2003 Mazda 3i Reliability Issues?

[Connoisseur]

We're looking at buying an '03 Mazda 3i from a dealer in Jersey. It's got 80k miles and the carfax is relatively clean except it looks like it had some minor recalls (which I think is free to fix) and there was superficial damage from a fender bender. I think it's got a good price but we wanted to take it into a mechanic to get it inspected. We spoke with one of the mechanics we use frequently and he mentioned that the Mazdas have reliability issues. Is this true? Is there a history of issues with this version?

 

[AstroManLuca]

It could have some very serious problems if it really is a 2003 Mazda3, since they didn't make the car until 2004 😉

That said, for the 2004 model year (which usually means built and sold in the 2003 calendar year), the 3 has average reliability vs. other 2004 cars. The Consumer Reports reliability survey lists the problem areas as engine (minor), transmission (minor), climate system, suspension, and paint/trim.

 

[Sid59]

Here's a direct link to user submitted issues from TrueDelta.com

http://www.truedelta.com/Mazda-Mazda3/problems-170/2004

 

[aphex]

i have a 2005 Mazda3s w/ ~ 190k miles. Knock on wood, very few problems at all. Fuel solenoid valve went around 80-90k ($400) and i just had my radiator & thermostat replaced about 10k miles ago ($600).

Fantastic car.

 

[yottabit]

I bought an 05 a couple of weeks ago with 68k miles after doing a ton of research and have had no problems so far despite driving the crap out of it

These cars have a timing chain so no worries about nasty timing belt changes eating up your wallet

They do use 0w-20 oil which was strange for me but no worries. Keep on the oil changes

Only two problems I can think of:
1) Rust, if applicable. The early 3's seem to be prone to rust near the wheel wells
2) Rear engine mount- this is a rubber mount that breaks down and causes the engine to slam, can cause damage to your transmission if you leave it unchecked

Like $200 to get fixed at the dealer, no biggie

Check on the rust though, otherwise they are wonderful cars! Only advice would be to buy a 3s though if you enjoy driving 🙂 I bought a 3s, and now I wish I bought a speed3...

 

[Doppel]

Mazda quality is not up to par with Toyota or Honda. They are not terrible cars, though. If the price is right I would consider one.

FWIW Mazda has a history of issues with first year of a car. I remember some fires with the Mazda 5 I think it was, when I was looking at a CX7 the first year had so many issues I just didn't bother. I think there were problems with either the 3 or 6 first year (maybe both). All manufacturers are going to work some things out initially but Mazda seems compared to, say, Toyota, to rush to market relatively speaking.

Again, if price is right...

 

[LTC8K6]

I bought an 05 a couple of weeks ago with 68k miles after doing a ton of research and have had no problems so far despite driving the crap out of it

These cars have a timing chain so no worries about nasty timing belt changes eating up your wallet

They do use 0w-20 oil which was strange for me but no worries. Keep on the oil changes

Only two problems I can think of:
1) Rust, if applicable. The early 3's seem to be prone to rust near the wheel wells
2) Rear engine mount- this is a rubber mount that breaks down and causes the engine to slam, can cause damage to your transmission if you leave it unchecked

Like $200 to get fixed at the dealer, no biggie

Check on the rust though, otherwise they are wonderful cars! Only advice would be to buy a 3s though if you enjoy driving 🙂 I bought a 3s, and now I wish I bought a speed3...

0W-20 is widely used, actually. Been that way for a while now.

 

[JCH13]

Check on the rust though, otherwise they are wonderful cars! Only advice would be to buy a 3s though if you enjoy driving 🙂 I bought a 3s, and now I wish I bought a speed3...

I could have told you that... 😀

OP, it should be a solid car. Be aware that OEM Mazda shocks are notoriously short-lived, but more durable replacements (Bilstein, for example) are relatively inexpensive.

 

[AstroManLuca]

FWIW Mazda has a history of issues with first year of a car. I remember some fires with the Mazda 5 I think it was, when I was looking at a CX7 the first year had so many issues I just didn't bother. I think there were problems with either the 3 or 6 first year (maybe both). All manufacturers are going to work some things out initially but Mazda seems compared to, say, Toyota, to rush to market relatively speaking.

Makes sense, Mazda has to compete hard whereas Toyota will see people line up to buy every new Camry. Looking at the Consumer Reports ratings, the 3 does improve in reliability after the first two model years.

Also, wow, the CX7 improved DRAMATICALLY after the first year. Huge issues in the first year, a few in the second, and then smooth sailing.

 

[MiataNC]

I love Mazdas and have owned a few. For the price point they offer the best driving dynamics in their respective classes. Mazda builds cars for drivers.

Look for rust issues. This seems to be the #1 complaint across the board for Mazdas, and isolated to areas that get snow. I have lived in CA and NV, so I have never had a rust issue. The consensus seems to be thin paint that is easily chipped leading to rust issues.

 

[exar333]

Great car, but watch out for rust (as others have said). If you plan to drive the car into the ground, the rust may not bother you too much...

 

[CraigRT]

I would not buy that car living in NYC.
Mazda's bodies do not stand up to the northern US/Canadian climate. Many rust at 4-5 years and it only gets worse. Also makes the car very hard to work on when everything is rotten. That car would have to be next to free for me to actually take it honestly.