your friends have any recommendations for good honest guys in your area. Then I’d have the mechanic check out the vehicle for you to see if there are any big problems or safety issues that should be addressed now. For maintenance I would do the following. 1 - oil changes. I would go to the dealership parts department and buy about 5 oil filters. Have the oil changed every 5,000 miles with full synthetic oil. Same brand every time. I prefer Mobil 1 extended performance full synthetic. You can get it at wall mart for 30/35$ When you get your oil changed just hand the mechanic a filter and a 5 gal container of Mobile 1 and have him use that. 2 - once every couple years (or more often if you drive a lot) Have the other fluids drained and filled (not flushed) Exception if you have an automatic transmission… Have the mechanic decide if you’ll do the transmission fluid too. Sometimes, if the previous owner never flushed the transmission fluid for 100k miles… It may be best not to change it at this point because that could actually causes issues. So the mechanic can decide if it looks ok to change at this point. When he drains and fills the transmission fluid he won’t get it all out… and that’s good actually… But just getting most of it, every couple years, can help extend the life of the transmission as long as possible. Other than that - Just make sure to - have the air filter changed when it’s needed…Also, get some quality tires. If you get snow sometimes, buy tires that are good in snow…have the tires rotated a couple times a year at least. Drive safe and enjoy your vehicle 👍💯

[@jockobacumbo623]

Change all of your fluids on a regular basis, the most important being the engine oil every 5,000 miles, then the transmission fluid drain and refill every 30,000 miles, then cooling system radiator drain and refill every 3 years, then brake fluid every 3 years, then use good fuel and use Techron fuel injector cleaner every oil change. That should keep you going quite awhile. Of course if anything breaks on it, fix it sooner rather than later. Hop this helps.

[@MJ100k]

@@jockobacumbo623 Perfect 💯

[@torquemq]

@@jockobacumbo623 Thanks

[@torquemq]

@@MJ100k hey there once again! My car just recently got a check engine light. After running the code I got the P0126 code Insufficient coolant temperature for stable operation. I have already reset the code using the OBD scanner that I had bought from Amazon as now as I know what the check engine light meant. Do you think I should have the coolant replaced or sth else? Please advice me on this 🙏🙏🙏

[@godnojx3669]

Clouldve talked abt 1.6 cdti 2004

[@MJ100k]

We didn’t get that engine in the US or Canada, so unfortunately I don’t have alot of information or experience with it. It’s a diesel right? Is it any good in your experience?

[@blacksta-r]

my mazda 3 1st gen uses hydraulic power steering(SEA market)

[@MJ100k]

My understanding is that .. it’s hydraulic but it has an electric pump… as opposed to a pump that’s driven by the engine.

[@lesterguzman9610]

Can you do what’s the best Audi a5 🤔

[@MJ100k]

Bro I gotta be honest. I don’t recommend buying used Audis. If you can afford a new one… that’s fine. Have fun… But they aren’t good used cars for people who aren’t rich. Extremely expensive to repair. If you’re an enthusiast, and can do your own repairs then they could work. But other than that…. Don’t risk it. I just looked up the Audi A5 on cargurus. There are NO Audi A5s for sale that are over 200,000 miles in the entire country. Not a good sign 🫣💯

[@lesterguzman9610]

@@MJ100k do you think a 2015 a5 with the 2.0t would be okay? I am very competent in the engine bay but I’ve never worked or had a German vehicle. Mainly American and Japanese I’ve worked on. It has 89k miles and seems to be in decent shape based off the vin report and service history what do you think tho 🤔

[@MJ100k]

@@lesterguzman9610 It’s been my experience that German cars are significantly different from US and Asian cars to work on. Especially Audi. In addition to sockets you’ll need a lot of torqx, a lot of Allen sockets.. For some repairs the whole front clip has to come out. Ie remove the front bumper and radiator Assembly. A lot of special tools…etc. But hey, if you really want one… I ain’t gonna stand in the way of your dreams 🤷‍♂️ If you really want one… try and buy a factory service manual. Get some more tools and watch some KZbin videos of common repairs. Maybe it will be a fun adventure for you🤷‍♂️. Also, make sure to get a mechanic to check out the car BEFORE you buy it. You can look up mobile mechanics in your area on Craigslist. Find one with experience working on German cars. Here’s one repair video in particular, if this looks interesting to you… Maybe this is a car you’d like. To each his own 👍 kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqa9qXWPbquLfck

[@BradleyCosh]

i had to replace my tcm 3 times they known for them failing

[@MJ100k]

Interesting 🤔 Thank you for sharing .. How many miles between each one failing ? I once saw a Silverado blow multiple BCMs because one of the power wires to the BCM was intermittently shorted to power from the starter circuit.

[@BradleyCosh]

@ I had one fail after 500km they are mounted right on to the transmission and beside the engine so they overheat and die