Considering trading for a MS6 (from S2000)

[dparm1984]

Long story made short: I had a Speed3 for a while, traded it in for an S2000, but am really struggling to live with it as a DD. Love the car, but it's so horrendously impractical and a major PITA sometimes.

I'm now considering a Speed6. Loved the turbo MZR motor in the Speed3, and I've always liked the quirky styling of the Speed6. 4WD is a big plus since I live in Chicago and we <3 snow so much.

Local CarMax has a 2006 Speed6 with everything, including GPS, about 36000 miles for $19k. Supposedly it was a fleet car...?

Details

Thinking of taking the plunge, but I do need to go and drive it obviously. I'd get a Speed3 again, but there's not many good ones around. A few local dealerships have unsold (new) 2008s, but they're jags about the pricing...despite the fact it's already over a year old.

Your thoughts?

 

[tunersteve]

I'd definitely skip the MS3 and go right with the MS6. Right now they can be picked up pretty cheap for a lightly used one, and it seems like if you find one that's bone stock, you'd be alright. I see more MS3s than I do MS6's, and I like that. Besides, if you still have any mods laying around, they might just fit the 6.

 

[dparm1984]

Nah, I traded it in with the MS CAI installed.

The Speed3 has lots of room being a hatch, which was always a strong selling point. There are still some unsold 2008 Speed3s, but the 4WD in the Speed6 is such a huge draw.

Does that one at CarMax look like a good bet?

 

[myspeedy07]

Seems a bit high, I can get you a manager over at Oak Lawn Mazda if you want. He pulled mine in off a lease and sold it to me for wholesale with 18K miles GT w/o NAV but everything else. Im in Naperville too.

 

[tunersteve]

Yeah, that's a bit high. There was a car exactly like that here for $500 less, and had 25k on the odo.

 

[dparm1984]

And that's what sucks. They don't budge on price.

But if they gave me more for my trade then I guess it isn't the end of the world.

This is all still a huge maybe. I need to go drive the Speed6 to see if I even like it, then need to find out what my insurance cost will be.

 

[evilmonkeyMSP]

what color is your S?

 

[Kymerik]

And that's what sucks. They don't budge on price.

But if they gave me more for my trade then I guess it isn't the end of the world.

This is all still a huge maybe. I need to go drive the Speed6 to see if I even like it, then need to find out what my insurance cost will be.

Yeah Liking a car would def factor into buying the car LOL...

However, you're insurance will go down because you're going from a 2 seat sports roadster to a 4 door sport sedan with lots of "safety" features that insurance companies enjoy

Good luck on your search

 

[tunersteve]

Shop around. If they won't budge on price, it'll sit for a while. You should have no problem picking up one for $17k with over 30k miles on it. If it had 24k miles on it, then it should be closer to 18k.

 

[dparm1984]

Surprisingly my S2000 is not terribly expensive to insure, even with a less-than-perfect driving record. I think it's because repair costs aren't too high and it's still relatively safe.

I may look around some more just to see what else is around.

 

[amilliems6]

Nah, I traded it in with the MS CAI installed.

The Speed3 has lots of room being a hatch, which was always a strong selling point. There are still some unsold 2008 Speed3s, but the 4WD in the Speed6 is such a huge draw.

Does that one at CarMax look like a good bet?

how it going...

i feel you on the chicago weather because im near there too.

i found 2 lists on cars.com speed 6

1 in evanston and 1 in oak lawn.

let me know if u need any help

 

[SMOKEYS36SHOP]

i love my speed 6. lots of trunk room. and the awd is amazing in the snow!!! i test drove the speed 3 and liked it but needed awd and a trunk. to me the speed 6 is more of a luxury look vs the speed 3 which is more aimed towards a younger crowd. i am not saying im old lol but its just what i prefer.i am sure there are some great deals on speed 6's. i picked up mine a year ago with 3,600 miles for $21,000 for an 07 which i though was a good deal. didn't come with sunroof, leather or nav tho

 

[dparm1984]

How do you like the seats in the MS6? They don't look very heavily bolstered, and coming from my S2000's OEM Recaros it would be a big change.

 

[tunersteve]

They hold well under heavy steering maneuvers, and are comfortable enough to take a long trip in.

 

[SMOKEYS36SHOP]

yes i agree with tunersteve . i have taken some very hard turns with it and never feel like i fall out of my seat.

 

[dparm1984]

And what sort of mileage are you guys seeing? My MS3 did pretty well. The S2000...not so much, but seeing as how I rev it pretty high that won't help, hehe.

 

[tunersteve]

Depends, I will see from 18-28 depending on driving. I usually average about 22-24 on my normal driving cycle. On a strictly highway trip doing 80-90 on average I hit 28.7 mpg.

 

[dparm1984]

Very nice. Thanks for the info. Looks like I have a few things to do this weekend...

 

[sykopat]

As an ex RSX-S driver, I have to say that the MS6 seats are, in my opinion, a little more "comfy" than "sporty". They're still good seats, but I would have preferred sportier ones.

As for gas mileage, it seems to vary a lot. I still do not know it's caused by what, exactly, but as for me, i'm averaging 15 to 16mpg, which is very low in my opinion. I drive about 350km/full tank (217miles), and the low fuel light's been on for about 10km (6 miles) at this point.

Let us know what will be your final decision, and good luck!

 

[sunshineFC]

A friend of mine worked at carmax and here is what he wrote when I asked him about it,
"carmax is like buying at a normal retail store - the price is as marked and they can't adjust it a single dollar. I agree, the prices are slightly higher than you might negotiate elsewhere, but you won't get a lemon - they really do make sure there were no significant accidents and refurbish everything before the car goes for sale. You can also transfer cars from other locations and you can always return the cars (I think within 5 days) if you don't like it. They are actually honest and try to make things right if you have a problem. Considering price, they will buy any car, but if you sell them a car you bought at car max they give you a little bump up in the price if you sell back to them."
-a