Mazda3 2010 purchase advice - thanks!

[writhen510]

Hello everyone, new to the site (for obvious reasons!).

I'm considering picking up a 2010 Mazda3 i Sport M/T with 19K miles, but I've been reading a lot of horror stories about the premature clutch failures. I've also read a bit on these forums about ways to swap out the OEM clutch for something better.

What I'm wondering is, is buying the 2010 worth it despite these clutch problems? I can't get a sense of how common it's really been among this year and whether I should be that concerned. Since you're all experts and enthusiasts, I figured you'd be able to help

Thanks!

[wingzero_]

We've only heard of a handful of clutch failures here. One guy went through 3, clearly at that point it was more than just the clutch, and one member named RCA that had one fail in his daughter's car. And 1 MS3 failure.

So if that is the cross section of the many 2010+ Mz3's sold, I would say you'd be fine.

[Bryce]

I'm at 48,000 miles plus with no clutch issues... not sure how the 2.0 and 2.5l clutches differ, but mine's a 2.5l.
I do however have an occasional grind going into 2nd (usually when I'm driving like an ass)... there's athread about this somewhere also.

[writhen510]

Thanks to you both. I've been interested in the Mazda3 for a long time, and it seems to be a stellar deal. I'm relieved to find out things aren't as bad as those horror stories suggested!

[OrangeVirus1]

you'll be fine , it's about the same if you get a manual car from any manufacture, there will be some cars with issues, but majority are good to go. I have almost 20k miles on my 2011, 2.5 6spd. Zero clutch issues ever.

[Frnchplayr15]

There's many ways of solving the grind issues as well. Im at 64k and clutch still going on strong but every 20k I just add a better transmission oil and the problem goes away!