'09 or '10 Mazdaspeed 3

[Design]

I was in the same predicament and chose the 09 GT over the next generation MS3. Factor in the HID's, LED tails, leather, piano black finish, and a generally pleasing exterior design... and you have a solid platform that's been refined over the last 5 1/2 years.

I don't mind the cosmetic enhancements on the new MS3, but all indications so far call for a "mild" improvement over its predecessor. Just didn't seem worth paying a small premium for the 2010 and having to deal with the higher percentage of recalls synonymous with new models.

 

[SDSpeed3]

I personally dislike the 2010, looks too flashy and boy racer for my taste. gaping smile, hood scoop, bigger wing, and the tail lights are all big turnoffs.

I dont think you will notice much in terms of gearing unless you are gonna autox or drag. gears arent really that much longer, 2nd gear has been lengthened to get to 60 but not by much. theres a thread out there with official gear ratios.

The 1st gen sleeper look has its advantages, cops really dont bug you and ricers tend to miss you when theyre buzzing around w/ their fart cans looking for a race. The hood scoops gonna be a dead give away tho. just my .02

I agree completely!

Seriously, look how much better the 1st Gen is compared to the 2nd Gen:

Even on a black car the smile sticks out like a sore thumb and the front is so bulky.

 

[SDSpeed3]

When it's time to trade it in years (or in some cases, months) from now, the '10 will be worth more.

I know of at least one dealer that won't budge a cent on the price of his remaining '09 Speed 3's due to the fact that most enthusiasts don't like the looks of the '10.

He'll gladly take your deposit for a '10 Speed 3 but he won't lower the price of the '09s just because the '10s are on their way.