Built with Heart: Ayden’s 2nd Gen MS3

When Mazda launched the second generation Mazdaspeed 3 in 2010, it sharpened everything enthusiasts loved about the original, but now with a visually bolder front with its “smiley” front bumper and hood scoop.  This was the last Mazdaspeed-badged car we ever received, and more than a decade later, fans are still waiting for a true successor. Luckily, we can still enjoy the 2nd gen MS3 today, with passionate owners continuing to modify and make them their own. Today, we have Ayden‘s 2nd generation Mazdaspeed 3 from Seattle, Washington, showing us the love for the 2nd gen MS3 continues.

Ayden, how did you get into cars? What did you have before the MS3?

“When I was little, I always played with Hot Wheels, Monster trucks, and other toy cars. I spent time watching Speed Racer, Herbie, Cars, and any other shows with automobiles. But the biggest thing would be my Dad. He did 20 years of Road Racing with ICSCC and SCCA in the Northwest Pro3 Series and in his 1988 Mitsubishi Starion. I was going to the track before I was even born and continued until my dad retired when I was 2 years old. After that, I got into driving go-karts for a couple of years and went back to the track to watch races with him. Before I purchased the MS3, my mom’s 2005 Mazda 3 hatchback was handed down to me. I drove that car for about 4 years. That was the first time I realized that I truly had something to work on and modify. During that time, I was so inspired and envious of all these YouTube videos and Instagram posts of the Mazdaspeed 3. Being familiar with the platform already, I knew I had to own one.”

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

“I remember seeing my first ‘Show Car’ and ‘Static Car’ in 2021 at Stancewars. Since that day, I knew I wanted to build a car like that. But that was never the original plan with the MS3 until I started seeing posts on Instagram and Facebook with all these MS3s slammed to the ground with camber and flashy wheels. It looked so good, and I realized that style and look were what I was gonna go for. After only owning the car for a year, I got it to a point that I always envisioned and more.”

Having owned the MS3 for a while now, what would you say is the biggest challenge to the car?

“My biggest challenge is definitely trying not to compare myself to all the other MS3s out there. I have seen so many clean builds around, and I really try not to beat myself up and say I wish mine looked like that. But then I look outside and see how far I’ve come, and I am proud of myself. I should be building a car for myself that I think looks awesome. Another thing to add that I think about is if I made the right choice with this car, but then I remember how much I love this car and how I truly would not want it to look any other way.”

Anything else you want to share?

“This car has definitely had some ups and downs with a fair share of issues but that doesn’t stop me from fixing it and getting anxious to get it back on the road as soon as I can. It’s my daily driver, and I wouldn’t want it any other way, as all it brings is smiles. I get excited looking at what I’m going to change and do next.”

Are there any future plans for the car?

“Definitely! The build never stops. I am looking at getting some 3pc wheels soon, an upgraded turbo, an external wastegate, and other engine bay work. Some small interior changes, like a bucket seat, blacked headliner, and trim pieces. Who knows what else along the way.”

Lastly, any you want to thank or give a shout out to?

“I want to thank my Dad. He has pretty much taught me everything I need to know about cars and how to work on them. We both learned more along the way, and it’s something he and I share a big interest in. I would also like to thank some of my Internet homies who have been my biggest help and support throughout my experience with my car. Jerm – (@Kindastatic) and Noah – (@Speed.in.it). They are both my biggest inspirations on how I wanted to build my car; they were super helpful answering any questions and concerns I had with this car along the way, from wheel fitment and size to basic questions like the blow-off valve and exhaust. I’ve also had people hit me up with questions, and I don’t hesitate to help the best I can.“

MODIFICATION LIST:

Engine:
– JBR 3.5 Full Silicone Intake
– JBR FMIC Piping Kit
– JBR Treadstone TR8 Intercooler
– HKS SSQV 4 BOV
– CS HPFP
– CS Engine Cover
– CS Exhaust Manifold Heat Shield
– CS Firewall Heat Shield
– CS Black Valve Cover Hardware
– Custom Yellow Painted Valve Cover
– NGK One Step Colder Plugs
– Tanabe Sustec Strut Tower Bar
– Custom Catless Downpipe
– Custom Duel Straight Pipe to 4” Burnt Tips
– Tuned By Freektune

Suspension:
– Scale Suspension Low Version
– Scale Suspension Front End Links
– Scale Suspension Front Camber Plates
– Scale suspension 14k & 12k Springs
– Massive Speed Camber Arms
– Massive Speed Toe Arms
– Custom 1” Extended Front LCA
– Custom Yellow Painted Calipers
– CS Stainless Steel Braided Brake Lines
– Power Stop K129 Rear Z23 Carbon Fiber Brake Pads with Drilled & Slotted Brake Rotors Front & Back

Wheel & Tire:
– Chrome Gramlights 57dr 18×9.5 +38
– Nitto Neogen 225/40/18

Exterior:
– Paint Matched Bayson R Front Lip
– Paint Matched Bayson R Side Skirts
– Paint Matched Bayson R Diffuser
– Paint Matched Bayson R Wing Extension
– Paint Matched Front Grill
– Paint Matched Fog Light Bezels
– Paint Matched Front Emblem
– Rear Emblem & Rear Badge Delete
– CS Rear Windshield Wiper Delete
– CS Carbon Fiber Hood Scoop
– Carbon Fiber M Style Mirror Caps
– 326 Power License Plate Frame
– Hitman Blue Dice License Plate Bolts

Interior:
– Hitman Brilliant Crystal Clear Shift Knob
– Broadway Rear View Mirror
– P2M Floor Mats
– Carz Deluxe Design Gauge Pods
– CS Boost Gauge
– CS Oil Pressure Gauge
– CS Oil Temp Gauge
– Carbon Fiber Interior Trim
– Eonon Head Unit
– Bracketeer Fire Extinguisher Seat Mount
– M10G Fire Extinguisher
– CS-X3 Air Freshener
– Cobb V3 Accessport

 

Through all the ups and downs, this Mazdaspeed 3 has become more than just a car. It’s a reflection of years of passion, inspiration, and persistence. From childhood days at the track with their dad to late nights learning, wrenching, and chasing the perfect stance, every step has been part of the journey. The challenges of keeping a daily-driven build on the road, resisting the urge to compare to others, and staying true to a personal vision have only made the result that much more rewarding. The build has grown into something to be proud of. Proof that the Mazdaspeed spirit lives on in the hands of those who keep modifying, driving, and making these cars their own. Thank you to Ayden for sharing this with us. And special thanks to Josiah for capturing this.