Hey Folks

K

KMO1977

Greenie N00B Member
Just saying hello from Kennesaw, GA.

Want to upgrade my '01 Lexus IS300. Have been looking at the '17 GTi Sport, primarily because of the 6 speed and the LSD. Didn't realize until recently that the MS3 came with a LSD from the factory so now that's an option (and cheaper than the GTi).

Came here for some solid advice on what to look for, known issues, etc. Ideally looking for a low mileage (under 75,000) and preferably stock as this will be a daily and will keep it for a while (maybe 5 years). I figure if I do find a car, I'd have to do some maintenance to bring it up to my standard.

Regardless of what I get, my plan will be a light tune, some bolt-ons, wheels & tires and suspension and brake upgrades. I would like to get back into autocross (it's been 10+ years) and maybe take it to a couple track days if possible.
 
Thanks, I started reading that post yesterday which prompted me to join. Really good information.

Just curious also, if I am buying a car from out of state, are there any shops/ members here who'd be willing to check it out for me (for a fee or something).
 
Where out of state? I'm in SC and if it's within the Charleston/Columbia/Savannah area I wouldnt mind checking it out
 
Glad you joined and mazdaspeeds I feel like are honestly very reliable. It's just once you get to making power that they are more finicky. The tuning for our platform has came a long ways and so the cars are much more reliable now.
 
Thanks for all of the responses. I plan to start looking in the next couple months.

Thus far, I've learned that the 3 top things to look for are the VVT/ Timing Chain, the HPFP and the rear engine mount (correct??). Seems these cars have some weird interior rattles also, but I can get past that.

I'll be looking for some advice on tuning/ mods and while I don't mind autocross the occasional track day, it will be a daily driver and comfort, reliability and costs to run (fuel economy, longevity of parts, etc.) will also be high on my list. I am looking at a 2nd Gen, but may consider a low mileage (under 100k) 1st Gen if I find one in good condition.

I've found that the price varies a lot though. 2nd Gens range from $15k to $18k.
 
rear engine mount is something you want to upgrade when adding power, ensuring it is upgraded when buying is a nicety but meh. if the car is modded then yes upgraded HPFP internals is a must other wise if it's stock or possibly returned to stock) then again meh but the question should be asked if its a private sale "was it upgraded". doubtful a dealership would know

VVT/timing chain is huge: 2nd gens 2010.5 (really 2011+) have revised VVT so not as much of an issue as far as prone to failure but still important to know it's history.

compression test is huge, also I recommend being there for a cold start as that's when you'll hear the most engine noises, plus then it's a good time to look at where it's been sitting for leaks.
 
Thanks. That's pretty good advice for the cold start.

So the VVT isn't that big of an issue with the Gen 2? What about the turbo seals?
 
vvt isnt "that big" of an issue compared to gen1 (IF you have the revised vvt), it is still a maint item sub 100k miles you *should* be fine on gen 2. turbo was revised in 2011 iirc, seals can still fail but seem last better, not always. All of this is dependent on how well the previous owner took care of the vehicle, piss poor oil changes and turning up boost to beat on turbo can still cause it to fail. heck it could still happen even at stock boost levels. i'm at 118k km on my 2013 turbo is holding good, I've been tuned since about 35k km, 19psi oil changes every 6000km and things seem fine. Still planning on vvt service at 160k km (100k miles) about the range where I'll be looking into it more frequently.
 
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