DailyDriver
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Hello everyone - new to forum - very interested in 2010 MS3
- Thread starter DailyDriver
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Silver Ecstasy
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- 11 MS3 Sport
I know "selling myself" when I see it. I sold myself on a few car decisions on the past. Decisions that ended up not being well-timed or regrettable.
Just focus on the negatives and see if you can truely, honestly live with those negatives. Because there's a ton of positives whenever you get a new car, regardless of what it is.
People do have MS3's and they do cart families around with it, but everyone has different "needs" and different "tolerances".
The WRX would be slightly larger on the inside but you will love the MS3 regardless.
Just focus on the negatives and see if you can truely, honestly live with those negatives. Because there's a ton of positives whenever you get a new car, regardless of what it is.
People do have MS3's and they do cart families around with it, but everyone has different "needs" and different "tolerances".
The WRX would be slightly larger on the inside but you will love the MS3 regardless.
DailyDriver
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- 2010 Mazda CX-9 GT Dolphin Gray
Some "negatives"
I have a 2008 so take the negatives for what they are:
Rear seat can be a bit tight at times. Especially when you're 6'3"
Car is on the noisy side which makes travelling with the family less enjoyable
Suspension can be brutal with a full load
not a ton of cargo room with 4 passengers
Turbo is thirsty (but pretty economical if you don't step on it)
Some rattles/buzzes that come and go.
Weather/temperature can have a huge effect on performance. Turbos don't like hot climates.
That said many of my complaints are solved on the 2010. Namely:
2010 is less noisy, more refined and rides a heeluva lot better.
Honestly the only downside I see with the MS3 is the interior room, which for most applications is MORE than enough. It's only when you have to do things with the family AND luggage that stuff gets cramped.
The thing is, despite these "negatives", the MS3 is so well-rounded and practical that it's hard to fault. Mazda really hit the bullseye with this design. So well in fact that I would argue it crushes cars at twice it's price. Honestly except for bragging rights and maybe better interior materials the MS3 is every bit as good as a BMW.
If everything goes well I plan on trading my 2008 for a 2011.
Excellent advise... thanks (2thumbs)
Yes, I do need to calm down a bit and focus on the negatives. One can indeed get overly excited at the promise of a thrilling new toy. Well, at least I'm not too impulsive, otherwise I wouldn't be here asking 89 questions, I would have bought the car already.
It actually took me a full year to buy my Vette... several test drives, tons and tons of studying and research etc... a bit overboard I guess, but that was an expensive purchase, I really could not afford to screw that up... and fortunately it worked out great, it's the best car I've ever had and my very favorite car of all time.
Back to the MazdaSpeed 3... negatives... hmmm...
Well, the issue here, as I mentioned in another post, I'm almost "asking too much" of the MS3... trying to accomplish too many goals with it. So that's a bit of a problem right there. I'd like it to serve as an everyday work car, family car and also a fun sports car... all at the same time. That's a tall order really.
So, the negatives... I wish it had a bit more interior space, and I wish it had a bit more lower-end torque and power... but this is not a fair reasonable "wish list" for a car that costs under $24k, a car that very well MAY actually serve ALL my needs just fine as is anyway.
As I also mentioned in another post, I think I'd have to spend considerably more dough to get a car that could serve all my needs and actually be considerably "better" than an MS3 in terms of general quality / capability.
I actually spent time today looking at other options, more expensive options, I really can't find anything that effectively is a "higher quality MazdaSpeed 3"... at any price. If you know of any, please let me know.
Requirements are: relatively small overall size, healthy snappy power, manual transmission, and must be a "wagon" configuration so it can carry large objects. I looked at offerings by BMW, Mercedes, Audi, all the other Japanese makers, US too of course... there are some other cool little wagons out there, but they either do not come with a manual tranny, or they aren't that fast, etc.
I guess the idea of a small hot-rod station wagon with manual tranny is just not that popular in general. The Hemi Magnum was a nice surprise when it came out, but to my knowledge, no manual tranny, and just too big and heavy. Or maybe an Infinity FX50 ($60k+) or Cayenne ($60k+)? BMW makes a mid-size sport wagon with manual tranny, but it doesn't seem to yield impressive performance numbers, plus it's expensive. The new Caddy sport wagon is really sharp, but no manual tranny... and expensive. Or... there's always the WRX STI with 305 hp and AWD... but for $10k more... considering that car is not any larger than an MS3, I don't know if it's truly worth an extra $10k just for 40 more hp and AWD... I could save that $10k and buy a nice fast motorcycle with it once my daughter is a little older while still having decent thrills in the MS3.
Dammit, I'm trying to sell myself the MS3 again... or is it selling itself? I need help.
Let's review, what are the biggest negatives of the MS3 in YOUR opinions, fellas? What am I forgetting? I'm having too much trouble with all this, I need to be smacked around a bit.
I have a 2008 so take the negatives for what they are:
Rear seat can be a bit tight at times. Especially when you're 6'3"
Car is on the noisy side which makes travelling with the family less enjoyable
Suspension can be brutal with a full load
not a ton of cargo room with 4 passengers
Turbo is thirsty (but pretty economical if you don't step on it)
Some rattles/buzzes that come and go.
Weather/temperature can have a huge effect on performance. Turbos don't like hot climates.
That said many of my complaints are solved on the 2010. Namely:
2010 is less noisy, more refined and rides a heeluva lot better.
Honestly the only downside I see with the MS3 is the interior room, which for most applications is MORE than enough. It's only when you have to do things with the family AND luggage that stuff gets cramped.
The thing is, despite these "negatives", the MS3 is so well-rounded and practical that it's hard to fault. Mazda really hit the bullseye with this design. So well in fact that I would argue it crushes cars at twice it's price. Honestly except for bragging rights and maybe better interior materials the MS3 is every bit as good as a BMW.
If everything goes well I plan on trading my 2008 for a 2011.
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Silver Ecstasy
Member
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- 11 MS3 Sport
I still personally feel it's a very impractical car for his needs.
That's why i'm still standing by my decision of either Subaru WRX or Mazda CX-7.
The CX-7 is such a great compromise of space and practicality, it honestly is the perfect fit. Daily -- just go drive it. If you seriously leave the dealership wanting to stab yourself in the eyes because it's an Automatic, then i'll apologize for even recommending it so heavily. But that's going to be the best compromise for what you're looking for.
Or, a larger performance hatchback (which it sounds like, if you've got the MONEY, why not just go for an STI?).
That's why i'm still standing by my decision of either Subaru WRX or Mazda CX-7.
The CX-7 is such a great compromise of space and practicality, it honestly is the perfect fit. Daily -- just go drive it. If you seriously leave the dealership wanting to stab yourself in the eyes because it's an Automatic, then i'll apologize for even recommending it so heavily. But that's going to be the best compromise for what you're looking for.
Or, a larger performance hatchback (which it sounds like, if you've got the MONEY, why not just go for an STI?).
DailyDriver
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Silver Ecstasy
Member
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- 11 MS3 Sport
The WRX has a slightly wider foot print than the MS3. The car is wider and hence, the interior space is more available. I just think that might be a really good compromise. The MS3 just really sounds like it'll be pushing the limits of useable space versus practical.
Like I said with the "negatives", it's these seemingly "minor" things that could end up being a headache at some point.
I've always been a 2 door coupe kind of guy. I had a 2005 GTO (that got lemon lawed) and I loved the car. It's a great example of me "selling" myself on something.
-It's RWD, can't be that bad.
-It's got 400 hp, doesn't mean I have to use it all the time right? (Yeah right - that thing was a trouble maker)
-It'll be a fun daily driver right? It was agonizing. I drove 9 miles of stop and go 2 lane road. And when I did actually get on the freeway, I wouldn't let off the throttle till I was hitting 100mph or more. Recklessness.
What do I do? I liked the power, but maybe I need something more practical. So I leased the Trailblazer SS. I loved it for it's practicality, hated the gas mileage, hated the handling, hated the fact I could never "get into it" without watching my gas gauge float down towards E (at $4 a gallon, this was disheartening). SO I sold the lease and was going to get my dream car - a Nissan 350z. I have no kids, I didn't have a house at the time. Live for the moment right??
Wrong - besides it being more expensive than I wanted to pay - I couldn't justify that much money for a car I could do nothing with! NOTHING. Just me and another person? Not to mention, my sister was just in a horrible winter accident that left her with a brain injury and disabilities. I couldn't see myself making such an irresponsible move into a very IMPRACTICAL car with our bad winters. So, reality check!!
Then I started shopping Dodge Caliber SRT4's after careful re-alignment of my priorities. I decided i'd let my ego down and get something that still decently quick and big enough to carry people (if I had to), or move stuff around (if I ever moved from the apartment). I liked the CSRT4, but hated the fact that at $23,000, the thing rattled like it had 80,000 miles on it. Boost came on later in the RPM range so it was actually really easy to drive (I test drove it several times in winter storms, and once in dry weather so I could stretch it's legs). Someone told me the Mazdaspeed3 consistently wins in it's segment tests...so I said "What the heck, let's go look?"
I took my gf to the Mazda dealer with me after our Valentine's Day/Anniversary dinner (how sweet huh!). I was instantly impressed, loved the amenities, LOVED having HID projectors (always wanted a set of OEM ones). I sat in the back a few times and thought "Eh..it's not too bad........it's big enough I guess."
Fast forward to today, I hardly ever have anyone in the back seat. The few times i've had to, it was uncomfortable. Everyone felt cramped, I felt like the car was really heavy, and I had to move my seat up to the point where I was very uncomfortable. I figured, "Good thing that doesn't happen very often".
I don't regret the purchase one bit, but...
-If we ever take a trip, we take the gf's CX-7. Not only is it extremely fun to drive in the highway, the suspension is very sporty and the brakes are fantastic. I never feel like i'm driving a bloated SUV. My car, on the other hand, wouldn't be the most enjoyable experience. It'd be louder (road noise) and she wouldn't have slept as often in the car.
-We loaded her CX-7 up to the roof with stuff when we moved our belongings into our new house. My MS3 was packed with stuff too! So I was thankful I had the option (just thinking if I didn't have her or her car as an option).
-I have a sibling who is slightly disabled and it's very hard for her to get in and out of the car. I'd never dream of taking a car load of family members in my car..that'd just not ever happen.
So, it's just sort of limiting to what I can do on my own - but I freaking LOVE my MS3 and don't regret the purchase.
Now, in your particular case, you've got some objections, you've got some needs, and you've definitely got some wants (don't we all!). It's just really important you don't discount your needs in the size/comfort department. If it's not going to be comfortable for your needs (hauling family and work crap), you will hate/despise/cringe at the fact you'll have to force the car to do a daily task it is certainly not built for. Atleast with the WRX, you gain in overall versatility, AWD traction (winter..mmmh..)
My buddies WRX in comparison to our cars:
Like I said with the "negatives", it's these seemingly "minor" things that could end up being a headache at some point.
I've always been a 2 door coupe kind of guy. I had a 2005 GTO (that got lemon lawed) and I loved the car. It's a great example of me "selling" myself on something.
-It's RWD, can't be that bad.
-It's got 400 hp, doesn't mean I have to use it all the time right? (Yeah right - that thing was a trouble maker)
-It'll be a fun daily driver right? It was agonizing. I drove 9 miles of stop and go 2 lane road. And when I did actually get on the freeway, I wouldn't let off the throttle till I was hitting 100mph or more. Recklessness.
What do I do? I liked the power, but maybe I need something more practical. So I leased the Trailblazer SS. I loved it for it's practicality, hated the gas mileage, hated the handling, hated the fact I could never "get into it" without watching my gas gauge float down towards E (at $4 a gallon, this was disheartening). SO I sold the lease and was going to get my dream car - a Nissan 350z. I have no kids, I didn't have a house at the time. Live for the moment right??
Wrong - besides it being more expensive than I wanted to pay - I couldn't justify that much money for a car I could do nothing with! NOTHING. Just me and another person? Not to mention, my sister was just in a horrible winter accident that left her with a brain injury and disabilities. I couldn't see myself making such an irresponsible move into a very IMPRACTICAL car with our bad winters. So, reality check!!
Then I started shopping Dodge Caliber SRT4's after careful re-alignment of my priorities. I decided i'd let my ego down and get something that still decently quick and big enough to carry people (if I had to), or move stuff around (if I ever moved from the apartment). I liked the CSRT4, but hated the fact that at $23,000, the thing rattled like it had 80,000 miles on it. Boost came on later in the RPM range so it was actually really easy to drive (I test drove it several times in winter storms, and once in dry weather so I could stretch it's legs). Someone told me the Mazdaspeed3 consistently wins in it's segment tests...so I said "What the heck, let's go look?"
I took my gf to the Mazda dealer with me after our Valentine's Day/Anniversary dinner (how sweet huh!). I was instantly impressed, loved the amenities, LOVED having HID projectors (always wanted a set of OEM ones). I sat in the back a few times and thought "Eh..it's not too bad........it's big enough I guess."
Fast forward to today, I hardly ever have anyone in the back seat. The few times i've had to, it was uncomfortable. Everyone felt cramped, I felt like the car was really heavy, and I had to move my seat up to the point where I was very uncomfortable. I figured, "Good thing that doesn't happen very often".
I don't regret the purchase one bit, but...
-If we ever take a trip, we take the gf's CX-7. Not only is it extremely fun to drive in the highway, the suspension is very sporty and the brakes are fantastic. I never feel like i'm driving a bloated SUV. My car, on the other hand, wouldn't be the most enjoyable experience. It'd be louder (road noise) and she wouldn't have slept as often in the car.
-We loaded her CX-7 up to the roof with stuff when we moved our belongings into our new house. My MS3 was packed with stuff too! So I was thankful I had the option (just thinking if I didn't have her or her car as an option).
-I have a sibling who is slightly disabled and it's very hard for her to get in and out of the car. I'd never dream of taking a car load of family members in my car..that'd just not ever happen.
So, it's just sort of limiting to what I can do on my own - but I freaking LOVE my MS3 and don't regret the purchase.
Now, in your particular case, you've got some objections, you've got some needs, and you've definitely got some wants (don't we all!). It's just really important you don't discount your needs in the size/comfort department. If it's not going to be comfortable for your needs (hauling family and work crap), you will hate/despise/cringe at the fact you'll have to force the car to do a daily task it is certainly not built for. Atleast with the WRX, you gain in overall versatility, AWD traction (winter..mmmh..)
My buddies WRX in comparison to our cars:
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DailyDriver
Member
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Silver Ecstasy
Member
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- 11 MS3 Sport
Ahh..so you do have a practical vehicle in the stable! Okay, well you've pretty much got all the facts on the table.
You're pretty much fully aware of what you're getting into with the MS3. Plenty of people will come on here and say "It's awesome - do it! - I carry the fam all the time!" A really good friend of mine does carry the family around in an MS3 and, while it's not bad, the other family vehicle ends up being put to work as the easier option anyhow.
I will agree, whole-heartedly that the WRX is sort of BORING to drive. I even test drove an STI last September when dealerships were taking $5000-$8000 off of late model 2008 STI's still on the lots. I was not exactly thrilled. I remember getting back into my car and thinking "Man, this lil bastard is so much fun!!!" It really is a thrill to drive.
I seen your thread about the stock tires. The stock tires are summer-only Dunlop SP 2050's. They haven't gotten the best ratings. Both the MS3 and WRX will be equipped with summer-only tires. A tire that the local ms3/ms6 guys have been very happy with as All-Seasons are Pirelli PZero All-Seasons. Where i'd be geared up with a full set of winter tires, these guys were handling the same stuff with their Pirelli's. Very impressive to say the least.
With the AWD of the WRX, traction is easier and safer to be had. But with AWD comes the complexity of things breaking/malfunctioning (old school, I know). Plus, if you ever blow a tire or need to replace a tire, all 4 tires need to be changed all together. Otherwise you'll burn up the differentials. (I'm sure you know all that).
At the end of the day, it's going to come down to test drives. I drove the CSRT4 and MS3 roughly 3-4 times. By the 3rd test drive of the CSRT4, I knew it wasn't the right car for me. I found more annoyances than positives and immediately couldn't wait to get out of the car. By the 3rd test drive with the MS3, I was annoyed it wasn't mine already (I was waiting for my order to come in - so I kept test driving their "test mule" 2008 MS3 that they had on the lot).
I've only emphasized the negatives because your requirements seemed a little stiffer and less forgiving. It sounds like the MS3 wouldn't be a bad choice at all. Both the WRX and MS3 are fantastic cars for the money.
Comparo Videos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6PGMi89qRo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98of6GaH1dk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnEqyBofZzM
You're pretty much fully aware of what you're getting into with the MS3. Plenty of people will come on here and say "It's awesome - do it! - I carry the fam all the time!" A really good friend of mine does carry the family around in an MS3 and, while it's not bad, the other family vehicle ends up being put to work as the easier option anyhow.
I will agree, whole-heartedly that the WRX is sort of BORING to drive. I even test drove an STI last September when dealerships were taking $5000-$8000 off of late model 2008 STI's still on the lots. I was not exactly thrilled. I remember getting back into my car and thinking "Man, this lil bastard is so much fun!!!" It really is a thrill to drive.
I seen your thread about the stock tires. The stock tires are summer-only Dunlop SP 2050's. They haven't gotten the best ratings. Both the MS3 and WRX will be equipped with summer-only tires. A tire that the local ms3/ms6 guys have been very happy with as All-Seasons are Pirelli PZero All-Seasons. Where i'd be geared up with a full set of winter tires, these guys were handling the same stuff with their Pirelli's. Very impressive to say the least.
With the AWD of the WRX, traction is easier and safer to be had. But with AWD comes the complexity of things breaking/malfunctioning (old school, I know). Plus, if you ever blow a tire or need to replace a tire, all 4 tires need to be changed all together. Otherwise you'll burn up the differentials. (I'm sure you know all that).
At the end of the day, it's going to come down to test drives. I drove the CSRT4 and MS3 roughly 3-4 times. By the 3rd test drive of the CSRT4, I knew it wasn't the right car for me. I found more annoyances than positives and immediately couldn't wait to get out of the car. By the 3rd test drive with the MS3, I was annoyed it wasn't mine already (I was waiting for my order to come in - so I kept test driving their "test mule" 2008 MS3 that they had on the lot).
I've only emphasized the negatives because your requirements seemed a little stiffer and less forgiving. It sounds like the MS3 wouldn't be a bad choice at all. Both the WRX and MS3 are fantastic cars for the money.
Comparo Videos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6PGMi89qRo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98of6GaH1dk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnEqyBofZzM
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- 2011 Mustang GT
Why not just get the MS6? Turbo, AWD, and 6-speed, and bigger trunk than the Vette? Also are fairly cheap to pick up right now.
Another possible option for a family hauler could be a Mazda5. They do come in manuals and would have more than enough room to put large items, as well as haul the family. Good thing is the 2.3 is enough to get it moving easily and be easy on the pocket for gas.
Another possible option for a family hauler could be a Mazda5. They do come in manuals and would have more than enough room to put large items, as well as haul the family. Good thing is the 2.3 is enough to get it moving easily and be easy on the pocket for gas.
Silver Ecstasy
Member
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- 11 MS3 Sport
Steve, he's actually said before about how sedans are useless because he has to haul larger equipment and the size of the trunk is limiting.
I think going from a Vette to a Mazda5 would be cruel...lol
I think going from a Vette to a Mazda5 would be cruel...lol
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- 2011 Mustang GT
I read that at the beginning, but also thought that the midsize or larger sedan might accommodate him enough to get what he needs in the trunk. And don't hate on the 5, it's more than capable and still has some zip for a small car.
Silver Ecstasy
Member
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- 11 MS3 Sport
How would you feel giving up your Mustang GT for a Mazda 5??? And don't give me a mature, responsible Steve answer lol. You'd wanna strangle yourself going from one extreme to the next.
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- 2011 Mustang GT
If you haven't driven a 5, then shut it! They're perfectly capable for hauling items and people if need be, and they're not lethargic like one might think. Some people can get past the stigma of a 'van/people carrier' even though they have a sports car.
Silver Ecstasy
Member
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- 11 MS3 Sport
As long as you have a pair of balls, it's pretty hard to compare daily-driving a VETTE to a Mazda 5.
The Mazda 5 is a great vehicle! My point is, it's a pretty extreme change. He said he was looking for something still fast.
The Mazda 5 is a great vehicle! My point is, it's a pretty extreme change. He said he was looking for something still fast.
DailyDriver
Member
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- 2011 Mustang GT
Have you had the chance to drive the new STI? IMO, that's not a car worth $38K. The AWD is nice, but I think the MS3 with a dedicated set of winter tires would be more than sufficient in snow conditions. Also, the WRX/STI has some of the highest insurance out there today, due to the younger crowd that buys them. I believe its top 10 right now(just read the article not too long ago).
Also, I don't think the interior holds up to the level of refinement that the MS3 does. I had a chance to drive a 2009 with a full upgraded Alpine stereo system (it was a test car for a major magazine) and the whole car just felt thrown together. Even with the upgrades that were on it, it still didn't impress me. I even made the comment that my MS6 was a more worthwhile investment and the driver agreed.
If you're torn between those two, the MS3 is still the way to go IMO.
Also, I don't think the interior holds up to the level of refinement that the MS3 does. I had a chance to drive a 2009 with a full upgraded Alpine stereo system (it was a test car for a major magazine) and the whole car just felt thrown together. Even with the upgrades that were on it, it still didn't impress me. I even made the comment that my MS6 was a more worthwhile investment and the driver agreed.
If you're torn between those two, the MS3 is still the way to go IMO.
tiagotiago
Member
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- 2008.5 Mazdaspeed 3
Bingo!!! You're right on the money!
It's good to see you're taking so much time to choose and to make as a dispassionate choice as possible, you'll likely make a correct one.
My experiences with this car for road trips have been good ones, and so far I have yet to make one where I'm going solo (the first one will be one I'll be making in a week and a half....hopefully, if I ever finish all the work I have to get done before). In all of them I've had 2-4 friends (all 20 somethings of all shapes and sizes) and their stuff for a weekend trip, nobody has reported problems, and with a properly adjusted seat, I could drive all day. My mom and dad (who are in their mid 50s and 60s) took this car for a one day 400mi trip once, and enjoyed the experience. My dad, who did the driving, couldn't stop talking about the car, they've since done the same trip a couple of times in their new car (a brand new Camry) and I haven't seen them that happy after a drive (certainly not my dad when he got to drive lol).
I Did a 2 hour road trip with My MS3 last week, 4 adults, and 4 golf bags in the hatch.
Gas usage on 95 was 29MPG. rear seat passengers were not unhappy, but did comment that the back seat of my 2005 tacoma double cab was bigger and a bit more comfy.
I bought the MS3 as a sporty car that had "some cargo/family" as compared to the 4 door truck i was getting rid of due to fuel economy. If i behave myself it's miserly on gas compared to my truck. It has hauled what I've needed to haul so far. and when i go out with my wife and son (11 so no car seat) it's the vehicle we take.
When i'm alone in it, i do tend to play with the power and "sporty" side of the vehicle and I LOVE it. something satisfying of mashing the pedal while doing 30 in 2nd gear and getting pushed into the seat back as the turbo's spool up.
Regardless of your decision, good luck.
Gas usage on 95 was 29MPG. rear seat passengers were not unhappy, but did comment that the back seat of my 2005 tacoma double cab was bigger and a bit more comfy.
I bought the MS3 as a sporty car that had "some cargo/family" as compared to the 4 door truck i was getting rid of due to fuel economy. If i behave myself it's miserly on gas compared to my truck. It has hauled what I've needed to haul so far. and when i go out with my wife and son (11 so no car seat) it's the vehicle we take.
When i'm alone in it, i do tend to play with the power and "sporty" side of the vehicle and I LOVE it. something satisfying of mashing the pedal while doing 30 in 2nd gear and getting pushed into the seat back as the turbo's spool up.
Regardless of your decision, good luck.
DailyDriver
Member
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