DailyDriver
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Hello everyone - new to forum - very interested in 2010 MS3
- Thread starter DailyDriver
- Start date
tiagotiago
Member
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- 2008.5 Mazdaspeed 3
Welcome to the forums!
First things first...I LOVE the C6 Vette! One of my favorite cars. I was lucky enough to drive one for a couple of days(the Regular C6 with the 6M, without the z51 suspension) and I have nothing but praise for it! It's a seriously underrated car in some circles IMO. Hopefully I'll be able to buy one someday!
It seems to me the MS3 would be a good fit for you, since it does have plenty of cargo capacity a nice interior and, for 2010, a slightly softer ride (mind you, most people suggest the car is better in the twisties for it). It's my DD and gets a few miles every day, but after a year and change of owning it, I have had no problems in any roads with regards to the suspension setup/height (and living here in Mexico, there's some pretty s*** roads). I don't encounter snow, but the 1st gen speeds (and I'm guessing the new ones) came with summer tires only, so a good set of winter tires is a must, but from what I've read here, that's about the only thing the car needs for snow.
As far as comfort in driving, I've done a few 600mi round trips and have no issues with noise, comfort or anything, hell I'm a few weeks away from doing a 1200mi trip, but some people do find the exhaust (again of the 1st gen) a bit loud for their tastes, so a nice test drive would be in order for you.
Regarding child seats, I have no experience, but do know it is compatible with them, since I got my car so it would last me a few years, I also wanted one that could handle kids.
The speed3s have so far proved pretty tough, safety wise, many owners here can probably attest (the platform was developed in Europe and underpinds the Euro Focus and the Volvo S40/C30, so it has a bit of sweedish blood in it), here's a video of an accident in a track of one. Mazdaspeed 3 crash
The first gen's turbo engine has a powerband that is a bit narrow, kicking in at 3,000 RPM and then tapers off at 5,500-6000 RPMs, it is a bit pointless to rev the cars up to their 6500 redline; tough ECU programming was changed in the 2010s, I have yet to see a graph of it; but for daily driving there is enough juice under 3000 rpm IMO.
Reliablity-wise I've had a great experience (no problems whatsoever) but others have had some issues, tough most of them, with modded cars, these cars don't like to be modded for more power.
Hope this helps a bit!! DO go for a test drive!
First things first...I LOVE the C6 Vette! One of my favorite cars. I was lucky enough to drive one for a couple of days(the Regular C6 with the 6M, without the z51 suspension) and I have nothing but praise for it! It's a seriously underrated car in some circles IMO. Hopefully I'll be able to buy one someday!
It seems to me the MS3 would be a good fit for you, since it does have plenty of cargo capacity a nice interior and, for 2010, a slightly softer ride (mind you, most people suggest the car is better in the twisties for it). It's my DD and gets a few miles every day, but after a year and change of owning it, I have had no problems in any roads with regards to the suspension setup/height (and living here in Mexico, there's some pretty s*** roads). I don't encounter snow, but the 1st gen speeds (and I'm guessing the new ones) came with summer tires only, so a good set of winter tires is a must, but from what I've read here, that's about the only thing the car needs for snow.
As far as comfort in driving, I've done a few 600mi round trips and have no issues with noise, comfort or anything, hell I'm a few weeks away from doing a 1200mi trip, but some people do find the exhaust (again of the 1st gen) a bit loud for their tastes, so a nice test drive would be in order for you.
Regarding child seats, I have no experience, but do know it is compatible with them, since I got my car so it would last me a few years, I also wanted one that could handle kids.
The speed3s have so far proved pretty tough, safety wise, many owners here can probably attest (the platform was developed in Europe and underpinds the Euro Focus and the Volvo S40/C30, so it has a bit of sweedish blood in it), here's a video of an accident in a track of one. Mazdaspeed 3 crash
The first gen's turbo engine has a powerband that is a bit narrow, kicking in at 3,000 RPM and then tapers off at 5,500-6000 RPMs, it is a bit pointless to rev the cars up to their 6500 redline; tough ECU programming was changed in the 2010s, I have yet to see a graph of it; but for daily driving there is enough juice under 3000 rpm IMO.
Reliablity-wise I've had a great experience (no problems whatsoever) but others have had some issues, tough most of them, with modded cars, these cars don't like to be modded for more power.
Hope this helps a bit!! DO go for a test drive!
coololddude
Member
The MS3 is about as good of an all around car that you can get. It even looks cool sliding off the road if you don't put snow tires on in the snow!! When I had a corvette it looked pretty cool sliding in the snow with summer tires. I just like looking cool!!
BoostisLove
Member
The 2010 speed3 got 5 stars in the safety department.
I've had mine for a month now and I love it more than any other car I've had.
Since you've never driven a turbo car before, obviously go test drive it before you buy. The turbo is either a love it or hate it thing. Personally, I've told my self I would never buy another car n/a.
I'm hoping after driving it you'll fall in love too. We need more people with 2010's
I've had mine for a month now and I love it more than any other car I've had.
Since you've never driven a turbo car before, obviously go test drive it before you buy. The turbo is either a love it or hate it thing. Personally, I've told my self I would never buy another car n/a.
I'm hoping after driving it you'll fall in love too. We need more people with 2010's
DailyDriver
Member
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the 2010 speed 3 is great. But trust me you will not be cruising around at 1500 rpms. When your just driving nice a smooth you'll be somewhere around 2250 probably. If then you give it 3/4 gas it will gain slowely up to 3000 then faster to 4000 then even faster to 5000. The new speeds are much smoother with this power gain as it spools up. Trust me just go take it for a drive youll understand it immediately. There is nothing "unpredictable" about it
Silver Ecstasy
Member
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- 11 MS3 Sport
I don't know exactly how practical an MS3 would be. You're talking about a backseat for kids, not a backseat for elderly folks in an MS3. Depending on how tall you are, you have to push the seat back far enough to the point where it makes someone very uncomfortable with the leg room in the back. Just enough room to fit their feet under your seat and sit tight..
I'm surprised you haven't considered finding a Trailblazer SS AWD. You would miss a heart-beat in terms of power and muscle, while it'll still be practical enough to haul people or things around. That's my opinion of what would be the best car for you -- plus I had one, and I loved it.
Picked up the MS3, still had a day till I turned the lease in on the SS.
Or there is ALWAYS the CX-7! Combine the 2.3l turbocharged 4cyl and the fantastic handling and braking of the CX-7 and you've got a winner! That's what my gf ended up purchasing. She like my SS, but didn't want to pay for gas (it was a gas guzzler). So the CX-7 is a great GREAT option.
I'm surprised you haven't considered finding a Trailblazer SS AWD. You would miss a heart-beat in terms of power and muscle, while it'll still be practical enough to haul people or things around. That's my opinion of what would be the best car for you -- plus I had one, and I loved it.
Picked up the MS3, still had a day till I turned the lease in on the SS.
Or there is ALWAYS the CX-7! Combine the 2.3l turbocharged 4cyl and the fantastic handling and braking of the CX-7 and you've got a winner! That's what my gf ended up purchasing. She like my SS, but didn't want to pay for gas (it was a gas guzzler). So the CX-7 is a great GREAT option.
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tiagotiago
Member
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- 2008.5 Mazdaspeed 3
Even in the first gen MS3, I wouldn't describe the turbo's behaviour as jerky or unpredictable. There is a surge when the car hits 3000 on the tach and you're 3/4 with the accelerator or WOT, you'll feel it for shure, but it's always there, and it's a surge of power, rather than a sudden jolt that's upsetting; you'll quickly find out very well how to provoke it and how to not to. But you will feel when the car has power, and when there's no one home, contrasting sharply with the vette where you can take a corner a gear higher, and just let the massive torque take care of things. Be smooth with your inputs and the car will respond in the same way, from driving a 400+HP car you know the car demands respect and you can't be reckless with it because of the consequences, you said it yourself.
IMO, the speed3 is still a bit too powerful for it to be truly enjoyable at 30 mph, but at 40-50ish it isn't too bad. The car does feel very nimble tough, wich was one of the things that struck me about (my very limited) experience with the vette, in that the car at slow speeds feels a bit bigger than it is.
IMO, the speed3 is still a bit too powerful for it to be truly enjoyable at 30 mph, but at 40-50ish it isn't too bad. The car does feel very nimble tough, wich was one of the things that struck me about (my very limited) experience with the vette, in that the car at slow speeds feels a bit bigger than it is.
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DailyDriver
Member
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Awesome review DailyDriver, glad you finally were able to give the MS3 a test drive. I'd just like to comment on the handling, since you didn't get a chance to experience it. I can almost guarantee you'll love the way it handles. The suspension is very stiff, yet at the same time not too rigid, which makes it a comfortable daily driver that has go kart-like handling. I came to the MS3 from a 1991 Miata, which is truly an oversized go kart, and one of the best handling cars ever built. I'm still getting used to the FWD (and boy do I miss the Miata's RWD), but I've found that when heading fast into corners while braking, the car tends to hint at understeer...until you begin accelerating out of the turn--then the car pulls through the turn exactly where you point it. It's fantastic.
I also share your thoughts on the 60/40 split rear seat. I was disappointed to discover that the baby seat won't fit on the passenger side if you want to fold the drivers side down for more cargo space. Hasn't been an issue yet (in fact I've been putting the car seat in the center, which my 3-year-old son has really enjoyed since he can see out the windshield), but then again we use my wife's Town & Country for the big family trips when lots of hauling space is needed. I'd still prefer to take the MS3 whenever possible, but that's because--like you--I loathe driving automatics. Make it an automatic minivan and it's a recipe for driving hell. But I can stomach it for a vacation every so often, and it makes me miss my car which means returning home is much more tolerable, and I actually look forward to it.
Best of luck with your decision--keep us updated.
Love the Vette, btw. I've always been a HUGE Vette fanatic.
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Silver Ecstasy
Member
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- 11 MS3 Sport
Well in all honesty, you've narrowed it down to a good select few:
2010 MS3
2009 Subaru WRX
HHR SS and CSRT4 are not available anymore. Neither the SS nor the CX-7 are available in manuals. The SS trans sucks, but the CX-7 is an absolute blast and would be a perfect compromise for what you're looking for.
If the size of the MS3/Subie is not very "helpful", then i'd rather keep the Corvette and pick up a Ford Escape lease, or something that will cover the practical side while you keep the Vette you seem to love so much (****, I don't blame you whatsoever - but the MS3's only advantage would be a backseat that you've already discovered is practically non-existent - so what advantage is that really??)
The CX-7 is something you should really consider, and it has an manumatic shifter as well.
2010 MS3
2009 Subaru WRX
HHR SS and CSRT4 are not available anymore. Neither the SS nor the CX-7 are available in manuals. The SS trans sucks, but the CX-7 is an absolute blast and would be a perfect compromise for what you're looking for.
If the size of the MS3/Subie is not very "helpful", then i'd rather keep the Corvette and pick up a Ford Escape lease, or something that will cover the practical side while you keep the Vette you seem to love so much (****, I don't blame you whatsoever - but the MS3's only advantage would be a backseat that you've already discovered is practically non-existent - so what advantage is that really??)
The CX-7 is something you should really consider, and it has an manumatic shifter as well.
DailyDriver
Member
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Welcome to the forums. As a fellow NYer let me see if I can help you out with a few of your original questions.
First of all as a daily driver I don;t regret my purchase one bit, I've been in all kinds of driving situations, heavy traffic, long open roads etc. Of course in heavy traffic the stop and go gets annoying with the clutch, but that's expected, but the manual transmission in this car is wonderful so it's not too bad. Long drives, well I've taken this car on vacation, VA beach straight, then on the way back I stopped at williamsbugh va, then washington DC in 95 degree weather. A/C worked great, well except at the end when it stopped working, but that was easily fixed with warrenty. Anyway, even with walking around williamsburg in the blaring heat getting in the car to drive to DC wasn't bad at all. Same goes for the trip from dc back to NY after walking around for a few hours. Highway drone from the exhaust isn;t bad, weird part is that the stock exhaust on the highway is louder than both of the after market exhausts I had, but still not bad at all.
The snow, I'm in NY state so I get alittle more snow that you do, but this car is incredible, BUT you will have to get your self a set of winter wheels/tires or at least snow tires. I got myself a set of firestone winterforces with 16" steelies. car looks like it can kick some ass with them
I had absolutly no problem on the road, never got stuck or was ever unsure of the cars ability to just stay on the road. I've driven in anything from a light dusting to 5", the plowing however was the only problem in the deeper stuff. In one instance in some sleet/snow I passed a few suv's that were stuck in a ditch going up a fairly steep hill. I got up no problem.
For your baby seat, I've had my sisters baby seat in my car numerous times fits fine. She's got one seat, that's alittle less padded that fits behind the passenger with the driver side rear seat folded down, so you can get a baby seat back there. I could fit her other seat back there, but it was really pushing up against the side of the folded part and I was worried about the leather.
If you ever go to the track with this car you won't be disappointed. Although in the straights and depending on how experienced you are with rwd the corners are faster in your vette, but don't sell this car short. You can power through the turns like a champ. The first time I went to the track I beat a heavily modified z06 and a stock z06 by at least 9 seconds. They weren't very experienced on a track setting though and rwd cars are harder to drive in that setting if you're unfamiliar with it in that senerio.
ANYWAY, all in all if you get an ms3 you won;t regret it, but like people have said before you should also concider a cx7 or a wrx.
First of all as a daily driver I don;t regret my purchase one bit, I've been in all kinds of driving situations, heavy traffic, long open roads etc. Of course in heavy traffic the stop and go gets annoying with the clutch, but that's expected, but the manual transmission in this car is wonderful so it's not too bad. Long drives, well I've taken this car on vacation, VA beach straight, then on the way back I stopped at williamsbugh va, then washington DC in 95 degree weather. A/C worked great, well except at the end when it stopped working, but that was easily fixed with warrenty. Anyway, even with walking around williamsburg in the blaring heat getting in the car to drive to DC wasn't bad at all. Same goes for the trip from dc back to NY after walking around for a few hours. Highway drone from the exhaust isn;t bad, weird part is that the stock exhaust on the highway is louder than both of the after market exhausts I had, but still not bad at all.
The snow, I'm in NY state so I get alittle more snow that you do, but this car is incredible, BUT you will have to get your self a set of winter wheels/tires or at least snow tires. I got myself a set of firestone winterforces with 16" steelies. car looks like it can kick some ass with them
I had absolutly no problem on the road, never got stuck or was ever unsure of the cars ability to just stay on the road. I've driven in anything from a light dusting to 5", the plowing however was the only problem in the deeper stuff. In one instance in some sleet/snow I passed a few suv's that were stuck in a ditch going up a fairly steep hill. I got up no problem.
For your baby seat, I've had my sisters baby seat in my car numerous times fits fine. She's got one seat, that's alittle less padded that fits behind the passenger with the driver side rear seat folded down, so you can get a baby seat back there. I could fit her other seat back there, but it was really pushing up against the side of the folded part and I was worried about the leather.
If you ever go to the track with this car you won't be disappointed. Although in the straights and depending on how experienced you are with rwd the corners are faster in your vette, but don't sell this car short. You can power through the turns like a champ. The first time I went to the track I beat a heavily modified z06 and a stock z06 by at least 9 seconds. They weren't very experienced on a track setting though and rwd cars are harder to drive in that setting if you're unfamiliar with it in that senerio.
ANYWAY, all in all if you get an ms3 you won;t regret it, but like people have said before you should also concider a cx7 or a wrx.
DailyDriver
Member
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tiagotiago
Member
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- 2008.5 Mazdaspeed 3
Good to hear you drove the car and liked the experience, and I think you did a good review of the car, tough it's a shame you didn't drive it in the twisties. On a narrow mountain road with no slow hairpins, the car is pretty much perfect, and I have honestly felt it's just the right size for such an endeavor. The brakes(and brake pedal feel) are pretty good too, nice and firm.
I'm kinda surprised you didn't feel a bit more kick when the boost came on, maybe it's the new engine mapping, or maybe it's all that time in a Vette
Anyways, I agree with others that if you choose this car, you'll have to adjust your driving style. WOT in these cars before boost (less than 2800rpms) means putting strain on the engine/turbo and that's not the healthiest thing for it; you'll have to learn to wait a bit in really slow corners, get some revs and then give it the beans. Handling wise you'll notice the difference in F/F hatchback and a F/R sport/muscle car, but this car handles nicely, I think you'll enjoy the challenge of driving fast it because it's a predictable and very responsive tool.
Good luck!
I'm kinda surprised you didn't feel a bit more kick when the boost came on, maybe it's the new engine mapping, or maybe it's all that time in a Vette
Anyways, I agree with others that if you choose this car, you'll have to adjust your driving style. WOT in these cars before boost (less than 2800rpms) means putting strain on the engine/turbo and that's not the healthiest thing for it; you'll have to learn to wait a bit in really slow corners, get some revs and then give it the beans. Handling wise you'll notice the difference in F/F hatchback and a F/R sport/muscle car, but this car handles nicely, I think you'll enjoy the challenge of driving fast it because it's a predictable and very responsive tool.Good luck!
DailyDriver
Member
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Silver Ecstasy
Member
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- 11 MS3 Sport
Well I think Daily has earned the honor of being the most thorough and longest poster for a new member!!
Just jokin Daily - it sounds like you're doing a really good job of selling the car to yourself and it's benefits. I'd say it's about time you went ahead and signed on the dotted line!
Just jokin Daily - it sounds like you're doing a really good job of selling the car to yourself and it's benefits. I'd say it's about time you went ahead and signed on the dotted line!
