I currently drive a 91 acura legend. It just really isnt doing the trick for me. Its really heavy no turbo its just really slow. I was wondering if anyone could help me with some good questions i should be asking people about used MS3 or what kind of things i should be looking for all together?

Buy my MS6- its a great sleeper sedan w/ AWD and no power reduction in first and second gear like the MS3. It's a really great car!

The primary thing I would look for is how well it has been maintained. These cars are designed to be driven hard, great maintenance goes a long way! Mods are fine if they are done right and not "thrown on" and not tuned appropriately. The MS3 owners on here can definitely help you with that.

Btw- welcome to the club! This is a great group of people- I have been here since day 1...

Let us know what you need and we'll do our best to help you!

welcome....the main thing you can ask yourself is " do i want a stock car so i can do the work with friends (us... ) or do i want a mod-ed car ready to go? Find out where they had their work done if its not stock? Im new here as well and bought mine from a dealer preety muc h stock because i want to learn how to mod my own car and make it look and sound like i want. Welcome again!

PS_ the MazdaSpeed 6 cprtrainer is selling is awesome and would be VERY similar to a MS3 but AWD which is good for CO. Talk to him about it

THere are some issues you COULD run into with either the MS3 or the MS6. They have some quirky problems.

1. Both have issues with the K04 turbo smoking during extended idle. Mine was just replaced under warranty.

2. The MS6 has problems with the rear differential mounting bolts shearing during hard driving. That sucks, but I believe they have upgraded bolts that help.

3. Neither is cheap to mod and most dealers will tell you mods void your warranty.

There are other problems, but I can't think of them. Too early in the morning.

I love my MS6. Love it to death. But driving it is a constant stress game, since I'm worried what might break. If you're buying new, you won't get a much better bang-for-buck performance car than the MS3. It's quick, it's a hatchback, and it's comfy. But for either car, my #1 recommendation is: GET THE EXTENDED WARRANTY.

Stealth01 wrote:THere are some issues you COULD run into with either the MS3 or the MS6. They have some quirky problems.

1. Both have issues with the K04 turbo smoking during extended idle. Mine was just replaced under warranty.

2. The MS6 has problems with the rear differential mounting bolts shearing during hard driving. That sucks, but I believe they have upgraded bolts that help.

3. Neither is cheap to mod and most dealers will tell you mods void your warranty.

There are other problems, but I can't think of them. Too early in the morning.

I love my MS6. Love it to death. But driving it is a constant stress game, since I'm worried what might break. If you're buying new, you won't get a much better bang-for-buck performance car than the MS3. It's quick, it's a hatchback, and it's comfy. But for either car, my #1 recommendation is: GET THE EXTENDED WARRANTY.

how did u get them to check ur turbo? where did u go? i asked them to check mine (speedracer told me to get it check) and they said they wouldnt unless something was "wrong" with it? let me know

went to sil-tehar btw

deepSpeedMS3 wrote:how did u get them to check ur turbo? where did u go? i asked them to check mine (speedracer told me to get it check) and they said they wouldnt unless something was "wrong" with it? let me know

went to sil-tehar btw

Mine started smoking at idle, so I took it to Bob Penkhus. They checked it and said the turbo needed replaced. So they did it. Even overnighted the part so I could get a quick turn-around. I was pretty impressed.

i may have to try there then. my car isn't smoking 2 bad but my pipe is black as hell.....cant even see the chrome

Unless you see smoke (usually white), they are not going to help you. The black on the tailpipe is normal as these cars run very rich. The way to test for a smoking turbo is to drive the car normally (normal operating temp), then let the car idle for 10-15 min. If you see smoke after a long idle, then you score a new turbo.

I have tested mine every now and then (recently as yesterday)- no smoke on mine and rock solid. They seem to be a hit and miss amongst the community. Some fail as early as 15k miles, others are fine approaching 100k.

cool...i have to do that today then

Alright thanks. I also was wondering about the pros and cons about the ms3 and the ms6. What are all of the differences? is it better or worse? things like that.

Differences?

MS3: hatchback, 265 HP, FWD, slower to 60 quicker in the quarter mile, still produced, weighs 3200 pounds (I think)

MS6: Sedan, 274 HP, AWD, quicker to 60, slower in the 1/4, no longer produced, weighs 3600 pounds

I think that about covers it...

MS5... Doesn't exist. LOL

Yet....

Stealth01 wrote:Differences?

MS3: hatchback, 265 HP, FWD, slower to 60 quicker in the quarter mile, still produced, weighs 3200 pounds (I think)

MS6: Sedan, 274 HP, AWD, quicker to 60, slower in the 1/4, no longer produced, weighs 3600 pounds

I think that about covers it...

Actually edmunds posts 0-60 at 5.9 for the MS3 and 6.1 for the MS6
Its just quicker all around

They are both great cars...can't argue with AWD either in this state. The MS3 def feels different though. The MS6 feels closer to a Subaru Legacy in stock form where the MS3 feels similar to an STi (minus the 0-60 traction issues) The MS6 is nice for its size though, def something to look at if you are taller or have tall friends lol. I chose the MS3 though for its versitility in being a hatch. If you go used, i'd just look for the normal stuff. Make sure its stock, had all the scheduled maint+oil changes...car fax etc. Oh, if its an 07, I'd check to make sure the engine mount has been fixed. Might not be a bad idea to go new though as its the last year for the nice-looking MS3 and dealers are offering crazy specials in light of the wonderful economy.

Well thanks all that should help me a lot. And if anyone knows of any used 08-09 ms3 let me know thanks.