Considering a MazdaSpeed 3...any advice

[mroffshore]

OK...here's my short list...let me know your thoughts and don't critique that my options are all over the place...

MazdaSpeed 3
Infiniti G35 AWD
Mercede Benz C280 (new model coming in August)
MazdaSpeed 6
Lexus i250

Here are my thoughts...
Infiniti...fast, reliable, larger car, smooth riding (for the most part), small back seat seating, new body update already here this 2007. Closest dealer is 60 miles away...that sucks. Had a Nissan Maxima...the only thing that went wrong with it was a $54 windshield washer pump...it ran great and was as trouble-free as I could have ever wished for.

Mercedes Benz C280 4matic...beautiful car, smooth riding (all the time), quick, small back seat seating, new body update in August of 2007, like the looks of the C230 better, but really can't use rear wheel drive where I live...too much snow...the C230 is sportier, nicer wheels, exhaust, grill...all the stuff, but not as much power as the C280 and not 4WD. Love the car, but hate getting something that will be outdated a few months after I buy it. They're dealing on this car now to get their car counts up so they get a larger allowance of the new body (W204 designation). Maintenance sounds expensive...as I would figure any repairs will be too.

Lexus i250, 4WD, great looking car, smooth, quick (not as fast as the i350, but it lacks 4WD and is only available in RWD...the snow thing kills me again) small backseat seating, but the drivers seat is a killer spot. Never owned one...never owned a Toyota either.

MazdaSpeed 3...very quick, great top end...the most bang for the buck. I have only seen on TV and Internet...not certain about backseat seating compared to the other cars. Most bang for the buck...most responsible to buy based on value. Absolutely hot looking (at least I think). I had an RX-7...I beat the hell out of it for 114,000 VERY hard driving miles...it held up great...couldn't say a negative thing about it...loved it. Is it time to go back to Mazda? IS this car practical for me. I have a family of five (3 youngs kids, a wife and me), I have Suburban for the family...so this could really be my car alone...tagging kids in the back if needed. I like the idea of having something you don't see every other block. I don't like the idea that a "regular" Mazda dealer can't service it...my closest dealer is 70 miles away (in another state...Michigan).

I almost want to remove the cars that are my list with no local dealer...it really pisses me off. I don't live in a big city, but we aren't in the sticks either...I live in Goshen, Elkhart, South Bend, Indiana area...hey, there's people here that want these cars...how come no dealers to service us?

Sorry for the long winded post...hoping you guys will give me your honest opinion. I think your forum looks like fun...I like how the car has an enthusiast following. I like the idea of personalizing the car a bit with some cool parts.

Does anyone have the GPS system? Is it worthwhile or should I retain my Garmin Nuvi? What octane fuel are you guys getting away with??

Thanks for your help.

Rich

 

[BlackJack]

I did some research like you did and found that the MS3 was the best of all and even though I have to pay 91 octane or higher(mostly 93 in all stations), the car itself is worth every single penny. The car is awesome beyond words.

It is seriously the biggest bang for your buck. GET IT.

 

[mroffshore]

Thanks for the input, I am going to try to get up to my closest dealer this weekend if possible and get take a testdrive...hopefully I can put this together. Thanks again.

 

[daonly1around]

advice... BUY IT

 

[Donas64]

MazdaSpeed 3 - everything the MS6, turned up a notch. FUN FUN FUN. Motor still unproven. But this is the one if you're young at heart


Infiniti G35 AWD - resyle looks awesome, VQ motor is BULLETPROOF, new interiors much improved. Excellent alternative to bimmer. If I were 10 years older, this would be my choice. Ritzy enough to go to the ritz carlton, fast enough to give mustang GT owners and MS6 owners nightmares.


Mercede Benz C280 - Expensive maintenance, pricey, somewhat boring but solid ride.

MazdaSpeed 6 - Nice and grown up, AWD is bonus. Priced well, not a bad choice. Unproven motor in the long haul. Could stand to lose a little weight.

Lexus i250 - Overpriced and Underpowered Posemobile. Unless its its IS350, don't even bother. Butdang if it doesn't look good in black.

 

[Mocoso]

MazdaSpeed 3 - everything the MS6, turned up a notch. FUN FUN FUN. Motor still unproven. But this is the one if you're young at heart


Infiniti G35 AWD - resyle looks awesome, VQ motor is BULLETPROOF, new interiors much improved. Excellent alternative to bimmer. If I were 10 years older, this would be my choice. Ritzy enough to go to the ritz carlton, fast enough to give mustang GT owners and MS6 owners nightmares.


Mercede Benz C280 - Expensive maintenance, pricey, somewhat boring but solid ride.

MazdaSpeed 6 - Nice and grown up, AWD is bonus. Priced well, not a bad choice. Unproven motor in the long haul. Could stand to lose a little weight.

Lexus i250 - Overpriced and Underpowered Posemobile. Unless its its IS350, don't even bother. Butdang if it doesn't look good in black.

Ill have to agree on this one... you didnt mention if price was an issue or how many miles you drive. If your planning on putting a lot of miles and/or price is an issue the only options in that list are the Mazdas and there the MS3 beats the MS6 for pure fun.....the MS6 has a more stable and refined feel while the MS3 is def. a wild child...

Check out the May Car and Driver for a good comparo to some other econoboxes ;-)

 

[Mike V]

Since snow is one of your main concerns, keep in mind that the MS3 comes with summer tires that are worthless in the snow. You would want a set of snow tires for the winter. The RWD cars on your list would fair just fine with a set of snow tires as well. I drove a 97 M3 on snow tires in the winter while the 4x4 pickup truck sat in the driveway. I actually preferred it over the 4x4.

I'm not trying to say don't get the MS3. Just be aware that is not suited for snow duty in stock form.

 

[jbiird317]

yeah i agree that if snow is a big concern for you, the ms3 is not really the best of choices. I have driven my ms3 on those summer tires in about .5" of snow and it was shaky. I assume with a good set of snow tires it would fare much better, but not nearly as well as the all wheel drive ms6 or g35. Given that list, ur location, and the size of ur family, I would probably put practicality over fun. After you drive the ms3, it will most likely be tough to say no to it (i know i couldnt haha), but I think the ms6 would be more practical for ur situation.

 

[assman]

THats BS the ms3 is fantastic in the snow, i went through some really heavy blizzards with the ms3 this winter and it was always awesome. The only thing is since its low changing lanes on the highway when its snowy is tougher becuase the underside is rubbing the mounds that build inbetween lanes. But its VERY stable and the stability control actually works well.

Oh but you need to buy winters of course

 

[jhowey]

You can have your MazdaSpeed serviced at a non Mazdaspeed dealer, just make sure the mechanics have taken the courses, I know at my dealership we have 4 certified speed mechanics and we are not a speed dealer, They due all my installs and warranty work on my car and Mazda still approves it.

I dont think he is looking for practicality he is looking for fun, he said he already has a Tahoe, and as everyone here says the Speed 3 is just outright a blast to drive. I couldnt think of another car that is this fun and also classy.

 

[Talbot]

Whats your reason for not getting another Maxima? And the other cars are nice, but with Grand Touring, you can get almost as many options as those lux cars for 10 grand or more less.

 

[smo0f]

g35/37

 

[mazdadude]

Dollar for dollar, I think your best overall value is the Mazdaspeed3! Even though I am a little bit biased.(yes)

However if you don't mind spending the extra 10k, the other cars on your list are all keepers in my book.

Keep Zooming!

 

[Rotary_Powered]

For most people the MS6 is quicker 0-60 (AWD) but if you can hook with the MS3 it's quick. Both are great values, with the MS6 being a little less of an economy car, and presenting itself higher up. either way I can't see you going wrong with either MS they are both really quick and respond well to mods.

 

[Donas64]

g35/37

G37 = THE SICKNESS!

That car is going to OWN!

If only I madew more money!

 

[MadOzodi]

2 of your 5 choices are actual cars that my family has purchased this year. My dad bought my mom an IS250 AWD for her b-day. 4 days later I bought myself my Speed3.

While you have a suburban for the family, at some point all 5 of you will be driving around in YOUR car, not just the Suburban, right? I mean c'mon, even though you have the Suburban, there are times that you'll need to be able to fit all 5 of you in whatever car ISN'T the Suburban.

My family has had 3 Mazdas, 4 Hondas, 3 Lexi, 2 Mercedes-Benz, 1 Nissan, 1 Infinity, 1 Mitsubishi, 1 Volvo, 1 BMW and a bunch of American cars.

If I were you, I'd be purchasing the Infinity G35 awd sedan. MS3 & IS250 are both too small really. Until Chrysler gets the hell away from Mercedes, I wouldn't consider buying a Merc unless it's an AMG. Although, our 300SD Turbo Diesel from the early 80s was a freakin TANK. They honestly don't make em like they used to. As a 2nd choice, it'd be the MS6.

 

[Talbot]

Damn, you could go without driving the same car for more than 2 weeks.

 

[MadOzodi]

Heh, not all at once! The most cars my family (5 of us) has had at one time is 8, which is right now actually. My parents are the ones with too many cars, LOL. My mom has 2, dad has 2, I have 2, and my bro (not counting my sis-in-law) & sis each have 1.

Trust me, my mom and I are each trying to have only ONE!!!

Gotta sell my 2nd car so I can buy more mods for the MS3!!!

 

[mroffshore]

Guys, I really appreciate your input...I think some of what I am hearing makes a lot of sense. I do agree...there will be times when we all pile into my car, regardless of owning the Sub (or Bus as my wife calls it). I finally sat in a standard Mazda 3 this weekend...it was very comfortable from the drivers vantage, but with me in the drivers seat, you would have to be legless to sit behind me...I am not ruling it out as I know the "fun factor" is off the charts.

The G35 is very high on my list. The is250 is off the list...I prefer the is350, but if they offer a 4WD version, I can't see going rear wheel...even if it does have more power...it kind of shows me how off the mark Lexus is...the is350 should be the 4WD model, not the other way around.

I drove the BMW 328ix...it was impressive...I prefer it over the Mercede C280 which is now off my list. I can't seem to get over the fact that in less than 6 months my investment will be a dated model no longer available...not to mention when I am sittnig in the car my left shoulder is wedged against the door...the C280 defintely handed bumpy roads better than the 328ix...but if you're not comfortable forget it.

I am putting two more on my shortlist...I can't help it, I stopped in a Toyota dealership and decided to drive the new Camry and Avalon...while they may be a bit tinny feeling when you shut the trunk vs. one of the German cars, but they ride REALLY quiet, have respectable power and both have better rear seating then either of the German cars. The Avalon is like riding in a limo it has so much leg room in the back. The Camry has a better looking dash in my opinion...the Avalon has too many flip up covers (ie. the stereo cover) and cheesy glowing push buttons...still can't decide over these two which I really like...if I get a Camry the way I want it, it's only another $500-1000 to go to the Avalon!

I haven't been in the MS6 yet...from what I am hearing hear it sounds like a contender, so I think before I make up my mind I need to see it, sit in it and of course, drive it. I am curious as to when the body style is scheduled to change though...I will check Wikepedia, they have charts on all the cars as to when body changes are happening (that's how I confirmed a few others I was considering and later took off the list).

I looked at the link on this site that was asking age and occupation...it made me wonder if I really belong in an MS3...most of the ages were in the 20's...I just turned 43 last week, so I wonder if I will look ridiculous in this car...or if I will earn the respect of the younger crowd when I spank their asses in their import tuners and underpowered pony cars?!?! Maybe the 6 would make more sense given my age?

One thing I really like is this forum...I like the idea of an online community that enjoys the same thing and is a place to gain knowledge and share knowledge. I also like the idea that there are quite a few bolt-on performance gainers available.

I would say right now I am leaning toward the following:

Infiniti G35
Toyota (Camry or Avalon)
MS3 or MS6

This may be my new shortlist.

Someone asked if money was an issue...I guess I would say, "when isn't it"...I can afford to drive any of them, but at some point you need to feel good about what you're paying and what you get for it. As for driving, the car will be used mainly as a work commuter, I drive about 21 miles through the country side (about 30 minutes door to door) and naturally around town to the store and small trips when I travel without the family (3 hours or less). I would say I put between 15-20,000 miles a year on the car.

Well, all of your input is appreciated, and I thank you for your time and interest.

Rich

 

[DaveMS307]

I am 40 and have 3 kids, wife and a dog. We all fit just fine running around town and for long trips we take the mini-van.

The rear seats can appear visually smaller than they really are. The front seat backs are indented and my kids fit in behind me. I put the seat almost all the way back, maybe forward two clicks from full back.

Anyway, I think the car is fully practical and not too young as you seem to fear. The car is not much different visually than the standard 3, so most don't know you're driving a "hot hatch".

This car was on my list with the Audi A3/S3, Infiniti G35, VW Passat, Speed6 and a few others. For the money, none had the same balance of value, practicality, and performance.

Good luck with your decision.