Used 3 for sale
Love this car but beware
djshame, 04/23/2013
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
19 of 19 people found this review helpful
I have had this car since it had 6 miles on it. The only issues i had in the begining was a belt that broke and ignition coils. This car is very fun to drive. However be aware that after 100k the engine starts to burn oil. I wasn't aware of this and didn't feel the need to check my oil on the regular. Hence i now need a new motor. Just a word of advice check your oil levels regularly at least once a week when you go over 100k in miles. Enjoy zoomzoom. Hence i bought a 2013 MSP3. love my Mazda's....
2.3L Engine Prone to Failure
mazdaharp, 09/07/2013
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
42 of 45 people found this review helpful
I've owned this car since day one. It is 9-1/2 years old and 103,000 miles on it. I've done all scheduled maintenance at the dealer. I've had a problem for a few years where this car has been chewing through oil but no one could out where it was going (no leaks, no visible burning, no blown head gasket). I'm adding about a quart every 750 miles. Insane. I finally took it to another dealer with a better service department when the first failed to identify the problem. The piston rings have failed. The only solution... a new engine for $7,200. The more research I do, the more I see this is a common problem but Mazda is refusing to acknowledge it.
2004 Mazda 3 for sale near you
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- s 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $6,995323 mi away
- s SedanMSRP: $6,988666 mi away
- s 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $5,980965 mi away
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No regrets!
gwen, 07/12/2015
updated 07/14/2016
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
21 of 22 people found this review helpful
Bought my 2004 in 2006 while still under warranty, and 9 years and 138000 miles later am only now thinking of upgrading. Longest I've ever driven one particular vehicle. The most cost comes with replacing the low profile tires so frequently but otherwise has been essentially maintenance free with giving it regular oil changes and routine checkups. I absolutely love this solid little car. I even discovered I could camp in it. As I age I need slightly better front seats for comfort and therefore am also looking to upgrade to maybe a Mazda CX-5. I love hatchbacks, I don't like SUVs, vans and sedans and this car is perfect.
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Bet Car Purchase Ever
pagzzz, 12/23/2011
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
Bought this car new in 2004 and approaching 90k miles. Every mile has been enjoyable. Thought about getting a newer car with better performance and luxury, but decided that this car so perfectly meets my needs, I'm going to drive it into the ground. No major problems (aside from nasty pothole related suspension stuff) and has maintained high 20's combined mileage while remaining fun to drive. Won't win a drag race, but can slalom with many "performance" cars. Definitely recommend upgrading stock rubber to slightly wider, stickier set. On my third set of BFG's 215/45R17 rubber. Great tires for this car.
16 years and counting
Satisfied, 08/25/2018
updated 03/05/2020
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
I purchased my car with 4 miles on it and now am nearing 250,000. Maintenance has been next to nothing. With regular oil changes, check-ups and tires, I would say that I've averaged $300/year maintenance. And, since I paid the car off 12 years ago, this Mazda has been one of the best investments that I have ever made. The last few years have brought wear and tear issues on appearance items such as the paint beginning to fail and the seams of the seats coming apart. It is about time to invest in a new car and with no car payment for the last 10 years I have plenty of money saved to pay cash for the next one!
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Wish I still had it!
Antoinette, 03/16/2016
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
9 of 11 people found this review helpful
I purchased my Mazda in 2014 with 110k miles. She was a one owner car before me and they took very good care of her. I'm sad to say I totaled her at 140k miles. She never broke down on me. I did treat her well and got routine maintenance done. The worst thing about her was the road noise and she was a little bit of a bumpy ride. When the air bag went off it exploded and filled my car with smoke. I hit a car in front of me on highway 405 going about 35 miles per hour. If i had the choice having her back I would.
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Real Zoom Zoom Car
bks, 11/04/2015
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Bought a Canadian Version Debut 2004 In Seattle. Very Peppy. Felt like driving a BMW or something no way like an Average Corolla or Sentra or a Civic. Bought it at 7 years old in 2011 with 116K Kms or 70 K miles approximately. Power steering hose was leaking. Mechanic could not find the spares from Ford. Went on and finally locked up in the middle of lane change. stalled. Replaced a Original OEM PS Pump for 1250. No problems after that. Never changed the Michelin Tires from costco that previous owner had. Struggles while climbing steep uphill. Pickup is awesome, can easily challenge a Dodge or BMW. Interiors are great that money can buy. stereo is superior .
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Best Car I've ever owned
r85david, 09/26/2013
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I have owned my Mazda 3 2.3 Automatic since 2006 at 14,000 miles. It actually has a rebuilt title so it was cheap. I now have 162,000 miles on it!!! original engine, transmission, ETC. Only have done regular maintenance mostly myself. changed oil to synthetic when purchased, change every 5,000 miles. Still running like a Champ! I will drive this car until the wheels literally fall off!! This is also the base model, roll down windows, no cruise control, manual seats ETC, may have something to do with not having any electrical issues at all.
2004 Mazda 2.3 Sedan
duderino66, 01/12/2012
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
I bought my 2004 mazda3 used in 2006 with about 30k miles. Water pump died at 60k, alternator fried at 80k. Transmission crumped at 120k (ouch!). Fun to drive, surprisingly smooth on the highway for a 4-cylinder, and a good looking car inside and out. I'd buy another one, but probably opt for a 5-speed next time.
Great car until the warranty runs out
Barry Rodriguez, 03/28/2015
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
17 of 23 people found this review helpful
I've had my 3 since Dcember of 2003. In 11 years i've put 70,000 miles on it. I've maintained meticulous records of all the service visits and have used only genuine mazda replacement parts. This past year my car has begun to ask for parts. First the tranny started to lock up in 3rd. replaced the speed sensor and ECU. worked fine until last month, now they say i have to replace the tranny all together. She also started to leak gas when filled. Mazda claims it's the pump. research on the net recomend replacement of just the pump cap the are prone to crack. BIG difference i price. Dealer also claims my power stearing hoses are bad and my oul filter is bad. my car has never leaked a drrop .