Just the mazda 3's sold: 2005:97,388 2006: 94,437 2007:120,291 2008:109,957

A quick internet search finds blown engines due to oil filter install mistakes lack of oil fill and unknown oil loss all in the early stages of the engine's life (less than 100K). So sure there may be a defect on this engine, but this guy is looking at a 130K mile car that is probably past any of those infant mortality failures. As long as he can see its not burning oil (should be obvious), Its probably one of the "better" built ones since it has lasted this long already. If he could find a later year model 07-08 there were improvements Mazda made, but he is asking about opinions on what he sees today. At the very least I would use the potential failure history as a negotiation point to get it as cheap as he can. It really won't last much past 200K anyway nor should it for only $3k.

I am just saying its his choice and there were 100's of thousands of engines made without a recall.

Good luck in your choice Sammo, I hope this helps you decide.

 

Mark my words, you'll be back here sooner than not complaining about how your 2.3 went Tango Uniform.

 

Thanks. People love to sugarcoat issues. My suburban "should have" died at around 150k, but it now has 230k miles on the original motor and transmission. I know that the Mazda 2.3 has an oil consumption issue, but many cars do. Some people domt check their oil frequently enough and then they complain when their motor blows. I will do a through inspection of the mazda3 I'm looking to buy, amd then resolve to frequently check oil and top off when necessary.