Need advice/opinions on possible MS3 purchase

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:

• 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)

Current owner represents that the VVT actuator has been replaced, but by the previous owner, and he doesn't have documentation of it.

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?

 

Def get those compression and leakdown tests. Find out what the tune on it is (does it come with an AP or VT?). Would be nice to be able to trust the guy on saying VVT is done but I have a tendency to be skeptical. Turbo is most likely shot, especially if it's the original factory k04.

 

Mods list seems decent like sharks said ask about that tune solution and if it's tuned. Restrictor bolt would be to for the turbo which makes sense if it's smoking more now. So I'd be Banking on replacing that.
Assuming leakdown and compression numbers are good then replacing the turbo to something like a BNRS3, adding a 3port ebcs, 3bar map and aftermarket intercooler with a good tune will make you good reliable power.

Alternatively a bnrs2 is a great option to replace the stock k04 if you want to stay around stock power level.

Exhaust system seems to be the eBay special which typically can hold up okay. I'd be curious to see what occ it has and how it's routed. But if it's got damond mounts there's a chance it's a damond OCC which would be awesome (obviously chance it's not).

Does the car have maintaince logs for atleast how long the current owner has had it?

 

Thanks for the input, guys. Much appreciated.

I do not know whether it has a tune (I will find out), but I am assuming it does not. If that is true, I am assuming I would want to get a tune when I replace the turbo, correct?

Also, if he *has* been running the car for a year with the listed mods, and WITHOUT a tune, would that do any lasting damage that should cause me to run away from this now?

 

Correct on retuning or getting a tune after replacing the turbo.


As far as the last question...the stock tune isnt great...(super rich after 5500rpm among other things), but id be surprised if it didnt have some sort of tune on it since he's gone about upgrading damn near everything else whether it be an OTS map or a custom tune.

Either way, id get it retuned upon purchase and replacing the turbo

 

[mention]flatstick96 [/mention] did you end up purchasing it?

 

Sounds like you’re out in the sticks a bit somewhere I’d want awd [emoji2373]


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