Turbo Charged Engine Reliability - Mazdaspeed3

[nkryptit]

So...My lease is going to be up in around 2 months and it's time to start looking for a new cage.  I've been looking around for some time, but I keep coming back to the Mazdaspeed3.  It's the car I wanted when I leased my Mazda 6 three years ago, but I feel like now is the time.

The only thing I really worried about is the fact that it's a turbo charged engine.  I've read horror stories about the 2.3L DISI that is in the MS3 and was in the MS6.  Most being that the Rods weren't strong enough to handle the extra power the engine produced under higher boost.  But most of those posts were from people that had either upgraded the turbo, unlocked the stock turbo boost limiter, or had just added intake upgrades that pushed the HP up.

More generally, I'd like to hear a general opinion about turbo charged cages, and how long I can expect them to last.  I've heard that sometimes the turbo will blow-out relatively early in the cars life-span.  Part of me is tempted to go with a V6 that pushes the same HP, but doesn't carry the extra worry of having one more part of the car to blow up.

Any input is appreciated.  Thanks!

[Raux]

are you leasing again? why worry about the lifespan then?

[nkryptit]

Nope...I'm planning on buying this one.  My lease experience has been good so far, but I guess getting to the end of it and not having anything to show is kind of a bummer.

[Raux]

my only experience with mazda was an original miata with the smaller motor. it was bullet proof.
damn. now that i think about it, i've never had a turbo motored car... hmmm project car ideas

[desmo_drum]

I had a 1988 turbo Pontiac Firefly, 3 cylinder, turbo, intercooled, fuel injected. I changed the oil every 3000 km, and waited for it to be warm before I would get on it. I flogged it a bit, Nothing really really harsh, but I would get on it every once and a while. I put 160,000 klm's on it and it was still going strong after 6 years when I sold it. No issues. That was 22 years ago so the technology has improved greatly since then. I have a friend with a saab turbo, 130,000 miles and no turbo problems. No mods either.

[Raux]

i did have a friend with a maserati bi-turbo. and both ended up needed to be replaced around 60k.
course he was one to flog it, and not take care of it.

[Popeye the Sailor]

i did have a friend with a maserati bi-turbo. and both ended up needed to be replaced around 60k.
course he was one to flog it, and not take care of it.

I've never had to replace a friend based on mileage.


I mean-how would you even record it?

[Raux]

I've never had to replace a friend based on mileage.


I mean-how would you even record it?

i had to reread that twice before i laughed...
trust me i've got plenty of mileage on me. gonna need some parts replaced soon enough. fortunately my tool kit is good to go!

[nkryptit]

Alright...Thanks for the all feedback.  I'm glad to hear that people do have good experiences too.  I've wanted this car since they first started making them in 2007, and can't find anything else anywhere near the same price that's as much fun to drive.

Now all I have to do is teach my wife (who has never driven a manual) how to handle a six-speed turbo, 260hp front wheel drive devil 

[Popeye the Sailor]

Now all I have to do is teach my wife (who has never driven a manual) how to handle a six-speed turbo, 260hp front wheel drive devil 

The best car to teach someone how to drive a stick on is any car that's not yours 

[Raux]

for certain. try to find a rental car that's stick.. and good luck with that in the states

[sno_duc]

Now all I have to do is teach my wife (who has never driven a manual) how to handle a six-speed turbo, 260hp front wheel drive devil 

Know anybody with a cummins powered 4x4 pu. Take her out in the middle of a big field, lock the hubs and put it in 4 low, when she can take off without either digging a trench or inflecting whiplash, you're good to go. I don't think it's possible to stall a cummin in 2nd or 3rd low range.

[Bun-bun]

Know anybody with a cummins powered 4x4 pu. . I don't think it's possible to stall a cummin in 2nd or 3rd low range.

Yes. . .

It's possible. . . but not easy.

I don't know how different the turbo longevity experience would be, but my Cummins has 137k miles on the original turbo with no problems. I'm running a Banks wastegate set for 26psi, and 4" open exhaust with an FIPK.

[sno_duc]

My 93 has 187k on it, original turbo, 3rd getrag 5MT.

[Bun-bun]

Yeah, as long as you don't go nutz with the boost, the Cummins 6bt seems to last a good 3-400k without too much hassle. It's the trannys that are the trucks achilles heel, they just can't take the torque.