Just bought a used 2011 MS3
 

Hello!

first post..

So I just bought a 2011 Blue MS3 w/ about 69,000 miles on it. It's not the first mazda I've owned, though it will be the first turbo'd car I've ever owned. I came from 2002 Protege5, which had about 200,000 miles on it. Of which, I put 90,000 on it from the time I bought it, to about a month ago, when I got into a minor accident, and the insurance decided to total it, instead of fix it, due to a slightly bent frame near the passenger-side headlight. Oh well, RIP Prot5, you were a great car.



I was looking at either a WRX or this, and to be quite honest, I test drove both. I liked the new 2015 WRX, but the price was a little out of my range. The MS3 drove about the same, with a small bit of expected torque steer, so I ultimately decided to go with it. I am quite happy I did. I will post up pictures in a day or two.



Now onto a few questions...


What are some common problems I should look out for in my MS3? I used to push my prot5 pretty hard when I wanted to, but other than that, I used it as a highway commuter car coasting at around 70-75 most the time. I have a penchant for accelerating really fast to get up to the speed I want. So with that in mind, what should I watch out for?



I am somewhat car literate, but not in a very efficient way. I would like to tune my car to be more gas efficient, is there a guide on how to do that? And the required equipment needed?

Welcome, To do any tuning you need to get a Cobb AP. Can't help you much more than that other than to suggest that you consider getting an upgraded HPFP maybe a downpipe, catback exhaust and a new SRI or a complete turbo inlet.

Inbeforedidyousearchfirst

I did, and found the relevant posts. Though it's always nice to have some advice answered on a newer post instead of shifting though hundreds of posts.



Thank you, I will definitely look into those! IDK how much modding I will do hardware wise though, as I got an extended warranty on the car itself. I will check and see if they care or not if I mod the car in somewhat minor ways, like a new air intake, etc.

Donate!! you will be given a wealth of knowledge this group has to offer!!!

Already did.. $25 isn't that much to part with. Haha

NICE!!! it's not if most people would have that train of thought it would be save a lot of hassle!!

I really want the CBM MS3 :( Thats the hardest color to come by

Yeah, it's the one color I was looking for. I am personally a big fan of lighter blues on cars.

Some basic turbo tips for yah since its your first turbo! This was/is my first turbo car as well;

- Let the car get warmed up before you start going hard on the boost.

- As well let the car cool off by idling for a little after you been driving pretty hard before you shut it off. No turbo timer with these cars so just let it idle for a good 30+ seconds before you shut down.

- Keep a good eye on your oil levels. Turbo is oil cooled as well the our engines like to explode when they lack oil.

- Boosted Air Temps (BATs) since we got the luxury of a Top Mounted Intercooler we get the added bonus of high BATs because all that lovely heat has no where to go nor does it cool easily. So on a hot day don't be suprised if it doesnt seem to boost as well as cooler ones and a good idea to watch your BATs once you get an AP to keep an eye on them so you dont go crazy beating on it while its too hot.

Most people obviously get a Front Mounted Intercooler but the Top Mount works just gotta deal with all that heat soak. And it gets in the way when you wana do shit too.

- Boost kicks in at 3k RPM if you didnt know and DO NOT....DOOOO NOOOOOT....go Wide Open Throttle in 6th gear. A little bit of boost aove 3-4k in 6th is fine while on the freeway but don't fucking go zoom zooming in 6th or you can run the risk of putting too much strain on the engine. Drop the shit to 5th like a man and let it fly.

- And you got a GenPu so get HPFP internals before you go slapping mods on, stock ecu is retarded and likes to kill itself much easier then the Gen 1's. I honestly don't actually know if you get an AP and run a tune if it fixes that issue, I havent looked that up cause I dont drive the smiley.

Have fun and boost safe.

Welcome! Im in fontana during the weekends if you ever have any questions!

Awesome! I might have some in the future!

I really want to take my car out to the speedway every once in awhile. I am about 2 miles north of it haha.

That's really good to know, thank you!

Yea forsure! Get use to the car a bit then we can hit up the track

So, a small update!


The car has been running great for a month so far! I can't wait to take it to a track.. Hell driving this car has made me want to learn how to drive with more finesse. I consider myself a pretty decent driver, but I feel there's always room to learn more. Haha.

Josegarcia020 do you go to the track often? I went to a few autocross events at the Fontana speedway, had a blast, and realized my tires are not sticky enough!

Im doing a few upgrades here in the next month, just letting my parts stack up in the garage until i have some time...

:unitedstates:

Welcome to the forum. I also was thinking on an sti but price was insane $52K so I decided to go with the ms3 for 31K. Follow instructions from the people who know and enjoy the car. It is a great car and very reliable.

Ha, 6 months later and I have this :)

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15...3a41db076a.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I WA,

Is @Darcean still floating around the forums?

Last Activity: 01-06-2015 04:09 PM

WHALECUM TO MSF SIR

Do not punch your car in a high gear at low rpm even stock.

Other than that have fun

Haha just saw this.. Yeah I am still floating around here, @Worbit


Just lurking every so often. I've been stupid busy lately.