Ugly 2010 killed my plan to trade on a new MS3: Where to spend my money now?

[Silver Ecstasy]

You guys really shouldn't be crucifying him because he's been having issues. Just because we're on this forum, doesn't mean we all have the best days, and never have a single frustrating moment with our cars.

He's simply talking about it (Both OP and /// M). Let them speak their minds, and we can try to help. But it is what it is, if he's looking for something else. You can't fault him for trying the MS3. It's a free ******* country.

We are humans, not fan boys.

 

[Saskatchewan17]

I just don't appreciate the tone ///M takes with the MS3, as if he dreads driving it and it pales in comparison to everything else he has owned. Not saying that is true, it's just what it comes off to be. I absolutely don't fault him for trying the MS3. And I am not a Mazda fanboy... If anything I am more partial to Nissans than Mazdas. But like I said, it is one thing to try a car, not like it and move on... and another to try it, not like it, 'bash' it, and still not sell it. That would be like me buying a Yaris and going on a Yaris forum and just saying how the Yaris pales in comparision to my MS3 in every respect and how many problems the Yaris has and whatnot. Can you imagine how pissed those Yaris owners would be with me? That's how I feel now. Not a completely fair analogy, but in the same ballpark.

 

[MSP300]

Not to be a downer, but the Cobalt SS/TC. Outperforms the MS3 and it comes in cheaper. Not saying that I'd every buy one...

i wouldn't really say that its cheaper, last time i checked it was around 24,000$,
i got my ms3 for 21,500$(brand new), it looks better and it has more space which is very useful for a daily driver

as far as performance goes cobalt might be little faster than ms3 in straight line because its lighter (even tho i haven't seen one beating ms3 yet) but im sure that ms3 has better handling

 

[Silver Ecstasy]

I just don't appreciate the tone ///M takes with the MS3, as if he dreads driving it and it pales in comparison to everything else he has owned. Not saying that is true, it's just what it comes off to be. I absolutely don't fault him for trying the MS3. And I am not a Mazda fanboy... If anything I am more partial to Nissans than Mazdas. But like I said, it is one thing to try a car, not like it and move on... and another to try it, not like it, 'bash' it, and still not sell it. That would be like me buying a Yaris and going on a Yaris forum and just saying how the Yaris pales in comparision to my MS3 in every respect and how many problems the Yaris has and whatnot. Can you imagine how pissed those Yaris owners would be with me? That's how I feel now. Not a completely fair analogy, but in the same ballpark.

Understood, but how he feels has nothing to do with the fact we still get in our cars, turn the keys, and have a blast.

I'd imagine, by being able to talk with us about it, he'll be able to sort it out better now. That doesn't make him a bad guy, nor the MS3 a bad car. Just a bad fit for his needs. As it was mentioned, cars are horrible investments, so all /// M can do now is, either suck up the loss and trade, or suck up the flaws and attempt to enjoy the car for what it is.

Then again, put yourself in his shoes, he's been high performance driving for 14 years. I'd be pretty damn critical of everything I drive too! Especially when i'd be used to driving high performance cars at 9/10's a lot of the time! It's almost like leasing very expensive cars. You set yourself up for nothing but the best!

 

[gonerogue]

i wouldn't really say that its cheaper, last time i checked it was around 24,000$,
i got my ms3 for 21,500$(brand new), it looks better and it has more space which is very useful for a daily driver

as far as performance goes cobalt might be little faster than ms3 in straight line because its lighter (even tho i haven't seen one beating ms3 yet) but im sure that ms3 has better handling

My bad, the Cobalt SS/TC is now slightly more expensive than the MS3 at MSRP (used to be $22k or so). However, the Cobalt SS/TC coupe beats the MS3 in every performance category, including handling (being a 300lbs lighter than the current gen MS3 helps here). For example, the Cobalt was about 3 seconds faster than the MS3 in Motor Trends lightning lap around VIR and it's faster around the 'Ring.

I completely agree that the Cobalt coupe is ugly, less functional, and I'd never own one. However, it handily outperforms the MS3 for about the same price.

 

[I`m Batman]

I'm not being a fan boy (I'm not even a Mazda fan) but I just don't like how he mistreat the car and when something goes wrong, he blames the car for it. I'm a car person, I love cars, I believe that each car has a personallity and have a soul. If you treat it right and respect it, it will treat you right. If you mistreat it and not care for it, it will mistreat you. I've never had any issues with any of my cars, no matter what brand it is. (Especially breaking a strut driving on the streets)

I guess we live in that kind of society... you can go buy a nice hot coffee then spill it on yourself but it's the people that made the coffee's fault for making it too hot and not because YOU spilled it on yourself. Or you blame McDonalds becuase you're fat and not because YOU're the one that CHOOSES to eat there everyday. It's everybody elses fault but your own. It's never YOUR fault.

My point is that you shouldn't complain if your car breaks because you are doing something that it wasn't designed to do. It's like buying a Ferrari and take it offroading and complain that something broke... Or driving a Formula 1 car on the streets in traffic and you complain because it overheated... poor design huh?

 

[LovinMyMS3]

Of course any car I get will need repairs and other consumables, but why should I invest more money in a car that I don't like?

Then quit complaining that you have to do it. Do you whine as much when you have to replace things on your other cars?

Wow, you've got me there; I've only been an HPDE instructor for going on 14 years, and I've also managed to pick up a few autocross trophies as well. Pretty darn good for an "involved troll", huh?
And anyway, doesn't your keyboard have a "Page Down" key?

I love making instructors look dumb on the track. So being an instructor means you're not a troll? You evidently have no idea what the term implies.

It must be sooo freaking cool to be you. I'm envious...(bowdown)

You should be, now go troll a BMW forum.

 

[///M Compact]

Then quit complaining that you have to do it. Do you whine as much when you have to replace things on your other cars?

Try reading for comprehension; life will go much smoother. I wasn't complaining about the car needing repair; I was simply saying that it would be better for me to spend that money on a car that I would enjoy.

I love making instructors look dumb on the track. So being an instructor means you're not a troll? You evidently have no idea what the term implies.

A true automotive renaissance man. I am simply in awe...

 

[kneedragger241]

Well, this has been interesting!

When I sit down and think about it, I chose the right car.
I wanted the little Mazda wagon back in the Protege5 days, then I wanted it even more when the Mazda3 wagon came out. When it was finally time to dump my SUV (I didn't need to tow a trailer anymore) I went looking for a Mazda3 wagon and stumbled on my Mazdaspeed3. It was love at first sight and the deal was sealed at the end of the test drive.

I've got the right combination of fun and practicality at a great price point in my driveway right now, so I'll keep it a while longer and start renting a car for my business trips so I can slow down the accumulating mileage.

I really do love my car enough to buy another one which is why I had my heart set on the 2010 when the early spy shots were released. The improvements that Bill the Cat mentioned are very enticing, but I think I'll give Mazda another year or two to rectify their aesthetic faux pas.

PS: I'm an ex-instructor-racer-trackday god and the owner of ridiculous amounts of trophies. I've driven Ferraris, Porsches and a Lotus, and I love my Mazdaspeed3!

 

[Silver Ecstasy]

Knee - my fairest suggestion would be to atleast test drive the 2010. But if I were in your shoes, i'd ultimately wait until atleast they offer a Grand Touring option for the MS3 (like mine is now). I am NOT a fan of the throw-up, lava lamp explosion red seats. And interior stuff bothers me big time, as you spend the most time INSIDE the car. However, everything else was great about the car. The drive, the trans, the suspension, everything is better. Infact, I wouldn't mod the 2010 if I got it.

 

[///M Compact]

Silver Ecstasy;

Thanks for your insight and suggestions. They are appreciated.

 

[Silver Ecstasy]

Silver Ecstasy;

Thanks for your insight and suggestions. They are appreciated.

Your welcome! Friends who know me know that I'm real particular, and I can typically see/feel things on the car that others don't (I don't know if that's a good/bad thing). But I definitely felt like the 2010 is a stronger and more confidence-inspiring car.

I would say if you really wanted to keep the MS3, you should start reading up on suspension and tire upgrades. A set of MAZDASPEED coilovers, along with 225/40 tread, some Cobb F/R sways and you'd have a track monster. There's a local Mazda dealer where they autox their dealer 07 MS3. They fit 315 series Enkei RPF1's on the front end!!!! The car is an absolute monster and they have a ton of fun with it on the track. Here's some vids:

http://vimeo.com/7017008

<object width="400" height="225"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=7017008&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=7017008&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="225"></embed></object><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/7017008">Kyle CCM</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user556587">Mazda Speed</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>

 

[stageup]

you guys need to lay off ///m. everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
you act as if him not liking his car affects you in any way. it doesn't and shouldn't.
he should get a car he "wants" to drive.

hell i want an evo X right now (or a 370z, s2k maybe ) but i just can't justify forking out all that cash and losing out a shitload on depreciation. if i were in a better financial situation i might. so far the car has been everything i've wanted, fast enough for spirited driving and yet can haul a ton of crap if needed.

everyone's taste is different, you chose the car for a reason, and if you're happy great, if not you move on to a diff car. someone whose on the fence about buying an ms3 might want to know some negatives.

 

[1sty]

Like the title says, I was thinking of trading up to a 2010 MS3... before I saw one.

Now that I'm up to around 40K miles on my 2007, I'm thinking about getting something newer while my car still has decent resale/trade value.
I like the practicality and fun that is combined in my MS3, so I'm considering "similar" cars like The WRX and STi. I'm not sure I'm wild about the new Evo and buying a pre-owned one makes me nervous given the popularity of tuning the hell out of them. Plus, I like the cargo space of the MS3 and I'm not sure if the trunk of a sedan will serve the same purpose as a wagonback or 5-door.

Suggestions and thoughts?

This is exactly why I got the genesis.
I was going to go for the MS3 but its just too damn ugly now.
Bang for the buck, the new WRX is just nasty!!
I would certainly take that over a new STI or evo and keep the extra money in my pockets.

As long as the seats fold, usually a trunk is fine for me.
Its really more about the height of what you are going to carry. Keep in mind though that a trunk almost always has more depth

 

[stageup]

did you get the turbo or 6?
and how do you like it?

 

[714ms3]

I will be waiting until 2012 until I make my next purchase. The VW R20 will be released here in the US then, and that will be an upgrade for us while still not hitting the STI/Evo prices. Only downside is a slight loss of power, but with a chip that will all go away.

 

[robin2660]

Try reading for comprehension; life will go much smoother. I wasn't complaining about the car needing repair; I was simply saying that it would be better for me to spend that money on a car that I would enjoy.
A true automotive renaissance man. I am simply in awe...

Wow, another internet pissing match ....

 

[///M Compact]

I would say if you really wanted to keep the MS3, you should start reading up on suspension and tire upgrades. A set of MAZDASPEED coilovers, along with 225/40 tread, some Cobb F/R sways and you'd have a track monster.

I have given some thought to fitting Bilstein HDs since I really don't want to lower the car. And last year I came very close to installing a set of Enkei RS-M wheels wrapped with Dunlop Direzza Star Specs.

 

[Silver Ecstasy]

What's sad is, no one really has an exact strut for our cars. I'd probably do Koni Yellows instead (since they have adjustable rebound, and rebound sucks on these cars).

Otherwise, have you met up with any local members? Any meets? Typically that exposes you to more benefits or opportunities with the car.

 

[mckraut]

PS: I'm an ex-instructor-racer-trackday god and the owner of ridiculous amounts of trophies.

You forgot modest.