Eventual new member

[component]

I have just about decided on an MS3 as my next car. Just doing the last bits of research to learn anything I should know going into it.
Currently I drive an 06 wrx limited. Great car, but I feel the urge for a change. (pesky add)
Will probably be looking to switch from the suby in a couple of months. Looking forward to learning new things and meeting you guys.

 

[tiagotiago]

Welcome!

There a lot of new owners here (I have just 2 weeks with my speed), and I've found a lot of very helpful information, so I'm shure you will too.

Take into consideration there are a few changes from current models (aka 08.5) and the early 07 and 08 models. And well if you have questions, ask!

 

[assman]

This is one of the better forums im on. Lots of forums just make fun of you when you ask a question or get down right beligerant and say go search. ALthough you should try to search first I always just answer any questions I can no matter how easy the answer might seem to people.

 

[mo08ms3]

If you do make the switch, you will enjoy it. I had a WRX for almost 6 years before recently getting my Speed3 a month ago. I loved my WRX and will never bash it but I am surely enjoying the new Mazda Zoom!

Did you mod your limited? (The only reason I ask is that the warranty on my wife's 07 WRX is almost up so I am thinking about modding it soon)

Good luck and welcome, should you decide to take the plunge!

 

[component]

Thanks for the welcome, I have been steadily searching for the past hour and absorbing info.
On my wrx, I have a prodrive axleback exhaust and the spt intake. Only other power mod is a cobb ap running stage 1, so it's a bit faster than stock with a nice sound, but nothing serious. A full turboback and cobb stage 2 map is supposed to be the best combo of performance and reliability, I just had my attention grabbed by the MS3 before I got that far.

The questions I still have that I am digging through posts for are:
Model differences besides clutch and radio for the 2008.5
Since I plan on buying used, any issues that I should be aware of. Smoking turbo is what I have found so far, but I don't plan on modding for power so it shouldn't be an issue for me.

 

[tiagotiago]

The questions I still have that I am digging through posts for are:
Model differences besides clutch and radio for the 2008.5
Since I plan on buying used, any issues that I should be aware of. Smoking turbo is what I have found so far, but I don't plan on modding for power so it shouldn't be an issue for me.

Big differences between 08.5 and previous models would be those you state + the interior trim (now it's forcefully just piano black, with black alacantra trim, instead of gray cloth that was before). Obviously newer models have the improvements that where retrofitted to older models (the engine mount recall springs to mind).

Are you planning on buying a used 08 or 07?

 

[component]

Are you planning on buying a used 08 or 07?

I'm really not sure. There aren't too many used ones out there according to autotrader, so I'll probably grab the first one I see at the right color, trim, and price.
I currently owe a little over the trade in value on my car, so the next couple months of payments should give me a bit of equity.

Preferably I would like to find a silver or grey grand touring MS3. I'm a sucker for leather and hids.

 

[component]

Bump from the dead!

This thread finds me several years later but I am now the owner of a 2011 Liquid Silver Mazdaspeed 3!
Life and employment intervened earlier but no that things have settled down I was able to get the car.
The move was even sweeter since I had to downgrade to a stock Civic in the meantime.