6 months, 9k+ miles. LONG review.
- Thread starter BillTheCat
- Start date
Silver Ecstasy
Member
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- 11 MS3 Sport
I've been extremely happy with the car! It's rare that I can say that because i've switched cars so often lately.
Everytime i've test drove another car, i'll get back into my MS3 and be extremely happy to be able to drive this thing everyday.
I agree with the ignorant clutch, it's got a mind of it's own sometimes, and the suspension definitely could afford to be a little tighter. But all-in-all, I think it's the best compromise the engineers could come up with.
I'm terrified of lowering the car in Michigan, with potholes galore, horrendous winters and even worse springs (freeway was practically "gravel city", potholes had filled with rain water and rubble was everywhere. I got 4 new chips in the front....) I actually like the stock wheels alot but always look for better improvements if it's cost effective and looks good.
So far, the short shifter, motor mount and (soon to be installed) Forge will be some great compliments to an already fantastic car!
Everytime i've test drove another car, i'll get back into my MS3 and be extremely happy to be able to drive this thing everyday.
I agree with the ignorant clutch, it's got a mind of it's own sometimes, and the suspension definitely could afford to be a little tighter. But all-in-all, I think it's the best compromise the engineers could come up with.
I'm terrified of lowering the car in Michigan, with potholes galore, horrendous winters and even worse springs (freeway was practically "gravel city", potholes had filled with rain water and rubble was everywhere. I got 4 new chips in the front....) I actually like the stock wheels alot but always look for better improvements if it's cost effective and looks good.
So far, the short shifter, motor mount and (soon to be installed) Forge will be some great compliments to an already fantastic car!
It starts on sunday morning right? 1:30 am?
Wow, nice, informative write up that's not just a honeymooner. I'm researching and looking at the MS3, Si, and Cobalt SS. No flames here. I had a little challenge with the clutch and told my friend who had one it was a on/off switch. I've read here that the shifter replacement and engine mount make a huge difference in shifting. He said he got 26mpg, but then admitted right after he sold it that it would backfire and do some weird stuff intermittently.
What changes did they make to the 09's if any? I read where Edmunds said the suspension could use stiffer rebound and spring rates and that Mazda planned to address the issue or suggestion.
What changes did they make to the 09's if any? I read where Edmunds said the suspension could use stiffer rebound and spring rates and that Mazda planned to address the issue or suggestion.
repainted? arent the shinkas the special limited edition glossy/aluminum look ones? While the regular rx-8 rims arent called shinkas they're just regular rx-8 wheels in normal silver color? How come they are being painted?
Saskatchewan17
Member
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- 2008 TR Mazdaspeed 3
BillTheCat
Member
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- 2009 Mazdaspeed3 Sport
I'm not personally aware of the changes made from model year to model year with the MS3. I only started shopping for a new car during the '09 run, so I wasn't tracking such things. I'm sure someone here can answer that, though. Once I get the motor mount & shifter bushings, I'm still torn about whether I should save up for coilovers & sway bars right away or fix the few restrictive parts (CAI, BPV) that Mazda should have done a better job with.
I've had a set of shifter bushings sitting in my bedroom for several months now, and just haven't installed them. Mostly because I am thinking they'll just be a nice complement for when I get the rear motor mount done, which needs to happen soon. The clutch is extremely sensitive, but you get used to it, and after a while, it's no big deal- you just begin to see other cars as being easier to drive. And I like a challenge. (drive2)
The 2010 MS3 addresses those concerns.
detonnation
Member
Very nice review!
Someone else mentioned the rough shifting, I thought it was just me cuz I had a hiatus of about 11 years driving a manual. It is tight and just being aware for a bit it becomes second nature. Sport boxes are always tight... and I guess this one is moreso. And I get sloppy too, and jam it in gear once in a while...
Besides that I get the feeling the car wants to go go go. Except on Long Island there is NO where to go in rush hour traffic! Back roads, like you are where I put it in second & third and feel the gs. I replaced the stereo having just a Sport..., and just picked up a Kenwood excelon Class D amp 120Wx4 which sounds great. The stock speakers were like little pieces of cardboard... Im sure the Bose is better, but prolly worth upgrading.
Anyways a great review!!!!! (bowdown)
Mike
Someone else mentioned the rough shifting, I thought it was just me cuz I had a hiatus of about 11 years driving a manual. It is tight and just being aware for a bit it becomes second nature. Sport boxes are always tight... and I guess this one is moreso. And I get sloppy too, and jam it in gear once in a while...
Besides that I get the feeling the car wants to go go go. Except on Long Island there is NO where to go in rush hour traffic! Back roads, like you are where I put it in second & third and feel the gs. I replaced the stereo having just a Sport..., and just picked up a Kenwood excelon Class D amp 120Wx4 which sounds great. The stock speakers were like little pieces of cardboard... Im sure the Bose is better, but prolly worth upgrading.
Anyways a great review!!!!! (bowdown)
Mike
someone once told me that the rx-8 rims are simply just rx-8 rims, and the term "shinka" refers to the rx-8 rims with a special coating/metallic look and finish to them to look different from the regular ones. So I was curious why someone would want to paint over the limited edition color. Get what I mean?
Unless whoever mentioned that was incorrect and ALL rx-8 rims are called shinka's regardless of the finish
I got my '09 MS3 GT 4/09 and have also enjoyed the heck out of it. Got the short throw shifter and bushing installed and the SU motor mount, nice improvement. On order and waiting for my SW DP and MS3 CAI to arrive. Putting on Cobb springs at the same time.
And I thought I had mod fever with my '08 Corvette!
And I thought I had mod fever with my '08 Corvette!
Fazzster2
Member
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- 2022 Miata GT
We must be brothers... I traded my 2005 MCS for an 09 Metro Grey Speed3. I have had the car now for 5 months and have put on 15k miles. The clutch was trickey at first but I mastered buttery smooth shifting in this car by pausing a second between gears for upshifts and rev matching for downshifts. The Mini's clutch was typical German heavy and very forgiving. The Speed3 just needs more finesse........So do I miss the Mini? Yes in the sense I miss the "feel" of a German engineered car. I miss the heavy doors and substantial feel of the construction. With any Japanese car you get the sense it was put together by robots while with German cars you have the sense of human craftsmanship..... I miss the aesthetics of the Mini. The Mazda is pretty but it can get boring to look at......I find the build quality of my Speed a little lacking. The windshield rattle is annoying and I here strange sounds from the suspension from time to time. I have had 2 CELs (misfires) but so far it has been reliable. I plan on keeping the motor stock but will replace the struts/shocks in the spring with the Koni FSDs and may add a set of Eibach springs.......Overall I am happy with the Speed3. It is a great combination of speed, handling and everyday driveability. I am glad I got the last of the 1st gen because the 2010 is just ugly inside and out.......I am pretty sure my next car will be a MKVI VW GTI or a Golf TDI. I will especially go the TDI route if VW brings over the GTD. If Mazda re-freshes the Speed3 in 3 years I will reconsider or if the next gen RX8 achieves better MPG and reliabilty I will take a look at that as well.
BillTheCat
Member
- :
- 2009 Mazdaspeed3 Sport
I may have just been lucky, but the build quality on my MS3 has been rock solid. No windshield rattles, no exhaust rattles, no strange suspension noises, no CEL's. I did have to have my gas tank filler neck replaced due to improperly formed threads that made the cap stick, but that was it.
I actually like the MS3 interior better than the MINI. I liked the MINI, too, but all those silver painted accents, plus the pie plate speedo made it a little comical. (The 2nd Gen interior makes me puke) I think the Mazda's interior design is much more refined. The more heavy, solid feel of the MINI doors is very nice, though.
I've made a couple of minor mods to the engine, but won't go for anything serious. Like you, I see stiffening up the suspension as my priority. The Koni/Eibach combo seems very appealing to me also.
Haven't given much thought to the "next ride" yet, but I keep hoping that Toyota will bring back the Supra. There's always a rumor floating around about that, too, but they enver come to fruition. If no Supra arrives by the time I'm ready to move on, I might look towards something AWD like the GTI-R, Evo, or WRX. Or I might think RWD- Z car in particular. Love the look of the RX-8, but can't get past the long term reliability issues inherent with rotary engines.
I actually like the MS3 interior better than the MINI. I liked the MINI, too, but all those silver painted accents, plus the pie plate speedo made it a little comical. (The 2nd Gen interior makes me puke) I think the Mazda's interior design is much more refined. The more heavy, solid feel of the MINI doors is very nice, though.
I've made a couple of minor mods to the engine, but won't go for anything serious. Like you, I see stiffening up the suspension as my priority. The Koni/Eibach combo seems very appealing to me also.
Haven't given much thought to the "next ride" yet, but I keep hoping that Toyota will bring back the Supra. There's always a rumor floating around about that, too, but they enver come to fruition. If no Supra arrives by the time I'm ready to move on, I might look towards something AWD like the GTI-R, Evo, or WRX. Or I might think RWD- Z car in particular. Love the look of the RX-8, but can't get past the long term reliability issues inherent with rotary engines.
Toyota has this in the works, but no mention of forced induction.
www.autoweek.com/article/20091006/TOKYO/910069998
Fazzster2
Member
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- 2022 Miata GT
I had 2 WRX's (03 and an 07), though very good cars, Subaru can't match the "connected" feel that Mazda is so very good at. However, AWD in the snow is amazing in a WRX. Never had I had the feeling of complete control. The balance is perfect and I can see why they make such a great rally car. I agree on the new Mini's interior design inducing nausea. The "fishbowl" is just too big. I had the chrono package in my Mini so the speedo and tach were on the steering wheel. I am a sucker for "retro" so the 1st gen Mini interior appealed to me. Speaking of, I would not mind having a new Fiat 500 Abarth in the garage for a 2nd car. Fiat has done "retro" right with this car.......yeah the Rotary scares me too in terms of longevity. I do 35k a year so I need a motor to last......anyway, Good luck with the Speed. We should keep in touch and see how the car does as the miles pile on....
It probably won't be until late next year before we see if the lubricating improvements Mazda made to the Renesis were adequate. By then, people who bought 2009's will have had them 2 years and some reports of engines dying should show up. I don't miss the RX8's fuel economy, but I sure do miss the smoothness of that engine.
I sat in a 2010 GTI this morning while I was getting my oil changed. Damn, the solid feel of a VW's interior is so addicting! It felt like 2004 all over again, when I sat in my Golf TDI for the first time. The door was heavy and closed with a commanding "thunk." Everything felt solid and upscale and the ergonomics were nearly perfect. Heh, then I realized, "kinda like my car," and I suddenly felt no regrets for not waiting. I know I could love the GTI, but I don't think I could love it any more than I do the Speed3. And sticker shock on the GTI is a bit much too.
I sat in a 2010 GTI this morning while I was getting my oil changed. Damn, the solid feel of a VW's interior is so addicting! It felt like 2004 all over again, when I sat in my Golf TDI for the first time. The door was heavy and closed with a commanding "thunk." Everything felt solid and upscale and the ergonomics were nearly perfect. Heh, then I realized, "kinda like my car," and I suddenly felt no regrets for not waiting. I know I could love the GTI, but I don't think I could love it any more than I do the Speed3. And sticker shock on the GTI is a bit much too.
BillTheCat
Member
- :
- 2009 Mazdaspeed3 Sport
Yep, I read about that a while back. Latest in a long line of possible/supposed Supra successors which never actually got built. (Although signs are saying this one will actually go to production) But I haven't seen any hp/tq numbers anywhere. If it's the same boxer engine from the WRX, and the car is lightweight enough, it might be fun to drive. And that pic does make it look fairly attractive, aesthetically.
Some would argue that any Supra successor must be a RWD 6 cylinder, 6-speed. I would only argue that it needs to be pretty darned fast off the line & feel solid. And I'd stick with RWD. But losing 2 cylinders isn't necessarily blasphemy.
About danged time Toyota gave us a decent sporty car again. Can't believe it's taking so long.
