SHOULD YOU BUY a 1st Gen MAZDA 3 in 2023? 

2.3L owner here… For anyone scared of getting one, sure its said to be less reliable than the 2.0 but in my experience, its really not so bad. IMO, that engine is still waaaaay more reliable than the ones found in a lot of used cars. I just make sure to change my oil more frequently. Never had a single issue with my engine. Replace your fluids and stay on top of maintenance and that think should last a long time.

Long time 2.0L owner. Recently moved to Gen3 and I cant lie, nothing beats the joy of a simple bullet proof Gen1. They really are just fun cars.

Bought one brand new in 2008. 2.0L model, 5 speed. Have 214000 miles on it and it is still reliable and my daily driver. Outside of regular maintenance and tires, no major problems

Speaking facts 🙌 I'm a gen 1 MS3 owner and these cars are so simple yet so fun to drive. I feel like newer cars lack the raw driving experience those older cars have

Bought a 07 2.3 sedan back in march and it’s super clean I noticed a lil oil burning but it works out , super fun car feels zippy and the downshifts sound and feel good amazing car would def recommend 💪🏾 Colton thank u for ur vids man I learned a lot

i have a 2L and it runs absolutely amazing, the tome of the engine is gorgeous and after doing a muffler delete i must say it’s one of my favorite cars if all time now

Just got my second 2008 Mazda 3 Sedan yesterday!! Looking forward to upgrading and getting the most out of it. Appreciate all the recommendations of everyone in the comments and ofc all the content you’ve made Colton. It really inspired me to get another one. Keep going 💪🏾🔥 Zoom Zoom

Great Video Colton, as a 2.3 owner I absolutely love my car. It's a hatchback 2008. The styling of it, the reliability of it. I couldn't be happier about my purchase. If for some reason I had to replace it I would go with another first Gen but in a Mazdaspeed hatch. Keep up the great work!!

Hey bro, I just gotta say, thank you for teaching me so much knowledge on working on my car. My Mazda 3 is also my first car and your videos have inspired me to take the leap and buy a short shifter plate from corksport. Got it installed a few minutes ago and it’s beautiful. Keep doing your thing. Zoom Zoom

Damn that looks awesome! And yeah a second gen mazda3 vid would be great.

Still owning 2008 sedan till today. It just rock!!

My first car was an ‘08 2.3 GT hatch and damn was that a good car. In 3 years of ownership all I had to do was change the oil, rear shock absorbers and rmm. I now have a ‘15 2.0 sedan which is such a better car but that first gen hatch will always hold a place in my heart. Don’t be scared of the 2.3 lol

I absolutely agree with you in everything youve said in this video. For its age its such a giod driving car, its semi comfortable, the engine sound so good when you rev it even in its stock form. I dont have a oil burning issue but i do a couple of oil leaks. Tbh I sit/move around a lot of cars at the shop I work for and some of them just don't feel right when I sit in them or drive them. But my Mazda 3 always feels right. She needs quite a bit of tlc but I enjoy working on it. Its not a pain in the ass to work on.

Just bought 2 weeks ago a 2.3L ‘08 5 door hatch as a daily and car is dead reliable 🔥👌 Definitely if you’re in the market for a small economical and zippy little fun car with a budget definitely worth it

I bought my 2011 first gen 2.0L manual last year, only got 60,000 miles on it and still in good shape. For the 2.0L were made till 2012, 1.6L were all the way till 2014 here in china. So i would say I'm quite lucky. Love your videos, would like to see you commenting on the 2nd gen soon.❤

Just bought my first one this week 5 speed 2.0 I love it so far

bought my 1.6L 06 Mazda 2 years ago, paid in full, love it to bits

My Girlfriend had a 2.3 GT in Highschool that I eventually blew up, even with the clapped 2.3 it went all the way to 223k. I had thought about purchasing a new vehicle, test drove a few, and ultimately ended up putting a 2.5 Fusion motor in. It's an 05 so I had to do the cam swap. It's been a little over a year since the swap and the car is literally bullet proof. It's my daily driver and I've driven it across North America twice now. I frickin love this thing. So much so that I intend on picking up at least a couple more eventually. This car does everything it's supposed to and reliably. It's got all the amenities you could possibly need. Currently my odometer reads 263k mi and the sun roof still works. Currently in the process now of lowering it. Have a couple mods now, (those of which are really easy to do) like a cai. I just felt the need to leave this information here cause I feel like it could be helpful. This is also my first car as well. So if you're someone who is thinking about purchasing one of these, I'd highly recommend. And if you're somebody with know how, blown 2.3's go for like 3-400 here in the states sooo, do it.

a 2007 Mazda 3S was the first car I bought used off a car lot as a young man. I loved it. Before it I had a dodge stealth, a o 93? camry, 94 honda accord, and a box box blazer. after it I had a 1st gen mazda 6 and a Silverado lol trucks been the daily since lol

I bought my first car (an 07 mazda 3 sedan) after watching your vids bro. Keep it up. Even showed off your vids at the office

Bought my 2.0l manual 07 Mazda3 in 2021. It does burn oil, I go through about a quart every thousand miles but it’s super reliable. I bought it at around 220k miles and I’m at 242k right now. I popped a clutch line a while back but it was installed wrong by the previous owner and was rubbing and eventually tore a hole in the line but that’s the only thing that’s happened so far. My car is completely stock but it’s still fun and handles better than any other stock vehicle I’ve driven. I get 30mpg on average and I bought the thing for only 2600usd. I don’t think there’s a deal any better than that to be honest.

Seven year owner here of a 2013 2.0L Skyactiv hatchback with the 6-speed manual! It may not look as great as Gen 1, but I still recommend buying one of these. And I also support CorkSport!

Just bought a 2009 Mazda 3i with only 47,000 miles on it. needed new brakes, front right axle. Will be doing a tune up, serpentine belt and dropping the transmission pan at 50k. Thanks for mentioning the TCM, I have to look into that!!

I totally agree with Colton - this car ROCKS! Except... that he's wrong about the 2.3l - I have a 2007 with a 2.3l, and it's got 210,000 original miles on it! Doesn't leak a drop, and runs like a Swiss timepiece! I do meticulous maintenance on it, and I only use synthetic oil. Never had a single mechanical failure, just stuff wearing out. Thermostat, one of the ignition coils, and that's it. Plus I have the 5 speed automatic, and I'm sure that's easier on any motor than a manual "run by an amateur" ;-). So I say the 2.3l is bullet proof if you take care of it... Get One!

Last summer I picked up a 08' 2.3 Mazda3 Hatch as my first car and ive loved it since. Only mod ive done is a set of black konig runlite wheels. Looks perfect with stormy blue mica. Currently saving up for a Cat Back exhaust. Thanks for the videos.

Got the 2007 1.6L passed down to me and drives like a dream. Still a really solid car for a 100k plus mileage and the red color is so awesome, but for me the best part is the sound system and the responsiveness of it. Granted mine is an automatic but it's really fun to drive.

My 06 2.3 hatch is at 240k miles, I love this car. It doesn't burn any oil, rust isn't an issue and I live in the rust belt. It's the perfect fun reliable daily driver w all the tech u need. I've put 70k on it in almost 3 yrs of owning it. Also, I never get tired of staring at how beautiful it is which is a must for me.

I just bought a 08 Mazda 3 a month ago and I love it. I got extremely lucky. It has 105,000 miles and I only paid $2700.

07 Speed3 Gt and original turbo and motor with 155k and runs like a champ....Love my Speed3

Had a silver 2004 2.0 Active sedan manual for 10 years. Beautiful car in the Active spec, basic 3 series can look a bit dull. Very reliable, only changed the ac pomp and altenator in that time. The steering is so direct, just perfect. Ride is a mix between comfortable and sportive, although the front suspension can be noisy. Did change some suspension parts there. Engine just enough power with 150 hp, but very smooth and very reliable. But the traction control is not smooth at all. Would recommend this first gen, however the biggest negative is the rust, oh boy the rust. Had it fixed twice but had to sell it because of that. You hardly see them overhere in The Netherlands anymore.

New driver here. I just got my 1.6 this year in great condition as if it was just sitting in the garage since 2007. And it is fantastic! Engine is smooth shifting and quiet. Headturner for it's maintained paint, I thanked the former owner for taking such good care. I'm a family man so it's a bit small for us three 😂

Been eyeing a few here, I live in Sri Lanka (where you can pretty much only buy used cars to begin with now). Always wanted to get something like this as my first car, been watching loads if your videos lately too cuz of that. We just have the 1.6 L and the JDM Axela with 1.5L, but prob is that they miss out on loads of features found in other markets like power seats, sunroof, Bose audio and a bunch of others (steering wheel doesn’t have half the buttons too). The JDM is marginally worse with only fabric seats, rear drum brakes (no disc) etc. but at least the engine is a bit more peppy. I feel like I can make do without those and most newer active safety features, but what I feel most off putting is that not even the top trims here came with Side curtain airbags, which I feel are crucial passive safety features, they can be the difference between you getting out alive after getting T-boned or not. Made me lean more towards Civic FD1s from the same era (2007/8), thought the Mazda still might feel a bit more fun to drive.

I have just bought Mazda 3 2.0 l 2005 model ….really an amazing car..fun to drive…

Thank you man i bought it 5 days ago and i really enjoy the car

I love my 2005 1st gen 2.0l sedan. Sure, she looks beat up on the outside and she's a work in process but slowly but surely, we're getting there. Her motor spins like she hardly has any miles on her. Looking at new suspension n coilovers and wanting to repaint her. Just had new wheels put on her. I wholeheartedly say yes, buy a 1st gen mazda 3 and cherish them.

Emotional attachment 🔥

2.3L owner it is auto at the moment it’s a 2009 hand me down from my father who popped a tire on it and didn’t drive it and got a new car i’ve put time into it and drove it my junior year of high school and i’m now onto my senior year soon i got it at 120k it now has 124k so a decent 4k miles i’ve put into it and i’m in the process of tranny swapping

I just bought one with 70k miles 2009 5spd. Seems like a decent car

Currently keeping my eye on an 08 automatic 2.3 hatch touring edition, 65k miles, one owner. Looks to be in great condition, possibly garage kept. I'm a family man now so I'm looking for a vehicle that's family friendly with cargo space and the 1st gen mazda3 is just a beautiful car both sedan and hatch

Love the 1st gen styling way more than the 2nd gens! My only thing with them is if you drive one where they salt the roads they rust easier and the other gens. But even to this day i think yhe styling of the 1st gens looks great!

I Needed this Thanks🤙🏻

My mazda 3 has 250,000 miles on it. Still going strong and no signs of slowing down. It’s important to note that the car wasn’t maintained for a really long time. Until it was handed off to me. This shows that the car truly is reliable, even after years of negligence.

I have the 2.3l 2004 and my boss gave it to me and said there is some chip in the dashboard or some computer component that will cost me 900$ to repair because it’s causing parasitic drain, do you know anything about this and how I can repair it?

Solid review!

the AT in my 2007 2.0 puked at 110k. Had it rebuilt but the problem persists. No TCM in the 2.0 so had to replace the PCM. Still NFG. Even the dealer can't figure it out. Stick with the 2.3 as the TCM is an easy fix.

I guess luck was on my side lol 07 2.3 sedan and it's been pretty solid other than the normal wear and tear with bushings and motor mounts. normal shit but so far no engine issues. I've heard the 2.3s are hit or miss so i want to do the 2.5 swap eventually.

I own an 07 Mazda 3 2.0 Auto just under 250,000 km, well...my parents do but I just got my license so it's mine now >:) . Been driving it for a week and it handles pretty great, reliable in terms of range/fuel consumption, and has enough power. Sure it may not reach 100kmh under 10 secs but it gets to the speed limit pretty quickly XD. Overall, a great car for dailying, or for a student/new driver like me 🔥

Did you wrap it yourself? I really like the look and would for sure apply it to my car!

mazda 3 is a great car.... ❤

I own an '06 S hatch, 2.3L. These cars can be super awesome and really good, but like with any other used car, please look at the history and really get into it. I bought mine for $3,200 and the last owner (not the one I bought it from he had it for less than a couple months) abused the absolute fuck out of it and after $4K in repairs and maintenance I have left to fix a transmission leak and a poorly welded fart can. They will last you forever if you take care of them and I messed up not knowing what I was getting into. I'm getting her there though she'll be running like new soon

I have the 2006 Hatchback, love it

Own a 2.3 and I check my oil every 2 weeks… never been low as long as ur 2.3 is running correctly you will burn oil as much as the 2.0

ive had my 06 sedan since 2020 been getting me threw my learners and my p plates love the thing

My 3 has a dented sill and the trim is flapping about, colton any tips on pulling out big dent in sill,

nice car! keep it up.

Yes our Mazda is known for its good-looking style that can match current sedans in the market. #1st

Do you know anything about 1.6L petrol? Good\Bad?

Whats your opinion on the 2007 turbo diesel model?

My first gen mazda 6i has almost 200k miles on it and it’s never burned oil. I love it but it’s impossible to tune

Just bought 1 yesterday I think it’s a 2.0 for 900 my second Mazda wait no 3rd Mazda had 626 protege now my first auto Mazda

Im debating on trading for a 2009 mazda 3 hatchback. Dude daily drives it but it has 190k miles and he wants to trade it for my 96 civic. Im a little weary but i want out the honda scene and i like these mazdas.

I own an 04 Mazda 3 Sedan 2.3 Automatic. It has a cassette player that I use. No clue if the TCM has been relocated how important is it?

I've a 2007 1.6l 3 and I gotta say, yours looks cool as fuck.

well my mazda suspension telescopes took 3 days to revive to level "after taking them out"

Biggest problems about this car is RUST, Suspension Issues depending on Previous Owners, Motor Mounts, and A/C tends to go bad

I''ll take my 2.3 hatch over anything under a speed, reliability is like owning a dog, its on the owner to be trained to own it, not on the beast to maintain itself. I like your points though and will subscribe to any mazda owner! cheers Colt

is it worth buying the 2.0l 2nd gen 2012 without skyactive?

Got a 2.3L 2005 Mazda 3 I searched up how to relocate tcm for 2005 Mazda 3 hatch I only get videos for 2006 and up I also look at replacement for it and it’s the same thing I was wondering if the 2005 has this problem or not since I can find any info on it

What double din headunit screen are you running?

hey any info on 1.6 diesel and 1.6 petrol 2004 mazda 3 becouse most of them for sale in my country are 1.6 engines

1st gen mazda 3 (axela) is a bullet proof car

Just got a 2005 Mazda 3 hatch off someone and it’s the 2.3L I think you said something about the TCM being relocated and to do that fast , why’s that , oh ya mines a ..Auto 😿

the only thing I dislike about mine is the rust prone metal and the crazy amount of stock rear negative camber

sold 07 1.6 hatchback 2 years ago and bought again 07 1.6 hb this month ;p

I have a 2006 Mazda 3 with the 2.3L junk has a hole in the block am I able to put a 2.0 in it and use my stock ecm

I have a 04 Mazda 3 2.3L has anyone on here have any problems with the PJB

Can you please explain what you mean by relocating the TCM

Lord I miss my red 2008 2.3 S. Her name was Chili.

Is CorkSport worth it?

I've been having this intermittent P0101 engine code on my '09 2.0 ATX. I only have an Injen CAI, cleaned the throttle body/replaced the gasket (it looked a little contorted), cleaned the MAF and lengthened the wiring harness, performed idle relearn.. I've searched the internet up and down, I'm just stumped. Anyone have any ideas?

I just bought a 2008 2.3 mazda 3 hatchback with 69k miles. Only thing that could make it better is if it was a stick.

I own a 2nd gen mazda. Why do you think I should've gotten a first gen?

Sooo what about the 2.5 hmmm???

Fire

They’ve only gotten cheaper, yes.

2.3 turbos way better lol 😘😘😘😘

Zoom zoom

Too late already did

Please make a video to not buy a 2nd gen curious tbh, w upload though 🫡

i still got my 09 with 189k miles going 3yrs strong🦾🦾