Hi, i'm kinda new to the forum,but was wondering if u guys could help me out a bit. I'm looking to purchase a MS6 here in the near future, and was wondering if there was anything in particular that i need to look for when i'm looking at potential vehicles. I've done a bunch of research, and it seems like its a prty reliable car with very few problems, but just wanted to get some input from people who own, drive, and work on them...
Thanks

I had one for 3 years. At 30K miles I got the stuck EGR, which I hear is common and maybe recurring every 30K in the MZR turbo DI. If you are ok with that then make certain you are ok with the internet reputation for Direct Injection in gasoline engines. There are some horror stories out there, but every DI car of a person I meet save only 1 is running fine for as long as they own them. DI does fuel dilute so either run heavier oil or change oil much more often. My UOAs suggest most 30 wt over the counter oil is good for about 2K miles max with 40wt good for about 4K.

Only other issue Ive heard of but thankfully never experiences was the broken differential. I think most the used ones out there though have had this corrected.

Maybe you should consider a MS3 instead.

What would make me choose a MS3 over the 6

My advice, ms3. MS6 is not what I'd call reliable. I can't sag that I have heard of single one not have some sort of rear differential issue.

I know there will be some people here with advice to offer, but you're probably better off asking for MS6 specific issues over on a site like 6crew since there aren't a ton of Speed6 owners on the site. A few, but not a ton.
http://www.6crew.com/forum/

A&PwitMS6 wrote:What would make me choose a MS3 over the 6

Newer, lighter, faster, hatch.

Just some of my own reasons for choosing an MS3 over an MS6.

erod550 wrote:Newer, lighter, faster, hatch.

Just some of my own reasons for choosing an MS3 over an MS6.

Thanks for the input, but my reasons for wanting a "new car" right now is that i want a car that is kind of quick, but at the same time is comfortable, stylish, roomy, and for lack of a better word me. I've done some research into both cars, and really like the AWD of the 6. I've got a "riced" Honda right now (high school car), and I am really starting to get sick of it, as i am sure at least a few of the people on here can relate to. I like the look of the 6 a lot better than the 3, and im really not to worried about having the fastest car on the road. That being said, I really do appreciate the input that you guys have given me, and i hope to get involved in some of the events that CMZC has.
Thanks

The MS6 definitely has a more "upscale" feel to it. Nicer interior, not quite so boy racer-ish. Wasn't trying to put down the MS6 at all. It's a great car. Just giving some reasons why some would choose an MS3 over an MS6.

Thanks, and i appreciate it. That nice interior, comfortable, practical type of car is why i chose the 6 over the 3. Also the fact that its still got a bit of "get-up-n-go" doesent hurt either.

Are you really sure you need the AWD?
My personal opinion is most people don't, especially if they're willing to be reasonable on the road.
A Mazda 6 that's not the MS6, but with the 6-cylinder, should be more than a decent commuter. And I love the lines of the wagons.

It would be best if you didn't get one of these. I don't think you'll enjoy it.

For that matter, if you even see one that you like, you're probably best off to key it, or kick in the door, or something...





























=)

If you have any aspirations of putting down a large amount of horsepower go with the MS6. It will make a MUCH better daily driver when modified. FWD gets old quickly when you start making power. If you plan on keeping near stock power levels the MS3 is a fine choice. I guess it comes down to personal preference but I really enjoy AWD for all around performance.

Issues for both include throwing rods (not as common anymore but worth looking out for on 2009 and under Speeds), VVT issues, and poor stock tunes but the internals and transmissions are usually pretty stout and few guys have put over 500whp on them.

OK, I've owned my MS6 for over 3 years now. Common problems:

1. Rear differential mounts. There are two, and both have problems even at stock power levels. SHitty design by Mazda, and $500 to replace both. ANd you SHOULD replace both.

2. VVT tensioner. This is with ALL 2.3L DISI motors, including the MS3 and CX-7. It's expensive to fix if it breaks. Not nearly as common as the diff mounts, but it's something to think about.

3. SMoking turbo. No damage to the car, but it's a nuisance when it puffs white smoke at idle. Still, most of these problems have been taken care of under warranty repairs.

And yes, the 2.3L DISI is still a new motor and blows a bit more than those on Subies, Evos, etc. The most common reason is that the stock high pressure fuel pump simply cannot handle increases in power. At our elevation, it does a little better, though, so as long as you don't do a downpipe, you can probably run the stocker even kicking boost up to 17PSI. After 17 PSI or with a DP, an upgraded pup is necessary. That seems to be the most common reason the motors blow, but others have been due to stupidity. Modding without a tune or with an off-the-shelf tune. Over-revving. Hydrolocking. Etc. But again, this is the same with the MS3 and even the CX-7. It's the motor, not the platform, and it IS preventable for the most part.

All that said, I LOVE my MS6. It's a tank in the snow, is pretty quick for its portly weight, and at this elevation, turbocharged cars have an advantage over naturally aspirated ones. With just an intake and the tune I have right now, I'm running with cars rated MUCH higher at sea level than my four-door tank.

Hope that helps. There's a lot more information about the MS6 and MS3 at http://www.mazdaspeedforums.org. Some true experts there.

Stealth01 wrote:OK, I've owned my MS6 for over 3 years now. Common problems:

1. Rear differential mounts. There are two, and both have problems even at stock power levels. SHitty design by Mazda, and $500 to replace both. ANd you SHOULD replace both.

2. VVT tensioner. This is with ALL 2.3L DISI motors, including the MS3 and CX-7. It's expensive to fix if it breaks. Not nearly as common as the diff mounts, but it's something to think about.

3. SMoking turbo. No damage to the car, but it's a nuisance when it puffs white smoke at idle. Still, most of these problems have been taken care of under warranty repairs.

And yes, the 2.3L DISI is still a new motor and blows a bit more than those on Subies, Evos, etc. The most common reason is that the stock high pressure fuel pump simply cannot handle increases in power. At our elevation, it does a little better, though, so as long as you don't do a downpipe, you can probably run the stocker even kicking boost up to 17PSI. After 17 PSI or with a DP, an upgraded pup is necessary. That seems to be the most common reason the motors blow, but others have been due to stupidity. Modding without a tune or with an off-the-shelf tune. Over-revving. Hydrolocking. Etc. But again, this is the same with the MS3 and even the CX-7. It's the motor, not the platform, and it IS preventable for the most part.

All that said, I LOVE my MS6. It's a tank in the snow, is pretty quick for its portly weight, and at this elevation, turbocharged cars have an advantage over naturally aspirated ones. With just an intake and the tune I have right now, I'm running with cars rated MUCH higher at sea level than my four-door tank.

Hope that helps. There's a lot more information about the MS6 and MS3 at http://www.mazdaspeedforums.org. Some true experts there.

How bad are the motor problems with a stock engine... I realy dont plan on doing much more than intake, cat-back/just mufflers, and maby that turbo inlet pipe that Street Unit has. Also, the mounts I already knew about, and planned on swapping quickly once i got the car.