300,000 kms 2010 MS3!
Dare I say I’m one of the first 2010 Mazdaspeed3 to hit 300,000 kms? At least this quickly?
Aside from a few wear and tear scars throughout the years, she’s been the same mildly-modified Speed from when I first had the tuning bug seven years ago…
A few notes on this 2010 Mazdaspeed3:
- Purchased as second owner in 2011 (with approx. 8000 kms on the odometer)
- daily driven car in stop-and-go rush hour traffic, both highway and city roads
- oil and filter change every 8000 kms (as outlined in owners manual) with Penzzoil Platinum full synthetic. Recently started changing every 5000 kms to help keep her alive longer.
Mods installed in 2011-2012:
- Eibach Pro-Kit springs
- Koni Sport (Yellow) shocks
- Full M’z Custom style kit from Nextmod (currently on 3rd front lip - previous two destroyed - one during winter and the other due to road debris)
- K&N Cold-Air Intake (cleaned and re-oiled every year)
- cp-e 65 duro rear motor mount
- various matte black vinyl details
- dark gunmetal powder coated 2010 MS3 OE rims (later replaced with 2012 MS3 OE rims)
- spoiler add-on from Nextmod
Maintenance & Issues:
- 2011 - Headlight assemblies replaced under warranty (fogging under lens)
The following was in order of replacement (most were around and beyond 200,000 kms)
- replaced spark plugs (@ approx 175,000 kms - NGK Laser Iridium)
- replaced cabin filter (aftermarket part)
- replaced battery (PartSource battery)
- replaced clutch master cylinder (was leaking brake fluid into the cabin after each release of the clutch pedal)
- transmission fluid leak (Jimmy @ Street Performance found leaking area, but I have not yet repaired)
- replaced alternator (died on me - had it rebuilt for cheap)
- 2017 (approx. 250,000 kms) - CEL would come on every now and then, sometimes stay solid throughout a day’s drive. Jimmy diagnosed as a “misfire” error code. Car was a little rough and bogging on idle, black smoke from exhaust on WOT. One of the cylinders (#1 or #4, can’t remember which one) also had a low compression reading, which was bad news for the engine. Jimmy suggested options to clean the possible carbon build-up in the engine, replace the engine, or buy a new car. Didn’t choose to do any of those options (wasn’t in the budget at the time). Interesting coincidence is I’ve been using Shell 91 octane gasoline since purchase, but after the code, switched to Petro Canada gasoline. Haven’t had the CEL pop up since. Car isn’t as rough on idle anymore, but still get the black smoke on WOT. Start-up sometimes takes a little longer. Code was also cleared after all of this.
- replaced Eibach springs with new set due to broken front spring (springs were lifetime warranty!)
- replaced front strut bearings and bump stop after changing springs (OEM parts)
- replaced alternator (died - second replacement because rebuilt one lasted only 2 years, then purchased used one from a 1st gen Speed with low kms on Kijiji)
- replaced serpentine belt (OEM part)
- replaced battery (second time due to drain from dead, rebuilt alternator - purchased Kirkland battery from Costco)
- fluids have been monitored and topped-up when necessary
Other misc notes:
- gas mileage on average is now only reaching around 450 kms per tank (used to reach over 500 kms)
- have gone through two sets of used UHP summers and two sets of new HP all-season tires. Currently on budget-minded Nexen CP672, particularly because of its high treadwear rating. Also currently on second winter tire set on steelies.
Feels like the engine will hold up a little longer (hopefully through this winter season) until I decide to buy something new next year. I know I’ve stretched some of the recommended maintenance intervals which could have kept her in better health, and she’s due for a few more maintenance upkeeps again. I’ve been granny-driving her now to avoid smoke-screening people behind me. I punch it sometimes when it’s dark outside and no one is behind me.
Here are a few of the original pics I posted a while back…
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Originally Posted by G ~ MINI
