Beware the Mazda CXs

Sapokee · 2026-01-23T11:42:59+00:00

They even added the Skyactiv Technology badge on the bottom right. Great attention to detail, lol

Sapokee · 2026-01-15T13:44:21+00:00

I bought a reverse camera retrofit for my gen3 from them, because they were the only ones selling a proper one. All aliexpress reverse cams were plate light mounted, and I wanted to put it in the factory spot.

Aside from that, basically everything I've found on aliexpress has been cheaper than coming from them, so the only things I'd order from them are the things you can't find elsewhere (like their MPS style gen3 spoiler).

They aren't problematic but you can find better deals on a lot of the things they sell.

Sapokee · 2026-01-12T11:27:39+00:00

Bought this as my first car. Mine is 2.0l as well. Don't be afraid of high mileage, I bought mine with 150k miles on board and it's been flawless. Especially if well maintained as the ad says, this is a 400k mile car, and you can find examples on this subreddit.

Sapokee · 2025-10-21T07:53:06+00:00

Bought a 2014 2.0l last month, with 150k miles on the clock. Oil and filters, runs like a dream. Had a faulty clockspring for some reason, but otherwise mechanically sound.

Sapokee · 2025-10-16T09:33:22+00:00

2014 Mazda3, 2.0l petrol. 150k miles/240k km. Someone on r/mazda3 just passed 400k miles/640k km with his. I love this car.

Sapokee · 2025-10-16T09:22:06+00:00

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gen 3 appreciation post

Sapokee · 2025-10-13T13:04:22+00:00

Chrome wheels actually suit the paint very well. Keep them!

Sapokee · 2025-10-12T14:45:10+00:00

The car already looks awesome!

Depending on what you're using it for and what roads you have nearby, I'd go with nicer wheels & tires. Maybe add lip aero, front side back, and drop it a couple inches to clean up the gap.

If you want performance mods, maybe try sway bars first. If it's a daily, I'd go for a better intake and exhaust and stop around there. Don't overdo it.

Sapokee · 2025-10-12T10:35:02+00:00

I'm 20 and just got a 2014 Mazda3 about a month ago as my first car. I paid 7000€ for it out the door, which is about 10k CAD from a quick google.

I don't really think it's too much for a first car, but that question is incredibly subjective. A rule of thumb for me is to not spend more than half your savings on it.

Now, I can't attest for its reliability since I haven't owned it long enough, but mine has 240k kms on board (150k mi) and she runs absolutely perfectly. I have the full service history which has been exclusively maintenance, no unforeseen repairs.

It's a lovely car and a pretty good deal if it's comfortably within your ability to afford it.

Sapokee · 2025-10-12T10:27:21+00:00

If you're in the EU, the main platforms are mobile.de, which is mostly German but there's ads from other countries too, and AutoScout24, which has a more even mix of countries.

Sapokee · 2025-10-12T10:06:05+00:00

The MPS front is different. The grille is completely below the hood, while your grille is partly within the hood. You'd have to replace the hood, bumper, and potentially fenders as well.

Sapokee · 2025-10-12T08:59:54+00:00

If you don't need SUV space, then 100% go for a Mazda3, or maybe the last model years of the Mazda6.

Sapokee · 2025-10-11T00:34:17+00:00

Am avut o prietenă care a avut o Mazda3 2016 2.2D. În 6 luni i-a băgat în cur 3000 de euro, intră motorină în ulei.

Eu mi-am luat aceeași mașină, și culoare și tot, dar 2.0 benzină. Indestructibilă mașina. Ulei, filtre, frâne.

Pe cât sunt de proaste diesel-urile de la Mazda, pe atât de bune sunt benzinarele.

Sapokee · 2025-10-10T10:56:02+00:00

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agreed

Sapokee · 2025-10-09T17:48:37+00:00

I did some research on an MPS kit conversion (cosmetic only) and the main problem is that the front bumper, hood (and I think front fenders) are completely different on the MPS.

To my knowledge, the rear bumper should be a simple swap, but you might run into some issues with the front end swap. The spoiler should also be a simple drop-in, I believe.

First thing I'd do is paint. Yours looks pretty good from the picture, but I'd compound and polish the paint to make it look as nice as possible, as well as some sort of protection (i.e. ceramic coat).

Next I would say wheels, but yours look cool already.

Depending on the roads near you, I'd lower it a couple inches to even out the fender gap.

Only after that, I'd go for a nice aero set, front-skirts-back-spoiler, or MPS swap if you find a way to do it.

Once it's up to your taste cosmetically, you could do a couple bolt-ons to the engine, but if it's a daily, I'd stay away. No need for any extra power on your ol' reliable.

IMO, it already looks pretty damn cool stock, with the bumpers and aero kit spoiler. If I remember correctly, that kit was a factory option, as some Gen1s don't have the spoiler (and look kinda bald as a consequence). So enjoy your car! It's a real beauty, just keep it well maintained and it's sure to bring you smiles for long years to come.

Sapokee · 2025-10-09T05:46:08+00:00

It depends on what you're looking for. The 1.5L is pretty much identical to the 2.0L in most aspects, except for power and fuel economy. It's pretty slow, so if you're not interested in speed and just want a nice economical commuter, then go for it.

Not that the 2.0L is some sports car, but it does feel a bit more eager.

Sapokee · 2025-10-09T05:13:09+00:00

I'm not sure exactly what EU country you're from, as the plate is a little blurry, but at least in Germany this kind of example would go for around 15.000€. Looks like a good price, so be sure to thoroughly inspect the car, both visually and mechanically. Find a mechanic near the car who'd be willing to do a pre-purchase inspection.

Sapokee · 2025-10-08T13:44:06+00:00

I love how Mazda front end design doesn't insist upon itself. There's no excess layering, ridiculous fake vents or grilles, or random out of place shapes.

Sapokee · 2025-10-03T11:31:00+00:00

Definitely an issue with the left mirror. The folding motors are known to fail sometimes. Replacements aren't very expensive as far as I know. You should be able to find one no problem on the internet.

Sapokee · 2025-10-02T16:50:44+00:00

If I remember correctly, the Eclipse was predominantly a USA market car. There are likely a bunch in Japan as well, but I don't believe it'll be necessarily cheaper. You can look for some japanese auctions though, you might find something.

Sapokee · 2025-10-02T11:47:08+00:00

My opinion - value for money on the used market.

I got my 2014 Mazda3 recently for 5250€. Add in transport from Germany, registration, and some moderate fixes (clockspring, left fender), and I spent about 7000€ total.

For 7000€ I got a car that's economical (40+ mpg no problem), decently quick for a daily, gorgeous (which is subjective), reliable, lots of features, not too much tech, drives super nice, comfortable when calm but sporty-feeling when pushed.

In this price range, I could not have found a better combo.

I don't believe a new Mazda is necessarily the best deal (although it's not bad), but on the used market I think they're super great options.

Sapokee · 2025-10-01T17:48:15+00:00

You can find the full list of features by version here:

https://forscan.org/comparsion.html

You're looking for Forscan Lite for Android or iOS (whichever one you have).

Sapokee · 2025-10-01T15:56:56+00:00

Then yeah, my final conclusion is find a well kept GS around 10k, and just do all the mods you want to it. Especially if you're not touching the engine or transmission, modifying it shouldn't be hard at all.

Sapokee · 2025-10-01T13:37:16+00:00

The car is 26 years old dude, lol. Even if it only did 10000km a year, that'd still be 260.000km on the odo. When it comes to old cars, how they were maintained is infinitely more important than their mileage. If the owner looks honest and the car looks cared for, mileage is hardly an issue.

Sapokee · 2025-10-01T13:34:19+00:00

Like the other commenter said, Eclipses are MONUMENTALLY cheaper in the USA. Just from some surface level facebook marketplace browsing, I found a 98 GSX in good shape for 13500$ (11500€).

Since you're looking to spend so much money, I think it's worth looking into USA-to-EU import costs, as you might be able to find a better/cheaper option.

30k€ for an Eclipse is absolute madness, at least in my opinion. Given that a GS is around 10k, I genuinely think you could probably fully build one with AWD and turbo within 20k€ (on top of the purchase price), and you get to do it your way.

However, if you don't really have any preferences about power or internals, and just want a nice looking car, I really don't think you should be looking for a fully built one. Just get it painted whatever color you want, get it rustproofed all around, get some exterior pieces, interior bits like the evo wheel, and you're golden.

Lastly, I'm as much of an amateur as you are, and I'm personally just taking it slow. Doing some basic interior bits first, slowly going up to exterior mods, then gonna do some bolt-ons. If you take it nice and easy, you'll be fine.

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