MS3 vs. MS6 vs. something else - suggestions appreciated!
 

Hey everyone!

So I owned an '07 MS3 for about 7 years before (stupidly) trading it for a high mileage M5. The M5 had a bunch of hidden problems (did I mention this was stupid?) so I traded it in for a '16 Scion FR-S. I love the FR-S, but I need something with four doors as I might be starting a family in the near future. I have an NB Miata as a weekend car, so the FR-S is redundant at this point.

I need something with 4 doors, but I don't want to entirely give up having some fun with the car. The MS3 was an amazing car and I miss that turbo feeling so much, but I'm also open to trying something new. So far, I've narrowed it down to three options and I would love some input (especially on the MS6 option)

Option 1A: Gen1 MS3 (least new to me, but I know I love this car)
Option 1B: Gen2 MS3 (a bit newer, would also be a new experience)
Option 2: MS6 (I love the look and I found one locally for a good price ($6k with 58k miles) but I've heard some nightmares about reliability with these and I don't really want to pour thousands into whichever car I buy
Option 3: 2004-2008 Acura TL (I know its not a Mazda, but I absolutely love the look of these and they come in manual which is also a must)

Anyone have some experience / opinions to share? Thanks!

Yeah MS6's are unreliable lol im at 233k as of this posting, original motor and turbo..its not my DD anymore but It wouldnt have no issues being pressed DD service again if needed, mods in sig.

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it loves routine maintenance and thats the key, fix problems before they become major, dont beat on it all the time and they will run a long time. only issues I have now are from the timing chain cover leaking oil and the typical pto seepage.

What should I look for/ask if I go look at an MS6? I found a cherry one - red, 49k miles, stock - its at a dealer though so I don't know how much info they have.

What is necessary for routine maintenance? Just fluids, or is there anything specific to the MS6 that needs to be done?

Read this:

http://www.mazdaspeedforum.org/forum/foru...aspeed-125030/

Check for signs of previous mods. Find out if the VVT was done and see if the turbo smokes at idle after sitting for a bit. That's very low mileage for how old these cars are getting. FWIW I have dailyed mine for almost 5 years with no major issues, other than those self inflicted.

Maintenance is pretty typical, but just with a bigger emphasis on timing, i.e avoiding extended mileage oil changes.

The problem with Mazdaspeed 6's at this point isn't that they're unreliable, it's that they've gotten fairly cheap and a lot of them are in the hands of idiots these days. They get the car for $6k or something, then immediately lower it with cheap coilovers, black out the taillights, then install intake and exhaust without adding a HPFP upgrade or getting a tune because now they can't afford it. Then they pop the engines and cry about the reliability. The MS3 is no different (same engine) but they tend to command a higher price so I don't quite see them get destroyed by young dumb people as much.

The engine is quirky, and there are certain things you shouldn't do with it as you are probably familiar with your time with the MS3. But the people I've seen on this forum (myself included) who have well cared for stockish cars seem to last a good while. I'm about to hit 150k miles on mine.

The main thing with any used turbo car, whether it's a MS6, MS3, or a WRX or something, is to get the engine thoroughly checked out for compression, leaks, etc. And if the car looks like it's had the piss driven out of it and returned to stockish form walk away unless you're prepared to drop a new engine in it.

sure, I've DD a stock to modded til RIP MS3, a stock to modded with the basics and DD til the door handle broke off MS6, and currently a GLA45AMG


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In your shoes, think of these things
A MS6 cannot carry a tour bag unless the driver is out
A MS3 is more of a cop magnet
the MS6 has a more difficult chassis to work with
the MS3 clutch feel is inherently better
the MS6 has AWD
Lastly, Have you considered a solstice,? if you're still on the fence an all

With that low mileage, the Speed6 should be a good deal, but do a thorough pre-purchase inspection, including compression/leakdown.

If the timing chain/VVT has not been done, negotiate it down because you will need to do it. They all need it, regardless.

Go for it!