2009 Mazdaspeed 3 Test Drive | I WANT ONE! 

Fellow Mazdaspeed guy here, mazdaspeeds are great especially some simple mods.

Them Honda boys lol... Shift at 5500, get alignment, hold that steering wheel tight and learn to whoop Honda butt 🤣 Mazdaspeed4Life! Oh yeah... Don't buy from a mom and pop dealership. They don't give a shit about the cars. The didn't even take time to change the oil, add new tires and get alignment.

These cars are a blessing and so raw I have an 09 and man it’s fun and so unfiltered just be careful of timing chain and vvt issues holy cow

Your keys were making that noise bro

Buying an 09 tomorrow... wish me luck

I have a 2007 its pretty far from stock. It has 430hp-450tq. Imagine the tq steer in that lmao That thumping sound is most likely a strut.

I had a black 2008 Mazda 3 manual sedan for a little bit before I got my 9th gen Si. I could see having fun with a Mazdaspeed3 for sure. Excited for you guys - I love the research and test driving that’s involved in car shopping! Looking forward to seeing what else you find.

GREAT VIDEO!! 🔥 thanks for bringing us on a ride along as you look for either your next car or Vivians

I purchased my 09 last year with 50k miles on it and its honestly the most fun i've had in a car, super fun to drive, mine isnt bad on gas at all and its a super sleeper as most people think its just a regular old mazda 3. Not one problem on it with now 85k miles on it, just make sure you watch for if the stock turbo is smoking and clunks especially in the rear but that isnt a expensive problem if so. Other then that and the VVT its a super reliable car with a great community and some very good tuners once you get into modding it if you do. First things for sure, High pressure fuel pump>Motor mounts to help reduce torque steer and wheel hop, those 2 should be the first for any speed. The rear clunk in your car is most likely the rear sway bar end links/bushings, very common on these and its a cheap and easy fix.

They are cool cars but I am with ya on this one!! Too any red flags! I look forward to seein what car you guys end up getting!! Definitely don’t settle ! Keep up the great ya Cam!! Have a great rest of the week!

The Mazdaspeed 3 is a great car, I drove a modded 1st gen and I loved it.

These cars are cool. You almost never see one that isn’t modded completely personal to the owner. They’re usually dedicated owners. It’s strange to see one not modded and neglected. This one isn’t worth it, but I wouldn’t count out the Mazdaspeed3.

Mazdaspeed 3s are very nice cars, and quite enjoyable. This is a stock one, but once it's tuned; you'll enjoy it. These are great sleeper cars, and very raw, so aimed at the enthusiasts crowd. Price is very high though for a gen one. Nice to see one got to experience a mazdaspeed 3. Great video!

This a definitely a great content making channel love the videos you bring and we appreciate the hard work 😎

Loving the content bro! Mazdaspeed 3s are lowkey nice 👀

When I saw that you were In Auburn, CA that was so cool! I lived in Penryn for a while and loved flying down the back roads in Auburn. I actually picked up a Mazda 3 hatch 2.5 from Auburn Toyota years ago and its an awesome daily driver.

Mazda 3 is a great platform. Can’t go wrong with one of those. Easy to maintain and modify. But then again a GT Mustang of any generation is also a solid choice.

Just bought a 2013 a month ago and love it. 367hp

I had a modded 08 Mazdaspeed3 that had 216,000 miles and then I sold it. New engine at 175k but still used the original turbo. Thing was a beast and my favorite car ive had. Now I have the 2020si which is still fun and a cool car, the mazdaspeed takes the cake

I love my 1st gen!! Granted mine is in much much better condition, but it’s very rare to find a low mile well taken care of one these days unfortunately. I got extremely lucky with my speed 🙏🏼

My first car bought new was a 2010 ms3, blew my 9th gen si out of the water. Loved that car

MS3's are dope. Great little hot hatches that can be modded for decent power. They were the arch nemesis to my MKV GTI haha. I just wish Mazda brought them back. The Speeds deserve another chance =[

that clunk sound coming from the trunk is either a worn sway bar link or a broken sway bar link. my car makes the same clunk sounds coming from what it sounds like the trunk

2016-2018 WRX are coming way down in price with the reduction of the bro tax. Great and reliable platform and they really hold their value over time! Plus, MO’ POWA BABY. Awesome content bro! Keep it up💪💪

I have a 2008.5 Speed3 and love it. the cars with the alcantara interior are more expensive. That one had it which is probably why it was a 9k asking price. Speed3s are rare to find unmodded so thats another big plus. I've put every mile on my car and my rear bumper is in teh same shape, and I've got a few dings too. Doesn't make me someone who neglected the car. I garaged it every day of its life. The war wounds mean that thing is a runner. Dirty oil can be any number of things. I think you should reconsider a purchase of that rig because you can't replace the fact that its unmodded. Every kid with 20k in 2010 bought one of these and bolted on every part in the world which caused problems for them. This rig here appears to be a nice starting point that you are going to have a very hard time finding again. And you most assuredly wont find another rig like that unmodded with alcantara. Two big things to check when buying a used MS3. First 3 seconds after starting a cold car listen for a timing chain noise. Modded cars stretch the timing chain and it sometimes hits the cover for a second or two after starting. Also, check for blue smoke out exhaust after cold starting before it gets warm to check if the turbo seals are worn. My auto channel is called "POV Garage". Hit me up if you want any tips on the platform. PS the Gen1 Speeds are the money. Gen2 is wack. :) Final thought I think that Speed3 is a runner and you should definitely reconsider. These rigs really are hooligans and they are Zoom Zoom to the max

Good news boys I got a wrecked 2020 civic si, I'll be fixing it up and maybe document the whole thing youtube too, wish me luck its my first time doing such a thing, cant wait to be a civic si owner too 😁 Also great video Cameron !!!

I used to have that true red mazda 3 there. So beautiful. Easy to spot in parking lot.

I managed to get a super clean 2008 Speed3 from the original owner. So much fun

🔥🔥🔥👍👍👍 good video bro.

Mazdaspeed 3! You didn’t drive the greatest example of a Mazdaspeed 3, but as you shared in the video, you’re aware of that. If you’re still looking for a Mazdaspeed 3, there’s a few things to look for. Mainly, the VVT. Listen for the chain slap on cold start, and check for chain tension (right under the oil cap on a first generation). Next, the turbocharger. The stock K04 doesn’t have the longest life span. They’re problematic. There’s a longer list of things to look for on the Mazdaspeed FB groups / forums if you’re interested. Also, there’s lots of aftermarket for these! With a few simple modifications, such as HPFP (a necessity for any performance related bolt-on), a rear motor mount (will drastically lessen the torque steer and make shifting a bit easier, too), and a nice set of coilovers, you’ll be set. I miss my Mazdaspeed 3. Shouldn’t have sold it.

Picked up an 08 MS3 w/ 36k miles. It's Hella small. I'm 6'3 250. But it's Hella awesome. Still feeling out the clutch from 1st to 2nd. It's... sensitive. Steering is stiff on mine as well. That dealership though... OIL SHOULD BE FRESH?

I love my speed3 its my favorite daily driver that ive owned. They are a blast todrive. Hopefully all the issues have been taking care of, or else tou need to be good with a wrench lol

Just bought a 2010 mazdaspeed3. Love it way more than the si

I loved my 2012 speed 3. Made a big mistake by letting my nephew borrow it for a few weeks while he lived with me...he beat the heck out of it so I sold it. Hoping Mazda makes them again, maybe with AWD as an option this time. Looks like Toyota is doing a turbo version of their corolla hatch as well.

Check front control arms and alignment. These things hug the road and are very stable at high speeds

I GOT IT!!! YOUR GIRL GETS THE CIVIC, YOU GO CAR SHOPPING!!!!! GET A 2011-2014 WRX AND THANK ME LATER!!!!!

The noise in the back is the hatch lever. They are infamous for that especially when you go over any uneven surfaces

Stock they are quick but once you start putting mods they can be pretty fast. You will need to upgrade the high pressure fuel pump rear engine mount and get a front mount intercooler plus a tune from Freektune.

Nice video. The thumping you heard in the back is probably worn swaybar bushes, common problem, easy fix. The stock engine does lose power after 6000rpm but with a simple tune that can be sorted. The car is not for everybody, like you said, an enthusiast car. Hope you find a better example of either a Gen 1 or Gen 2 and actually go with it, you'll have memories in that car. ( Some good, some bad) :)

Ik this video is old but the rough shifting is probably the motor mounts and the thumping in the back is the rear shocks so probably needs front struts too

I've been wanting a speed3 for so many years! Kinda mad i chose the fc3.

That’s a Gen 1 MPS. Here in Australia 09’ was the first year of the gen 2 and it was much more refined. Although I love my gen 1 for the rawness

I own a 2009 Mazdaspeed 3 for awhile now ... once Moded you head to a lot of problems

I owned a 2007 speed 3. Big turbo running 380whp thing was a beast. Still have some parts if I do buy it

Test drove one in black in 2010, I was like eh, a year later my wife found a 2010 MS at a Honda dealer in this super shiny silver had 18k on it with some additional horsepower added…it’s 13 years later I’m driving it to work today.

got mine for 1700$ canadian last week i love it

I've had my 09 mazdaspeed3 for just over a month and I absolutely love it, I bought it stock but I've since modified it (short ram intake, turbo inlet pipe, 50/50 bypass/bov, 2nd car delete and both resonators deleted along with a tune by freektune) and the car feels completely different then it was in stock form, I paid 5.8 for it. It needed work but nothing I couldn't handle (I'm a tech at Ford) the rear noise in your video sounds like it could of been the rear trailing arm bushings, and the shifter is definitely notchy as that's exactly how mine is especially 1st to 2nd but I'm okay with that and after everything is warmed up it's basically gone.

Bro i own one exactly like that one lol definitely was not stock. I noticed it is missing the intercooler shrouds idk what they are called but they go right on top of the front bumper where the hood latches. It directs air directly to the inercooler. Also the oil is probably low cuz you checked it cold. Owners manual says to let it get to operating temperature and then let it sit for 5 min then check. Definitely a fun car to drive tho! Will drive mine until the wheels fall off

Ok Thanks for the vid!

It's crazy, I've been watching you for a while and owned an 8th gen si fbo. I got bored of it, wasn't a perfect car by any means and I had put a lot of work in it just to get it running good. So I sold my si and bought an 09 speed 3. Turbo blew up 20 minutes in on the 3 hour drive home. New turbo comes in, I replace it and the next day timing went out. The car is in pristine condition so saving up for a new engine. Owned it several months now only driven it a half hour lol. Same color as that one. If you decide to buy it and got some questions hmu

Sound is definitely the rear strut. Had it on my car and had to re-seat the rubber boot on it.

You should check out mazdaspeed 6. Awd and same engine as the mps3. Only made them for two years. I just got one and love it.

I have a 2008 speed 3 and I picked mine up in about that same condition with 116k for 5000 and the one in the vid I wouldn't pay over 5400 tbh. Like you said they are pretty raw and unrefined but in my opinion, that's what makes them fun especially once you get into the aftermarket. But of course, these cars have a handful of problems that would turn people away, the stock turbo is notorious for having bad seals and burning oil mine is on its way out right now lol also the clunking you heard was either the swaybar endlinks or bushings or both if you were unlucky. But yeah car in the vid was a hard pass.

Do you think she would like the Veloster N? I know you test drove it, earlier but maybe she would enjoy it? Or just wait for the refresh 86/BRZ

Thumping noise in rear is rear strut mount. Easy fix but struts are probably gone as well

Just get it give it some love make sure vvt is done and I promise you you won't regret it

Finding an unmolested gen 1 with lowish miles is very rare now.. if this was 1 year ago this would be an accurate price here in Ca. .. the thumping is most likely the end links, basically a good suspension maintenance is needed. I agree that if you aren't hunting for one the price is a bit high.

Just bought my 09 on Monday. Already had it tuned on E85 mix and it pulls like a train. Had some mods done to it prior but so happy with the purchase. I suggest checking private sellers if you're willing to pay full. They can sometimes be cheaper and better maintained.

If you are wanting a speed, I'd get one from a private seller vs dealership..also stock ecu tune the power band is really short. It comes on in a burst and then falls flat on its face. A custom tune will fix that

Speed3 is a cool car. First car I ever drove that had torque steer and before I knew torque steer was a thing 😆😆

The mazdaspeed 3 will do circles around the si in any generation

Should look into using your blinker

🔥🔥🔥

Have u checked out Genesis coupes either the 3.8 V6 or 2.0 Turbo

I've had a lot of fun with my 2008. I picked it over the Subaru WRX, but the MS3 handled better. I think you over-estimated the hp for the ver 1. I think you're quoting the ver 2 hp. The rear bumper is not metal so scratches are not going to be an issue there.

I think that sound in the back is the struts not 100% but my prelude sounded like that relatively easy fix just time consuming

Speed/MPS are incredible cars when maintained and cared for correctly, which means 5000km between oil changes and preferably you are an enthusiast who knows the history of your car and what to look out for. This one is a hard pass with oil changes like that. But in general when buying a speed you must check all engine mounts (OEM are horrible), check for bad turbo seals (white smoke after at least 5 mins idle), check pivot shaft seal, oil in intercooler piping (means your turbos gone), PCV system, etc. These cars are finicky but once you've been in the game for a while you learn the ins and outs. I'm on my second engine (first POS engine was ragged on and blew up on me in a week), finally about to go upgraded turbo with full bolt ons and all mounts on my 6 should be making at least 350awhp :)

Did they fix the vvt and chain issues in second gen?

I think shifter would be “throw” and clutch would be “take up” or “grab”? I don’t know either. I’m super weary with Used Mazda, nothing against the cars or anything but just have had bad experience with that particular model

Thoughts on a Focus ST. Under 20k will get you a 17 or 18 with low miles. I own a 2017 and it’s been a pure joy to drive. Much less torque steer vs the speed 3 but it’s still a beast.

im thinking bout getting a 2009 mazda axela are they good to drive

I have a 2007 MS3 owned it since it had 16 miles on it. Its now tuned to make an even 400 horses to the ground. Have any questions let me know. My 400whp dyno pull is posted on my channel. That was back in 2013...Still on same tune making same reliable power Edit my 2007 is in better condition than that one. AND your right good luck finding a true stock one

The thumping could be the struts. I have a 2007 and all four struts are bad but I have put that car through a lot lol

I had one of those Mazdaspeed3s. I wasn't so happy with the way the transmission felt, the transition between gears didn't feel good in hand.

To really appreciate a mazdaspeed3 you have to red line 1st, 2nd and 3rd gear and hold on to your nickels because it will fly. They are so much fun. I own a 07 first gen and to me, its one of the best cars to own. The torque steer makes you feel like you are driving a man's car. Any way, i hope you or Vivian get a Mazdaspeed3 and drive it until the wheels fall off, because there is no car like it. Hope you find a good one.

Maybe try to get a older sti /possible hatchback , or 4door

Listen to me..... 1. Change the oil to Amsoil 0w30 signature series 2. Change the manual transmission oil to Amsoil severe gear 75w90 3. Use ONLY premium gas....94 octane if possible in your area 4. Change your tires to Michelin Pilot Sport 4S 5. Replace your spark plugs to NGK iridiums or better 6. Change your air filter to a decent one so the car breathes better. It will drive really well after this.....like new.

You will not regret this

You should make a video on what you do for a living (If you haven't already). You seem to be pretty financially free for your age! I'm sure the video could come as inspiration to not only myself, but to others who are looking to move up in the car world.

Good car, what about Acura TL TypeS 2008 models(think about it), or Civic FD2 typeR 2008, all these ones are natural aspirated🔥🔥🔥

The thumping noise isn't the keys?

I have a 2010 speed3 amazing car especially with some easy mods, but yea the throw from 1st to 2nd is a little rough but you get used to it!

Good video bro, maybe try finding the infamous Miata for your girl? Could get a lot of mod videos out of it and it’ll be a fun ride

So make sure you do corksport or auto tech hpfp internals before you do anything AND Ngk iridium 6510 plugs and then get a tune by Justin at freektuned. The oem shifter bushing is plastic that’s why 1st to second is garage to fix that get a jbr throw out bearing and metal shifter bushing from corksport

Maybe a 8th gen civic si? Or or a S2K ?

I was looking for a Mazdaspeed 3 when I ended up getting my 9th gen Si. I feel I should’ve waited some more then with Mazdaspeed 3 it just needed an upgraded head unit for Bluetooth :(

My friend’s mazda 3 has that noise, it was to top plates. You need a lift to fix them I think, he didn’t bothered and the suspension fell out of the car after 4 months. Big oops

It would be really dope to see a focus st or rs on the channel!

I just bought an 08, with 85K on the clock for $5300, and it is cleaner than this one. I feel I got fairly lucky to find a almost stock (has coilovers) one. So far it has been a blast to drive. The most shocking thing to me was getting insurance. Only $45/month for full coverage. I was expecting it to be a lot more. Perhaps they don't know the difference between the speed 3 and the normal 3. I was actually paying more for insurance on a standard 09 ford focus from the same insurance company.

Hard pass. That's a dump. Offer $4k or walk. Edit: Watched the ending...Wise decision.

I've owned an mps 3 aero... from what you've said you will need to do the following... Gearbox oil change... 75quid Poly bushes... 800quid New turbo as this one lacks suction.

Yeahhh my steering in my 08 is even looser than that one but im assuming i need a steering rack

Owned a regular 3 and the back ends were notorious for being weak when it comes to suspension. I had to replace mine at 100k KM, Probably what the noise is.

I bought one New in 2009 and loved the car and put 230,000 miles on it. These cars are for someone who likes to crank a wrench and you will dump money into it. Use factory parts only and most of the time that is all that is available for them. Do lots of research and join forums to learn about these cars. It is a love hate thing with them.

Try a 2nd gen mazdaspeed 3

First is extremely short on them, you may just be trying to clutch out a bit early.

Certainly sounded clunky down that rough road- Clutches are super expensive with dual mass flywheel - a majority of these have a hard life and are heavily modded and the mods are removed when sold. What was the mileage?- Find a good one with a good service record- Mind you that goes for any car- Low mileage is also a big plus.

You don't think the thumping sound was from the keys in the ignition hitting the steering column on the bumpy road? I know when I have gotten used to driving a car with keyless start and then go in a car that doesn't that sound throws me off.

Mazdaspeed3 will definitely smoke your 10th gen SI.

Rev hang was not there on older cars it's only on new cars because of bloody EPA standards