A little MS3 praise, for once, and a few other brief reviews

[LaCroix08]

I've spent the last month or so avidly looking to get out of the speed3 and into something a little... more, I suppose. When I bought the speed, 500 a month was the absolute most I could spend on a car, I'm now at the point where I can spend 7-800 a month, and I figured I would look around. I spent a lot of time researching cars in the 40-50k range, and was pretty well set on either a BMW 135i or 335i. So after learning everything I could about both of them, I drove them each quite thoroughly, and I much prefer the ride of my Mazda. Sure, the BMWs were nice, but they're really not for me, they're too soft, you can't feel or hear the engine, the tires, the road, the exhaust.

I decided, while I was looking, I would check out a new STi, cause I've always been a fan. While I couldn't find a dealer that would let me drive an STi, I did drive a new WRX hatch, and it was quite impressive. The AWD system was amazing, and that Boxer engine was awesome, but the interior felt quite lackluster and almost cheap in comparison to my '08. I know that the STi is somewhat nicer than the WRX, and I'm sure driving one is absolutely amazing. However, I just don't feel like they're worth the extra money. At the end of the day, I just wanted to drive my Speed.

I know this is kind of a lame story, but it's times like that that make me really love this car. I know I haven't experienced every option out there, but I can safely say that I will be keeping my Mazda for a long time, even when I could quite comfortably afford a much "nicer" car. Anyways, thanks for reading! (cabpatch)

 

[SFCSpectre]

I have a feeling that I'll do the same thing when it comes time to make my current speed3 show only and start looking for a new daily. I also have always been a fan of the STI especially the new one...Hopefully I can live with the STI or I'll just be searching to buy a used speed3 from somewhere.

 

[LaCroix08]

I have a feeling that I'll do the same thing when it comes time to make my current speed3 show only and start looking for a new daily. I also have always been a fan of the STI especially the new one...Hopefully I can live with the STI or I'll just be searching to buy a used speed3 from somewhere.

The STi is an amazing car. I think it looks awesome, and performs even better. Overall though, I don't think it's worth 14k more than I paid for my speed.

 

[SFCSpectre]

The STi is an amazing car. I think it looks awesome, and performs even better. Overall though, I don't think it's worth 14k more than I paid for my speed.

Without looking at it I'd have to agree..14k..thats a complete engine build for the speed. plus some body work and a few other upgrades.

 

[eg6motion]

good thread. I actually did the same. I was wanting an SUV or Truck with a recent purchase of an ATV and drove Xterra's, FJ's, Frontiers, etc. At the end of it all, I just couldn't do it... couldn't part with the MS3. It's too good at what it does... cheap speed, good mpg, great cargo capacity, and nice interior. So I plan on paying her off and buying a truck in a couple years.

 

[eg6motion]

The STi is an amazing car. I think it looks awesome, and performs even better. Overall though, I don't think it's worth 14k more than I paid for my speed.

I drove those too once I had the speed. Past the performance portion, it left a lot to be desired for the price. The EVO X on the other hand felt like a better car, in the MR touring trim anyway...very nice.

 

[Peter B]

Check out the RX-8. I got behind of the wheel thinkg I would have to be more on top of my game to drive it. Figured it was a true sports car and would require more skilled driving.

But in 5 minutes I felt like the car had been built just for me. Handled like buddah. And in the curves it was great! I want one wicked bad now!

Although.... I love my speed, and it is faster then the RX-8.

-Pete

 

[iguanaboy]

i agree there are a lot of nicer/faster cars out there but nothing, at least in my humble opinon, that is worth me starting over.

 

[bigdaddy]

man, you crazy. I would take the 135i any day over the mazda...

 

[LaCroix08]

Check out the RX-8. I got behind of the wheel thinkg I would have to be more on top of my game to drive it. Figured it was a true sports car and would require more skilled driving.

But in 5 minutes I felt like the car had been built just for me. Handled like buddah. And in the curves it was great! I want one wicked bad now!

Although.... I love my speed, and it is faster then the RX-8.

-Pete

I've driven rx-8's, and I can honestly say they're the best cars I've ever driven. I LOVE that rotary engine. My only problem is the low-end torque, you don't get much acceleration until ~4-5k rpms. If they put out a Mazdaspeed8 with a supercharger to correct this, I would certainly be buying one. I'm glad that people agree with me, I was expecting to be flamed for this.

 

[LaCroix08]

man, you crazy. I would take the 135i any day over the mazda...

I thought so too, until I drove it.

 

[horNNEE]

man, you crazy. I would take the 135i any day over the mazda...

i <3 the 135i's ughhh but yeah if you liked the wrx wait for the 2011 wrx with the wide body. its like having the 2008-2010 sti body for the price of a wrx. atleast thats the way i see it. and idk how much the new s4's are but you should check them out.. although they are v6 supercharged =( wish they brought back the TT =)

 

[gonerogue]

I thought so too, until I drove it.

Oh snap, you came around? Sadly...I came around with the Z4M as well...there is really nothing more than I want right now short of something that is track dedicated to complement the MS3. I could go faster for cheaper than the Z4M while keeping the practicality of the MS3 (even when I don't really need it).

 

[TRDMS3]

good post Lacroix, I too love my speed but pay much respect to the subie. STi would be nice to have but neither can I justify the hefty price tag.
There are facts to prove 09 rexie is not that much slower than its bigger brother but of course it doesnt come close in overall performance.
I am quite comfortable with what I have, although the icing on that cake would be AWD but I don't really need it cuzz there's hardly any snow where I live.

 

[LaCroix08]

i <3 the 135i's ughhh but yeah if you liked the wrx wait for the 2011 wrx with the wide body. its like having the 2008-2010 sti body for the price of a wrx. atleast thats the way i see it. and idk how much the new s4's are but you should check them out.. although they are v6 supercharged =( wish they brought back the TT =)

Ah, the new widebody and the big ol' STi wing on the new WRXs. Like I said, I simply could not live with the interior of the Subie. I think they're awesome cars, and they're just my style, but I don't think they're worth the money over the speed.

Oh snap, you came around? Sadly...I came around with the Z4M as well...there is really nothing more than I want right now short of something that is track dedicated to complement the MS3. I could go faster for cheaper than the Z4M while keeping the practicality of the MS3 (even when I don't really need it).

Yeah man, I really did love the 135, but driving it was a snooze. Don't get me wrong, it was fast as dicks, but it didn't feel like it, even with those horrid RFTs on it. The seats were not comfortable, I'm too big for them. There isn't enough headroom, once again, I'm too big. The instrumentation is no nicer than that on the speed. Overall, I just couldn't get excited about the car after having driven it, and I can't justify spending an extra 200 a month on a car that I can't get excited about. BMW is great, but not for me. I like to feel and hear my sports cars.

good post Lacroix, I too love my speed but pay much respect to the subie. STi would be nice to have but neither can I justify the hefty price tag.
There are facts to prove 09 rexie is not that much slower than its bigger brother but of course it doesnt come close in overall performance.
I am quite comfortable with what I have, although the icing on that cake would be AWD but I don't really need it cuzz there's hardly any snow where I live.

Oh yeah, AWD is a blast, and even more so with the Subie's independent AWD system. That thing will hold a corner like a dream, and that makes the car so much fun. I just personally can't justify the extra cash for one.

 

[horNNEE]

true true

 

[BigDaddyMS3]

MS3 Luv

I always test drive the Subies when I go to my local dealer for service, (Mazda/Subaru Dealer). The 09 WRX Sti is a very nice ride with the BBS 18" wheels, Brembo brakes and suspension upgrades. Total price out the door is $45,000. I paid $25,000 OTD for my 07 MS3 and it is such a smoother, well balanced ride and has jet lift off acceleration. Sure AWD handles nicer but for around $20K less I just luv my Speed3. For $5-$7K more I can add MS coilovers, sways, wheels and tires and have a killer track toy.
I really feel that you can't compete against these cars in performance value and drivability for the price.

 

[Captain KRM P5]

its nice to read these stories, not lame

 

[daonly1around]

if you can afford a 7-8 dollar payment, pay the ms3 off as fast as possible, then wait for EXACTLY what you want, and then you get a car that would usually cast 7-800 a month and only pay 500 still. .just my .02

my only regret is NOT getting something less impractical while i could. but i love my ms3.

 

[gonerogue]

if you can afford a 7-8 dollar payment, pay the ms3 off as fast as possible, then wait for EXACTLY what you want, and then you get a car that would usually cast 7-800 a month and only pay 500 still.

Agreed. Also, even if LaCroix08 can afford a much larger car payment, doesn't mean you should go that route. I would pay off the MS3 as quickly as possible (eg taking the extra money you'd spend on a higher priced car and put it towards the principle). You never know when s*** is going to hit the fan financially and you'll be much more comfortable knowing that you own your car. That's my plan, anyway. I want a second car to go with the MS3, but I gotta save for a house, first!

Only debt I want anymore after student loans and the MS3 is a mortgage.