I am looking at a used 2008 Mazda 3 s Touring. This would be for our teenage drivers (an 18 yr old and a soon to be 16 yr old). What is the general verdict on the 2008 - 3's? I know Consumer Reports likes the newer 3's. However, when I go back they gave an average rating to the 2008 - 3 They called out suspension & paint as trouble areas. All that said, I'd like the opinion of some folks on the board about this as a used car and any trouble areas. Thanks!!!

 

Hello Paulmlac,

I have a 2008 Mazda 3 1.6L Diesel and it currently has 92000 miles . I bought the car new and the problems I have had with the car till this day was:
-Front suspension had to change it two years ago
-DPF system, ended up bypassing the system
-and at the moment I am having problems with the coolant system, seems to be a cylinder head gasket problem