flatstick96
Greenie N00B Member
Obviously, I'm new here. In fact, I don't actually own a Mazdaspeed (yet). I've been doing a lot of reading (on this forum, and others) trying to make sure I don't make a mistake by buying a bunch of unexpected problems when I do finally take the plunge into Mazdaspeed ownership. Note I said "unexpected" problems - I don't mind getting a speed that needs some work, as long as I'm going into the whole thing with my eyes more-or-less wide open, and as long as known issues are taken into account in the price.
Where I live, there's relatively little to choose from; I did finally find a speed that has had some modifications made by the previous owner, and which definitely needs a bit more work to get it to where I could use it as a spirited and dependable DD. I'm hoping that if I list as much as I know about the car here, perhaps other members here who know way more than I do about these cars, could give me an idea of what my logical "nest steps" would be if I decided to make this purchase. Thanks in advance to anyone who takes the time to real all of this and render a helpful opinion - it's very much appreciated.
Anyhow, here's what I know:
2008 MS3. 125K-ish miles. 4 owners. Appears to have lived it's entire life in Texas. Clean Carfax. Aesthetically there really aren't any problems, interior or exterior.
Current owner has owned it about a year, and has made the following modifications:
He said the car started smoking/consuming oil about a month ago; he suspects the turbo. I'm waiting to hear whether he's done compression and/or leak down tests.
If I were to pick this thing up, what would be my next steps, and how much trouble might I be getting myself into?
Where I live, there's relatively little to choose from; I did finally find a speed that has had some modifications made by the previous owner, and which definitely needs a bit more work to get it to where I could use it as a spirited and dependable DD. I'm hoping that if I list as much as I know about the car here, perhaps other members here who know way more than I do about these cars, could give me an idea of what my logical "nest steps" would be if I decided to make this purchase. Thanks in advance to anyone who takes the time to real all of this and render a helpful opinion - it's very much appreciated.
Anyhow, here's what I know:
2008 MS3. 125K-ish miles. 4 owners. Appears to have lived it's entire life in Texas. Clean Carfax. Aesthetically there really aren't any problems, interior or exterior.
Current owner has owned it about a year, and has made the following modifications:
- Cobb SRI
- Cobb turbo inlet pipe
- Manzo downpipe & catback
- Autotech HPFP internals
- HKS BOV
- Corksport adjustable shocks/springs
- Corksport short shifter
- Damond motor mounts
- Southbend clutch (stage 2 daily)
- Oil catch can (make not specified)
- Restrictor bolt (make not specified)
He said the car started smoking/consuming oil about a month ago; he suspects the turbo. I'm waiting to hear whether he's done compression and/or leak down tests.
If I were to pick this thing up, what would be my next steps, and how much trouble might I be getting myself into?
