2004 Mazda 3s, 118,000 miles?

[Tundraz]

My Mazda 3s will turn 5 years old in November, she has on 118.000 miles 50/50 highway local, So far i have only done oil changes, filter changes , she's on her second set of tires and second set of brakes, What can i expect now , what usually go bad on these Mazdas? Alternator? Water Pump? It is a Chain car so i'm not worried about the timing chain as yet.
I bought this car new out of the dealer's show room, she rides as firm and solid as the day i took her home , if i'm not careful she will climb up to the maximum speed of 140 mph in no time.
But i'm worried about what to expect , now that my wife have convinced me to keep her (the car) for a few more years.
For her birthday i plan to give her a K&N filter, will that do anything, ?
This is my first Mazda so i dont know what to expect.
She has been treated with Mobil 1 10w30 from day one.Did that Help.

Thanks, Tundras

 

[tom slick]

Spark plugs and struts are the only things I can think of. Nothing other than typical maintenance items have gone bad on my Protege5 over the last 150k miles.

 

[Tundraz]

Oh yeah, i forgot to mention , she's on her second set of Plugs, the OEM Ngk's lasted 100,000 miles.

Thanks, Tundraz

 

[HTSS_TR]

All new fluids such as transmission, coolant, brake, power steering ... and detail inside and good wax on the outside. No, if engine air filter is needed to be replace, don't use K&N use either OEM paper filter or AFE Pro-Dry. Also, you may need to change cabin air filter if you did not do so the last 5-6 years.

 

[Quest]

regular maintenance stuff is what you should focus on:

-brake pads, rotors, spark plugs, air and oil filters, cabin air filter(if applicable), struts/shocks, break/parking light bulbs, headlight bulbs, occasional wash/spray to restore PCV valve functionality, wiper blades, gas filter (if applicable), alternator and accessory belts, transmission fluid/gear oil change, brake fluid flush, power steering fluid flush, etc.

 

[Tundraz]

Yes, i'll be changing the manual transmission gear oil this weekend, and next i'll change the coolant it has never been changed, brake res were just filled with fresh brake fluid, the cabin air filter needs changing, i;ll do that too. According to the manual the power steering fluid should not be changed but i find a way to siphon off the old fluid and put in some fresh one, also the manual states that the gas filter is a "non serviceable part" i guess that means it does not have to be changed.
Its got new Goodyear RSA tires on .
I were mostly concerned about the big items going bad, but i guess she's in pretty good shape.

Tundraz

 

[jorton]

Rubber vacuum hoses. Especially egr and hoses associated with pcv. Check for corrosion on battery cables and chasis ground stud.

 

[bustednutz]

Careful of changing the Cabin air filter yourself. Its a real Pain in the Butt. There are some other mazda car forums that have a write up about changing it out.
I'd detail it really good. Change the coolant, Air filter, test the battery, make sure the spare tire still holds air, change the oil & filter. Etc....Just routine stuff.

 

[rpn453]

Originally Posted By: Tundraz
For her birthday i plan to give her a K&N filter, will that do anything, ?


I'd consider that a punishment, not a gift! I prefer a paper filter.

Have you changed the coolant and brake fluid? Redline MT-90 is a good option for the transmission.

The alternator and water pump will likely give you some notice before they go. How's the belt doing?

The in-tank fuel filter wouldn't be worth the effort to change. Wait until it clogs up or the fuel pump fails.

The front motor mount is the most common failure item on these cars. Feel underneath for oiliness or tears in the rubber. If it's damaged, your engine is probably flopping around even more than it should be. It's relatively inexpensive and easy to replace, and aftermarket options are available. If you don't mind some extra vibrations at low speeds and when starting out, your car will drive much better with a stiffer transmission mount as well, and the extra stiffness will reduce failures of the front engine mount. A conservative driver would not benefit from that change though, and probably wouldn't like the extra vibrations.

I expect my Mazda3 to last at least another decade!

 

[brandini]

Do the fuel filter just in case, it's preventative maintenance for a reason!

 

[bdcardinal]

Originally Posted By: brandini
Do the fuel filter just in case, it's preventative maintenance for a reason!


not applicable on this application. the filter in the tank is a sock over the pickup.

 

[Leo]

My 2.3L 3 has just clicked over 100,000 miles. Unfortunately the shocks are worn out completely. Kind of surprising actually. Other than that, just regular maintenance items is all it needs! Here in Australia we do have an external fuel filter, despite what the FSM states. Its just behind the rear right tyre. Very easy to spot.