Issues with high mileage Mazda 3's: 2007 Mazda 3 5spd with 220+ kms (2.0L)

[BuyingOne]

Hi, first post, did some searches before starting a new thread ...

I'm looking at a used 2007 Mazda 3 with 220km, 2.0L engine, and 5spd transmission. What are some of the more common issues with high mileage Mazda 3's with the 2.0L engine?

The car itself seems to be in pretty good shape - the owner kept the interior and engine bay clean.

I took it out for a test drive and aside from needing new brakes and tires (to be taken care of as part of safety), the car seemed fine ... then again, I don't know what I don't know ... so any help or guidance is much appreciated! :)

Thanks

[morganc]

There will be the typical Gen 1 mazda rust that many people here have issues with. Check that 3rd gear works well, these trannys are known from dropping it. Motor mounts are flaky on the Gen 1 and Gen 2's so those may have to be replaced (not that bad). If it's going to be your daily driver, 220,000 might be a bit high, otherwise there shouldn't be too much that's unique to this car that any other car of that mileage wouldn't have (suspension, bushings etc).

[lcianf01]

I have a 2005 mazda 3 5 spd with 180,000 KM, it has been good to be aside from regular stuff (struts, bushings, brakes etc.) To date running on the stock exhaust however i would suspect this to creep up sometime soon? I'd recommend if you plan to keep for a long, change the tranny fluid and power steering fluid right away unless you have good documentation of when it was last done.

[BuyingOne]

Thanks!

Yeah, I am focused on the tranny ... the test drive went well enough but you never know. Are those expensive fixes on these?

It will need new breaks. No bearing whining, which is good. Exhaust seemed fine. Clean CarProof, whatever that is good for (something but not much IMO).

[BuyingOne]

Well I bought it ... now part of the Mazda familia!

My plan once taking possession: 1) Change the oil / transmission fluid immediately, 2) Run a can of Seafoam through it (before the oil change), 3) Run some fuel system cleaner through it (may be overkill with the seafoam), 4) Install winter tires, and 5) Rust protection

Quick questions for the gearheads:

1) Are there known Mazda shops in the GTA West End (Peer/Halton) for parts and labour? I am not far from JRP in Mississauga for parts, but prefer to talk with Mazda gearheads ...
2) Oil / Tranny fluid recommendations for a high-mileage car? Seeing a lot of different suggestions online ... considering this will be a daily commuter (read: not a perf. vehicle) I'm thinking 5w-30 for the engine (brand: whatever is on sale), and either Redline MT-85 75w85 GL-4 or Ford Synchromesh 75w90. Not sure I should make the switch the synthetic engine oil considering the mileage ...
3) Are there forum sponsors or supporters for winter tire deals? I've gone to Tires23 is Mississauga in the past, however if there is a sponsor I'd be interested to know
4) Should I even bother rust proofing this thing?

Thanks all!

[jeff7670]

The manual transmission is sealed and doesn't require a fluid change. I have never done it on either of my first gens and never had an issue...I know others disagree. I would make an effort with the rust proofing. I do mine personally but at this point you may be best to wait until the spring to have it done.

[stock3]

I would skip on seafoam, it's only application is for finding exhaust leaks.
My 06 has over 230k and aside from regular maintenance it needed new struts, front bearings and one lower control arm due to a bad ball joint.
If it drives fine and smooth, I would change the fluids in Spring and rustproof, that's it.

[morganc]

->Changing the tranny fluid is a great idea. These are *not* sealed units like was mentioned below and changing will obviously prolong the life of your internals. Plus you have no idea how crappy the previous owner was, you'll want to get all of the metal flakes out :) . I've had the best luck with Motul Motylgear 75w90 (available at Subaru), Redline went black on me in the span of a year, but Motul stays golden into 2 years (I'll be crucified for saying that on this forum, but it's my opinion).

-> Use synthetic always! 5w30 is perfect for that age of engine. I've had the lowest consumption with Castrol Edge and Pennzoil. Castrol is always amazingly priced at Costco.

-> Parts? Rockauto.com, people will have plenty of shop recommendations here, but if you're staying stock, you won't necessarily need a specialty house.



Well I bought it ... now part of the Mazda familia!

My plan once taking possession: 1) Change the oil / transmission fluid immediately, 2) Run a can of Seafoam through it (before the oil change), 3) Run some fuel system cleaner through it (may be overkill with the seafoam), 4) Install winter tires, and 5) Rust protection

Quick questions for the gearheads:

1) Are there known Mazda shops in the GTA West End (Peer/Halton) for parts and labour? I am not far from JRP in Mississauga for parts, but prefer to talk with Mazda gearheads ...
2) Oil / Tranny fluid recommendations for a high-mileage car? Seeing a lot of different suggestions online ... considering this will be a daily commuter (read: not a perf. vehicle) I'm thinking 5w-30 for the engine (brand: whatever is on sale), and either Redline MT-85 75w85 GL-4 or Ford Synchromesh 75w90. Not sure I should make the switch the synthetic engine oil considering the mileage ...
3) Are there forum sponsors or supporters for winter tire deals? I've gone to Tires23 is Mississauga in the past, however if there is a sponsor I'd be interested to know
4) Should I even bother rust proofing this thing?

Thanks all!