Thinking of a Mazdaspeed 3
10-14-2009, 08:50 AM
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Thinking of a Mazdaspeed 3
Not sure if this is the proper forum to discus this-mods feel free to move it
My 04 TL has 91000 miles on it and will need a timing belt and eventually a clutch. These are expensive items that if I have done will make me keep the car for a long time to justify the cost. My leather is worn, some of the trim inside my car is beat up, and my front bumper needs a repaint. Those are the only real problems with my car. The 4g TL is repulsive, big, heavy and expensive, so that is out for me. If Acura made the CL again with a 6 speed I would be all over that
My friend has a MS3 (last generation) and I think it's a great car for the money. They respond well to mods, and the hatchback will come in handy for me. I like the new one a lot, and supposedly it is even better than the last generation.
I really like my TL and it is the best car I have ever owned, but I want something different.
What do you guys think? (dont abuse me too bad
)
My 04 TL has 91000 miles on it and will need a timing belt and eventually a clutch. These are expensive items that if I have done will make me keep the car for a long time to justify the cost. My leather is worn, some of the trim inside my car is beat up, and my front bumper needs a repaint. Those are the only real problems with my car. The 4g TL is repulsive, big, heavy and expensive, so that is out for me. If Acura made the CL again with a 6 speed I would be all over that
My friend has a MS3 (last generation) and I think it's a great car for the money. They respond well to mods, and the hatchback will come in handy for me. I like the new one a lot, and supposedly it is even better than the last generation.
I really like my TL and it is the best car I have ever owned, but I want something different.
What do you guys think? (dont abuse me too bad
)
10-14-2009, 09:08 AM
#3
if youre ready for a huge downgrade then go right ahead and get it. but u will miss the leather, the navi, the compliments, the looks, the comfort, the bluetooth, HFL, Ride quality, exhaust tone, smoothness of a v6.
but hey! it responds well to mods!
8@
but hey! it responds well to mods!
8@
10-14-2009, 10:32 AM
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The Mazda wouldn't be a bad choice for a next car. The new one is pretty refined and the regular Mazda3 GT has a lot of features the TL has (push button start leather navi bluetooth MP3 player compatibility etc etc). Hatches are always nice too.
Don't worry too much about it being a "downgrade" if that is the car you want. The depreciation will probably be better with the Mazda anyway.
Another option would be the A3 but I'm not sure if it's as reliable as your TL or the Mazda3.
Don't worry too much about it being a "downgrade" if that is the car you want. The depreciation will probably be better with the Mazda anyway.
Another option would be the A3 but I'm not sure if it's as reliable as your TL or the Mazda3.
Last edited by (Cj); 10-14-2009 at 10:36 AM.
10-14-2009, 10:32 AM
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The Mazda wouldn't be a bad choice for a next car. The new one is pretty refined and the regular Mazda3 GT has a lot of features the TL has (push button start leather navi bluetooth MP3 player compatibility etc etc). Hatches are always nice too.
Don't worry too much about it being a "downgrade" if that is the car you want. The depreciation will probably be better with the Mazda anyway.
Another option would be the A3 but I'm not sure if it's as reliable as your TL or the Mazda3.
Don't worry too much about it being a "downgrade" if that is the car you want. The depreciation will probably be better with the Mazda anyway.
Another option would be the A3 but I'm not sure if it's as reliable as your TL or the Mazda3.
Last edited by (Cj); 10-14-2009 at 10:36 AM.
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10-14-2009, 12:26 PM
#9
Porkchop Sandwiches!
I test drove the Mazda 3 and HATED it. Going from a 02 TL-S it was pure rubbish. Incredibly cheap interior feel. Shitty ass fake leather on the seats. Road noise galore. The clutch is very fussy and the torque steer is also a big pain in the ass.
For that money I'd got for the GTI. Call me biased but it has much better road demeanor and also a higher quality interior. For about the same price.
For that money I'd got for the GTI. Call me biased but it has much better road demeanor and also a higher quality interior. For about the same price.
10-14-2009, 02:17 PM
#12
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
You will be surprised how smooth the power delivery of this generation MS3.
Plus, all those things you've listed, I can confidently say that my 2010 Mazdaspeed3 has all of this. You can check out the features.
I just traded-in my modified 2005 Acura TL for 2010 Mazdaspeed3.
Hell, my MS3 has more cargo volume than TL. (TL's rear seats don't fold down...)
10-14-2009, 02:25 PM
#13
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
Plus, fully-loaded with navi, keyless entry/ignition, and bose sound system MS3, OP can probably get it for $24000. (MSRP is like $24500)
I saw the new GTI MKVi at the dealership last week, fully-loaded with navi one is stickered at $28500...
Don't know why some people think they are in the same price range. Both are great vehicles I'm sure because I've driven my friend GTI MKV several times and it felt fantastic.
If you are a person who likes the german engineering and handling, you should go for GTI for sure. However, if you prefer the feeling of japanese pocket rockets, you should definitely go for the new MS3.
My
I saw the new GTI MKVi at the dealership last week, fully-loaded with navi one is stickered at $28500...
Don't know why some people think they are in the same price range. Both are great vehicles I'm sure because I've driven my friend GTI MKV several times and it felt fantastic.
If you are a person who likes the german engineering and handling, you should go for GTI for sure. However, if you prefer the feeling of japanese pocket rockets, you should definitely go for the new MS3.
My
10-14-2009, 04:08 PM
#16
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Have you sat in one? Have you test driven one? The 2nd generation Mazdaspeed3 has been vastly improved in the refinement department. The acceleration was never an issue for the 1st gen MS3, so Mazda basically untouched the engine. However, Mazda did made 2nd-5th gears taller to power delivery much more smooth and linear.
You will be surprised how smooth the power delivery of this generation MS3.
Plus, all those things you've listed, I can confidently say that my 2010 Mazdaspeed3 has all of this. You can check out the features.
I just traded-in my modified 2005 Acura TL for 2010 Mazdaspeed3.
Hell, my MS3 has more cargo volume than TL. (TL's rear seats don't fold down...)
You will be surprised how smooth the power delivery of this generation MS3.
Plus, all those things you've listed, I can confidently say that my 2010 Mazdaspeed3 has all of this. You can check out the features.
I just traded-in my modified 2005 Acura TL for 2010 Mazdaspeed3.
Hell, my MS3 has more cargo volume than TL. (TL's rear seats don't fold down...)
10-14-2009, 04:51 PM
#17
Fahrvergnügen'd
I'd look used at a 2008 R32.
Yeah I know some DSGs have issues but 250hp, AWD, German design ... Mmm ...
I love the MS3 and would buy another one if it weren't FWD.
Yeah I know some DSGs have issues but 250hp, AWD, German design ... Mmm ...
I love the MS3 and would buy another one if it weren't FWD.
10-14-2009, 07:14 PM
#18
Suzuka Master
No matter what don't even attempt more boost if you get that car. The compression ratio is way too high and the internals won't handle it. I've heard lots of horror stories about that motor when modded, it's just too strung out for it's own good even though there is a bit of an aftermarket for it.
10-14-2009, 10:14 PM
#20
Have you sat in one? Have you test driven one? The 2nd generation Mazdaspeed3 has been vastly improved in the refinement department. The acceleration was never an issue for the 1st gen MS3, so Mazda basically untouched the engine. However, Mazda did made 2nd-5th gears taller to power delivery much more smooth and linear.
You will be surprised how smooth the power delivery of this generation MS3.
Plus, all those things you've listed, I can confidently say that my 2010 Mazdaspeed3 has all of this. You can check out the features.
I just traded-in my modified 2005 Acura TL for 2010 Mazdaspeed3.
Hell, my MS3 has more cargo volume than TL. (TL's rear seats don't fold down...)
You will be surprised how smooth the power delivery of this generation MS3.
Plus, all those things you've listed, I can confidently say that my 2010 Mazdaspeed3 has all of this. You can check out the features.
I just traded-in my modified 2005 Acura TL for 2010 Mazdaspeed3.
Hell, my MS3 has more cargo volume than TL. (TL's rear seats don't fold down...)
10-14-2009, 10:34 PM
#21
Racer
I have never owned a Mazdaspeed 3 but I did own a 2004 Mazda 3S. I'll say this, the car was a hoot to drive. The thing was wheels on rails. So I would think the speed3 would be that much more fun to drive also.
I'll say this though, after owning it for a couple of years I got tired of the fit and finish of the car. The brakes started squealing in the cold, the AC needed some special swiss cheese looking plastic installed because the factory AC took forever to cool the car. I had the fully loaded one with Navi and leather, the black leather started fading fast and the buttons on the steering wheel started to peel/fade.
I know their 1G Mazda3 QA was non-existent. But honestly, I don't know about the new ones, I have never looked back after trading it in at 18K miles.
Suffice to say you know what I would buy from the choice you gave us.
I'll say this though, after owning it for a couple of years I got tired of the fit and finish of the car. The brakes started squealing in the cold, the AC needed some special swiss cheese looking plastic installed because the factory AC took forever to cool the car. I had the fully loaded one with Navi and leather, the black leather started fading fast and the buttons on the steering wheel started to peel/fade.
I know their 1G Mazda3 QA was non-existent. But honestly, I don't know about the new ones, I have never looked back after trading it in at 18K miles.
Suffice to say you know what I would buy from the choice you gave us.
10-15-2009, 12:35 PM
#23
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
OP, if you really want it, do it. You won't regret it.
I just went through the same process and love everything about it.
Good luck.
I just went through the same process and love everything about it.
Good luck.
10-15-2009, 01:40 PM
#24
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I don't drag race anymore (I had a Ram Air Formula Firebird with a ton of mods and a 150 shot, my days of breaking shit and having it cost me a ton of money are over), but I do get on it from a roll now and then. The MS3 I drove has an intake only, and it felt really quick in any gear and rpm, and it also made some cool noise. I was also impressed with how it handled. I have yet to test drive the new one, but I hear it is even better. I don't mind a few rattles and road or wind noise, my TL creaks and rattles almost as much as my Formula did.
I just turn up the radio. I like the idea of a hatch back also because I travel to a lot of races and I need the room. I also like the fact that the MS3 is a lot of car for the money. People talk about the fwd torque steer, but the TL I have has plenty of it. I have learned to anticipate it, and to me it is no big deal. Thanks everyone for the advice. I will probably be getting one in the next few months and I will post pics when I do.
10-15-2009, 02:53 PM
#26
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
Here's my thread with the 2010 Mazdaspeed3. You can check out some real pictures in page 4 and 5! I just installed HID kits on it.. still under the break-in period (600 miles) so..
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...=740691&page=5
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...=740691&page=5
10-15-2009, 04:24 PM
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I test drove the Mazda 3 and HATED it. Going from a 02 TL-S it was pure rubbish. Incredibly cheap interior feel. Shitty ass fake leather on the seats. Road noise galore. The clutch is very fussy and the torque steer is also a big pain in the ass.
For that money I'd got for the GTI. Call me biased but it has much better road demeanor and also a higher quality interior. For about the same price.
For that money I'd got for the GTI. Call me biased but it has much better road demeanor and also a higher quality interior. For about the same price.
Torque steer is to be expected with a lil hatch that puts down more TQ than a 370 Z. It's got damn near 30 lbs-ft at low rpm's more than a 08' TL-S 6spd.
10-15-2009, 04:41 PM
#29
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
Mine starts to pull HARD from 3000 rpm... It's just so much torque on tap.
10-16-2009, 12:15 AM
#31
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
^ No doubt! but it's like $40K!
WRX on the other hand is a great buy.
WRX on the other hand is a great buy.
10-16-2009, 05:43 AM
#32
Someday, an RS6 Avant+
OP: It all depends on what you want. Based on your price range with the MS3, I say this:
Think WRX or Evo if you want a small car with a lot of speed potential (they both can be modded for some serious HP). Getting them a year or two old means a reasonable price.
For a more reasonable shift from the TL, the Legacy GT and the Mazadaspeed6 Are AWD and nice 4 door cars for carrying 4 people (I don't recommend 5). The luxury level is not the same as the TL, but it's not like an econo-car interior.
For the more practical, the MS3, WRX, Golf R32 offer a combination of sport and practicality.
They're all good cars.
Think WRX or Evo if you want a small car with a lot of speed potential (they both can be modded for some serious HP). Getting them a year or two old means a reasonable price.
For a more reasonable shift from the TL, the Legacy GT and the Mazadaspeed6 Are AWD and nice 4 door cars for carrying 4 people (I don't recommend 5). The luxury level is not the same as the TL, but it's not like an econo-car interior.
For the more practical, the MS3, WRX, Golf R32 offer a combination of sport and practicality.
They're all good cars.
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