My father had a 2003 or maybe 4 I can't remember anymore Mazda 3 hatchback with a 5sp manual and the 2.3L engine. It was bay far and away a fantastic little car. He sold it at 113,000 miles having performed the following work.
First set of rear brakes were worn to metal at 24,000 miles. Replaced with parts store one step down from premium pads on original rotors.
OE Goodyear RSA tires were worn to the tread wear indicators at 26,000 miles, replaced with Sumitomo HTR ZII directional tires.
Air filter replaced, 76,000 miles, still looked great but replaced anyway due to age.
Sumitomo tires replaced due to cupping causing annoying levels of noise at 85,000 miles, replaced with non directional and asymmetrical Sumitomo HTR ZIII tires.
Drivers side rear brake caliper piston leak, replaced with salvage yard caliper from totaled car. 88,000 miles.
Original battery replaced with Costco battery. 93,000 miles.
Spark plugs replaced due to high rpm misfire. 95,000 miles.
Rear brakes worn to service limit, warranty replacement of parts store pads, free. 97,000 miles.
Replaced all 4 Struts due to leaking front strut and terrible ride due to loss of fluid. 101,000 miles. (Car was driven on Detroit roads, amazing the struts lasted this long to be honest)
Front rotors have rust causing braking noise, rust seems to be coming from the inside vents out to the braking surface. Replaced front rotors, pads still had >65% material remaining but we're not re usable due to wear from rust on the OE rotors. Replaced with parts store rotors and middle of the road pads. 103,000 miles.
113,000 miles, car sold, no longer needed as he purchased a Diesel Ram to tow his trailer. Oil and filter serviced every 6,000 miles with M1 5w20 and a Purolator Pure 1 cartridge filter.
I have to say, although I'm a Toyota guy through and through, this was really a fantastic little car for him. The few UOA he did came back dauntless. I promise he'd definitely buy another. It was a lot of fun to drive and had excellent fuel economy.
