I'm new! Let's start with pics

[Three2Five]

I recently traded my black '04 NSRT-4 in on my brand new 2011 Mazda 3 Sport. Now i know what you're thinking, step back wards huh? lol, i'm at a point in life and need to do some growing up, getting rid of the money pit SRT was the first big step. It had horrible gas mileage (lucky to see 18mpg actually), rode rough, the car was just kind of crude. Instead of 85k miles i now have 800, a brand new warranty, and a mpg gauge instead of boost lol. And no matter what, i still have my '87 Chrysler Conquest TSi for my boosting escapades.

I can't believe how surprisingly peppy these 2.5's are, the 6 spd. is fantastic! So smooth. Plenty of power all through the power band, (although a little weak in the mid range). I already did the yellow fog light mod, and threw on a zoom zoom sticker haha, but i have a CS SRI ordered, 8,000k hid low beams, and yellow hallogen high beams. I plan on baking the headlights and doing some work in there (not exactly sure what yet, but i'll figure it out. i've done numerous headlights and tail lights for people, including my SRT and Quest). After this winter some H&R springs, eventually exhaust (maybe, i kind of enjoy not being in an obnoxious car haha). Definitely some shift bushings, need to get rid of the mooshy feeling. But all in all i adore this car, and honestly haven't looked back. Except when Mustangs and Camaros pull up, i can't do anything about them anymore lol.


PICS:

bad iPhone pic

My RWD Boost Machine

SRT

Thanks for looking and reading! I've been reading the hell out of these forums, i'm hoping to be able to contribute some how-to's when i get around to really tinkering with my 3.

 

[bazooka joe]

nice stable! welcome aboard!!

 

[Three2Five]

Thank you!

 

[WillD]

Welcome! (2thumbs)

Congrats on the new car, glad you are enjoying it! Did you test drive the Mazdaspeed3 when you were looking at your new 3?

 

[Three2Five]

God no, it was out of my price range and i knew i would fall in love. I drove 2 of the older models and i absolutely adore them. A good friend of mine has an '11 MS3 though, i'll get a chance to see what the new ones are like. I've driven almost anything you can think of lol, supercharged Vettes, regular Vettes, Vipers, Evos, STI's, Old Chargers and Challengers (and new) and anything in between. I love having friends hahah. It also helps i worked as a lot attendant at a dealership and was the only one that could drive standards! I even took people on their test drives cause salesmen couldn't drive them haha.

 

[MikeMiranda1990]

Good choice man. I actually never liked the SRT4s. Found them to be very loud and obnoxious but still quick.... However the MazdaSpeed 3s are really impressive but you would expect that, with them being turbo and all. I 100% agree that for non-turbos thes 2.5l have a surprising little pep to them. Im doing a few light mods, nothing to crazy. To me they dont really need it, plus i know boost will get me in toruble haha. I prefer the hatchback but the sedans arent too bad. Thats what i got for my fiance. She loves it. Theyre fun. (and haha i run the service dpt at a ford dealership so i know what you mean. i drive cobras and saleens and s*** all the time. its awesome )

 

[MazdaEd80]

Well welcome aboard from a former Chrysler turbo guy myself (91 Spirit RT, 04 SRT4)..The SRT$ was more of a race machine, creature comforts were not in the game plan..lol..i loved mine for what it was...fast in a straight line (mid 12's all day) but it wasn't practical for me and my expanding family.

i also have a 2012 mz3 S sedan in silver with a 6spd.Extremly comfy, fun to drive and yes the 6 spd is beautiful in comparison to the chryslers old school 5's