Credov's researched list of the 4 faults the Mazda Mazda 3 is known for (2009–2013), 3 of them serious or costly. Each one says what to look for when you check the car, so you can spot it before you buy. Not every car has these faults: they are the ones worth checking on this model.
What to look for: Pull the dipstick on level ground: oil at or above the upper mark, or smelling of diesel, is a bad sign.
Why it matters: Diluted oil is thin and lubricates poorly, and has been blamed for turbo, camshaft and bearing damage, in some cases a full engine replacement. A dipstick check and a question about how the car is driven cost nothing and catch this before it wears the engine out.
What to look for: Turn the wheel lock to lock at a standstill and listen for a groan or whine, then watch for it going heavy.
Why it matters: The steering still works without assistance but becomes very heavy without warning, which is a real risk in a tight corner or at parking speed, and owners report this happening at anywhere from about 50,000 to 350,000 km. A quick lock-to-lock listen now is cheap insurance against it happening on the road.
What to look for: Change through every gear on the drive, including a downshift into third, and check it does not pop out.
Why it matters: A gearbox that baulks, crunches or pops out of gear is a real driving hazard as well as an expensive repair, and only the late-2014 redesign cured it at the factory. A few minutes through all the gears on the test drive tells you whether this car got the fix.
What to look for: Look across the dash top in daylight for a glossy or wet-looking patch and touch it for a tacky feel.
Why it matters: NZ's strong UV makes this common on cars that lived outside, and the fix is a full dash-top replacement or a cover, neither of which is cheap for what is only a cosmetic fault. Spotting it before buying lets you price a cover or replacement into your offer.
Got a question about a Mazda Mazda 3? Ask Credov: a noise, a warning light, a part or how to fix it.
On top of the faults above, every Credov inspection covers the basics: fuel smell, leaks or filler rust, engine oil leaks, power steering fluid leak, drive belt cracks or squeal, rust underneath: chassis and mounts, engine mounts, engine oil level and colour, coolant level, colour and leaks, head gasket failure signs, cold start: rattle, knock or smoke, rough or hunting idle, engine running hot on gauge, gearbox or diff oil leak, swapped gearbox without lvv and more.
Researched by Credov from manufacturer recalls and service bulletins, owner reports and workshop sources. Repair prices are typical ranges, not quotes. See also fault codes and repair costs.