Sedan Style | Josiah’s MZ3

Since the Mazda 3 was first introduced, it has always been available in both hatchback and sedan variants. The 3rd generation MZ3 continues that tradition with a refined design and styling. While the hatchback version has become the go-to choice for car enthusiasts, the sedan remains a rarer, more unique canvas in the Mazda 3 community. Offering the same styling potential with a sleeker, more understated profile. An example of this can be seen with Josiah Ferraro‘s 2014 Mazda 3 sedan from Seattle, Washington.

Josiah, how did you get into cars? Did you have a different car before having the MZ3?

“I first got into cars from all of the Hot Wheels I was handed down from my brothers and parents growing up. I also really loved the first Cars movie because of the scene with all of the modified cars on the highway. I remember telling myself I wanted to have a car like that one day. Later on, I was told that my grandpa also had an FC RX7 and a Mazda truck, but sold them before I was born. I’m sure he’s partly to blame for my interest in Mazdas, too. Before the Mazda 3, I was driving my dad’s 2007 Nissan Altima. I knew I wanted something of my own to learn a stick shift on, with low insurance cost, and looked nice too, so I went with the Mazda 3.”

Then, what inspired the way you modified and styled the car?

“Originally, I was just going to put my car on coilovers and some nice, cheap wheels. I remember taking off the bumper to fix some wiring, and when I placed it on the ground and took a step back, I imagined what it would look like to have the whole car on the ground like that, and I was hooked. I’ve always been inspired by VIP builds, drift cars, and show cars. I wanted to build a show-worthy car that wouldn’t take away from it being a practical daily driver. After the major mods, I focused on making the car look newer than it really is, so I got a glossy black painted grille, chrome belt moldings, LED headlights and taillights, blacked out headliner and trim pieces, and painted lip kit and fog light bezels. While I looked around online, I found Zolowst and the Mazdas on their team. I really like how they stance anything Mazda. Every car in that group is done so well, and I wanted my car to look like something you’d see parked with them.”

The Work Meisters look so good on this. Would you say this is your dream wheel? Or did you want something else?

“The Work Meisters were definitely my dream wheels, and I’m very grateful to have them on my car! I think the wheels will stay with me longer than the car will. I don’t plan on switching them out anytime soon, but if I do, it will likely be for some rare JDM wheels that I come across.”

So, what would you say is the biggest challenge to the car?

“My biggest challenge with the car is comparing it to my friends’ cars. I often see how much slower it is or how much less attention it gets than theirs. But at the same time, I fuel up way less often than they have to, and I can take it pretty much anywhere with style, too. Thankfully, the car has given me no problems, so the only challenges are really with myself.”

In the sea of Mazda 3 hatchbacks. How does it feel having a more unique variation?

“Originally, I wanted the hatchback myself! However, it is a good feeling deciding to mod something that not many others mod, which was the point of the build in the first place. I’m proud of what I’ve built. I do constantly get people saying they wish it were the hatchback, and that’s okay. I still look up to Kenty and his Mazda 3 sedan and see how long he’s had it, how good it looks, and the car shows he gets into. That lets me know I’m doing something right.”

Anything else you want to share?

“I really enjoy having such a common car. It makes me happy seeing the owners of stock examples of the car look at my car, and sometimes even inspiring them to do the same with theirs. I feel like I could be planting the seed for new car enthusiasts. Also, it is nice being able to find parts everywhere when something does break.”

Any future plans for the car?

“I have a few more things on my to-do list, such as big brake kits for the front and rear and moulding the spoiler into the trunk, but I think I’m going to enjoy the car as it is for now. I have my dream wheels, and now I think I’d like to look for my dream car. I’ve had a few online friends with Mazda 3s sell theirs for S-chassis. I think I will do something similar, just keeping the Mazda as my daily driver.”

Any you want to thank or give a shout out to?

“I want to thank Sean Wilson for helping me get the right specs for my wheels. I randomly hit him up on Instagram, and he asked me what kind of fitment I was looking for and told me what size wheels and tires I should get. Even though I had never met him before, I fully trusted his advice and made one of the most expensive purchases for the car. The wheels fit perfectly and are one of the reasons I smile when I look at my car. I also want to thank my friends who have encouraged me to continue with this car. I’ve learned a lot through the process, and I’m glad I get to enjoy the results with them.”

MODIFICATION LIST:

Exterior
Gloss black grille, chrome belt mouldings from a higher trim model
eBay: turn signals, rear diffuser, reflector lights
Ikon Motorsports: lip kit
CarId: spoiler
Emblems only: black Mazda emblems
USR: taillights
Protuning lab: headlights
Corksport: skidplate
Custom: painted fog light bezels

Interior
Kakkoi krew steering wheel
Team legends shift knob
Hikity stereo
Blacked-out headliner and trim panels
Speaker system

Wheels/Suspension
Work Wheels: Meister S1 3P (18×9.5 +23), lug nuts
Nexen Tires: Nexen N’fera AU7 (215/40)
Megan racing: front camber arms, rear toe arms, rear camber arms
Corksport: sway bar, sway bar endlinks
Pro Import Tuners: Front camber bolts

Engine
Corksport short ram intake
Corksport cat-back exhaust with custom extensions

This 2014 Mazda 3 stands out in a world dominated by hatchbacks. Josiah’s journey of learning and self-expression reminds us that even in a sea of sameness, there’s value in carving your own lane and doing it with style. Thank you, Josiah, for sharing this with us.