[dexter]

i'm looking into picking up a sport hatch of some sort because my other cars are coupes. the mazdaspeed 3 caught my attention, it being very inexpensive, having great reviews, and most importantly its boosted! but the one thing that bothers me is the front wheel drive, however from what i have heard, the torque steer is minimal. so i was wondering if anyone here has had any experience with these cars? Anybody know anything about their reliability? i would love to hear some feedback from some fellow BMW owners. thanks in advance.

[ptack]

It's a fun, but my biggest gripe is that there are very few options available. Mazda definitely does not want the 3 to steal sales away from their other models so they limit the car to a downscale set of finishes and options. I think you'd do better with a Mini.

[BMW_TT]

I think they're a good buy. Good commuter car.

[Couch]

I'm selling my car and will probably end up with a Mazda3 hatch.

I'm a wagon fan myself. I looked at the mini, but the repair costs can get very expensive.

[Lionel Hutz]

Excellent car, but just too much power for FWD. The engine management actually limits torque in 1st (and I think 2nd) gear to significantly less than advertised torque.

[bdkevoIX]

how much do MS3's normally cost used?

[Sniz]

I think it would make a good daily/beater

[gonzo]

Originally Posted by Couch

I'm selling my car and will probably end up with a Mazda3 hatch.

I'm a wagon fan myself. I looked at the mini, but the repair costs can get very expensive.

MINI covers the same maints as BMW. I have had my MCS for almost a year and a half with not one issue. The cargo room with rears down is nice. I drive the crap out of it too. Tough car.

Mazda should be deep discounting while MINI's are tough. I got 500 off and that was it. But their re-sale is just flat out strong. I like that.

[deamon32]

Originally Posted by Zed 2.0

Excellent car, but just too much power for FWD. The engine management actually limits torque in 1st (and I think 2nd) gear to significantly less than advertised torque.

+1

I test drove the mazdaspeed and the previous mazda 3's. They seem like really good quality cars but if I can avoid it I am never buying another FWD car again. Primary reason why I didnt pull the trigger on an A3 and am now driving the 135

[D_o_S]

VW Golf GTI, those are boosted... go for a MKV, with the right mods it will do 600 hp...

[stickypaws]

What about a Volvo C30? Shares the exact same CD-1 platform, but less common on the road. And maybe more Euro-hip as a car. Definitely safer (with WHIPS, etc..)
But not as boy-racer as the Mazda, if that's what you want.

http://autos.nytimes.com/2008/Volvo/...chReviews.aspx

[flyinb501]

Originally Posted by D_o_S

VW Golf GTI, those are boosted... go for a MKV, with the right mods it will do 600 hp...

600 hp???? What mods are you referring to, and why the hell would you want 600 hp with FWD?

[gonzo]

^I read that and scratched my head too.

Spaws; good call on the C30. Less common and the only ONE I have seen on the street looked very nice.

[Couch]

Originally Posted by gonzo

MINI covers the same maints as BMW. I have had my MCS for almost a year and a half with not one issue. The cargo room with rears down is nice. I drive the crap out of it too. Tough car.

Mazda should be deep discounting while MINI's are tough. I got 500 off and that was it. But their re-sale is just flat out strong. I like that.

I know that, and I know they're tough and have a great rep. I was talking out of warranty used cars. In the odd chance something goes wrong.

Still like the mini's though.

Originally Posted by Joey Babs

Going from a 335 to a mazda 3?!?!?!? What made you do that??

haha, my friends all have said the same thing. I'd rather have extra money in the bank and no car note right now.

[11Past9]

You're all wrong.

The Mazdaspeed3 is great on paper, actually not even that great. Mazda has skimped hard on materials and they age very fast. Seemingly solid feel turns into creaks, cracks and squeeks fast.

Ergos:

TERRIBLE. The car makes you feel like you are sitting akwardly forward, almost over the dash like feel.

Clutch:

The worst I have dealt with, it's light and fluffy with a horrible grab point and an all or nothing type of deal which makes traffic a bitch.

Powerband:

SEEMS ok, and then it falls off HARD around 5,000 rpms and you find yourself saying WTF happened.

Handling:

They handle well, and they DO put power down well for FWD

Overall the car does not FEEL solid, the top mount intercooler is inefficient as hell and the car has been known to suffer from heat soak easily.

Transmission:

Gear grinds and transmission problems have been fairly common.

Overall the cars longevity it questionable. There are better options for a fun hatch however I do NOT recommend a C30. They too feel fairly numb and get VERY expensive once you get the options that actually make it look decent. Far too expensive for what it is.

You need one of these! The MS3 does not even compare and it is actually faster than the 2008+ STi. Utility, grip, better sound and though it may not look sexified in stock form that can change fast.

0-60 mph: 4.8 seconds
1/4 mi: 13.5 @ 101 mph
Braking: 113 ft

With Cobb S2 it should be close to 12 second 1/4 times.



and for those who say OMG the tail lights are hideous... that can be fixed quite easily and nicely.

[Epik]

The 3 is a nice choice and for reliability alone I would take it over the GTI, Volvo, and Mini.

The STI is a beast and if you're ok with the look, maybe consider the WRX. It's even more similar to the STI than previous years and the insurance might be a lot less.

[dexter]

i like the subies, but my insurance will be through the roof. also the interior feels way too bland in the wrx even compared to the MS3 IMO. i guess i just need to go test drive it tomorrow and see whats what.

[D_o_S]

Originally Posted by flyinb501

600 hp???? What mods are you referring to, and why the hell would you want 600 hp with FWD?

It was discussed here: http://www.golfmkv.com/forums/, but maybe it was the R32? Well, you can make at least 380 for sure with available mods... I cannot remember the name of the company, if I find it I will post it... there was a vid on youtube...

[DocSean]

I previously owned a MS3 with the CP-E downpipe and intake. The car was an absolute blast! Very fun to drive, extremely practically, and VERY inexpensive. I don't think it can be beat for bang for the buck. I regret selling that one every single day.

As someone previously mentioned, options are nill, and the navigation is the worst I have ever used. Get a grand touring, and just stay away from the nav. You'll be happy, guranteed.

[dexter]

Originally Posted by DocSean

I previously owned a MS3 with the CP-E downpipe and intake. The car was an absolute blast! Very fun to drive, extremely practically, and VERY inexpensive. I don't think it can be beat for bang for the buck. I regret selling that one every single day.

As someone previously mentioned, options are nill, and the navigation is the worst I have ever used. Get a grand touring, and just stay away from the nav. You'll be happy, guranteed.

yeah, i'm looking at used 08-09 GT's only. i could care less about the navi as well. i think it looks terrible. i'm really trying to find an 08.5 because of the interior facelift. have you seen the alcantara inserts on the seats and doors? looks 1,000 times better than the previous material. so you had a downpipe eh? i heard mazda is hardcore about voiding warranties for any aftermarket parts. care to chime in on your experience?

[Sephiroth]

The STI is not particularly expensive to insure, but in ca it might be different. The WRX is quick but the lack of flared fenders, 6mt, dccd, and variable throttle feel is a turn off for me.

[305e92]

Mazda 3 well I think its crap...