Looking for a new car MS3 is one of my choices.

[GETxERxDONE]

currently i have an 06 Civic, and ive been going over my choices on new cars
The Civic Si, MKV GTI, and my new choice the MS3.

ive driven them all, and so far i think i like the GTI more, but i think i narrowed it down to the MS3 and GTI.

i like that the GTI has a sunroof, id really miss mine, auto up/down windows on all doors on the GTI and not the MS3. bixenon headlights on the GTI and id have to get the more expensive MS3 if i wanted xenon headlights on it. i think the seats are more sporty on the GTI and hold you in better. the GTI definately shifts smoother, but the MS3 has a more sporty feel to it, and of course its faster. im not really worried about power mod capabilities because i dont think id have the money to put into it even if i wanted to. the GTI does get better MPG though. im used to an AVG of 35mpg so it would hurt to get half that. but the MS3 is cheaper for some reason with how much faster it is.

anything else yall can think of to help me compare/decide which one to get?

oh, pics of my civic.

pic at the dragon

i got more pics somewhere..

 

[Tsquad]

howabout the gti is ugly and the ms3 will seat 4 better.

 

[xpnsvxj]

All I can tell you is that I'm 25 and I have owned 10 cars so far and this one is my all time favorite. It has a great blend of power, handling, and room. I have a 08.5 sport model and could not be more please with the car.

Some things that you need to think about before buying the MS3. One I don't know where you live but if it gets cold you'll need a set of winter tires. The stock summer tires can not handle the cold weather I'm not sure if this is the same for the GTI. The stereo is ok at best in the MS3 so if youre in to music you might want to upgrade. Of course it is not AWD so traction can be an issue at times but I'm sure the GTI has the same problem.

The one thing I can tell you if you go with the MS3 you won't be disappointed(wrc)

 

[DreSEL]

bixenon headlights on the GTI and id have to get the more expensive MS3 if i wanted xenon headlights on it.
the GTI does get better MPG though. im used to an AVG of 35mpg so it would hurt to get half that. but the MS3 is cheaper for some reason with how much faster it is.

anything else yall can think of to help me compare/decide which one to get?

You can get the MS3 Sport, and buy a HID kit for about $125. I average about 21-22 MPGs when dirving normal. The MS3 has more room, and in my opinion, it is better looking. Off course, no car is perfect, but a stock MS3 will feel so much faster compared to your civic.
I had a 1994 turbocharged Sentra SE-R and now that I'm getting older, I love the fact the the MS3 is very fast without being loud or rough on you during long drives.

Good luck

 

[bjjer]

test drive them all then decide for yourself, we all have different tastes.

 

[UHATEIT]

I have the ms3 sport and i bought an HID kit for only $65 shipped off ebay and its been working fine, ive bought 6 of those kits fo past cars and family cars and they all last perfectly fine. I upgraded my stereo to a dvd/tv pioneer with ipod hookup and it makes the stock speakers sound great.

I perfonally feel that the ms3 seats are perfectly fine and they feel realyl comfortable when driving the car. But they do make GTI 4 doors as well, tho not as spacious as the ms3 backseat and i've had some big friends in the backseat who say they had enough room in the back with ease.

as far as mileage, I average 25mpg on mine everytime i fill up. I calculate the miles and gallons and it's always 25 or better. Yesterday i got gas, and pulled into teh station with exactly 300 miles on the trip meter and i pumped exactly 12 gallons into it, whioch calculates to 25mpg, which isn't bad. tho not as good as your civic would get by far.

 

[AutoXRacer]

From reading your post, I say get the GTI...seems like you like that one better... If you want a MS3, I say wait for the next generation to come out in 2010. Should be a little more refined...hopefully, Mazda fixes the issues engines blowing up and turbos leaking oil...

But from your post, seems like you really dig the GTI... Go with what makes you happy. This is an MS3 forum, so everyone will tell you to get the MS3. If you go to a VW forum, they will tell you to get the GTI...

Just make a list of pro and cons and go from there...but most importantly, buy the one that puts a smile on your face and you feel more comfortable with.

Good luck!!

 

[GETxERxDONE]

yeah, ive driven all 3, and while i do like the GTI its still a VW, heh, i think my dad would disown me

and to autoxracer, the salesman i talked to said theywerent making the MS3 after 09 and would prob be going back to the MS miata.

i have HIDs in my civic, and actually have retro fogs to put in it. hows the cutoff with the stock projectors with PNP hids in it?

and it is only the drivers window thats auto down right? and none are auto up?

i didnt even listen to the radio when i test drove it, but i think my civics stock one is better than the GTI's 10 speaker system.

i only get about 27mpg in my civic because of the way i drive it, wishing it was fast, but yeah on long trips ive gotten 38mpg which is lovely but i can handle worse mileagle, i came to the civic from getting 9mpg in my hotrod chevy truck heh.

and im in alabama, definately no need for winter tires..ever

thats all i can think about right now, thanks for the input everyone. and yes im on a gti forum, and a civic forum. my friend has a modified si so i know how fast they can get without turboing it.

 

[AutoXRacer]

and to autoxracer, the salesman i talked to said theywerent making the MS3 after 09 and would prob be going back to the MS miata.

Hey, tell that salesman he is clueless...

Mazda is currently testing a MS3 for predicted release for 2010...maybe a 2011 model year...? Anyway, its plastered all over the net.

Mazda will not be releasing a MS Miata in the next few years...

I know this because I wanted to buy a MS Miata and through my research, have found a Mazda official statement saying they will not be releasing one anytime soon due to economic track.

 

[GETxERxDONE]

i shoulda known, i could tell he didnt know what he was talking about and was just trying to BS me. he said "Mazda is years ahead of everyone, things we have been putting on standard for years are just now coming out it new cars"
i was thinking..what about cadallic and lincoln theyve had TMPS and crap like that since the early-mid 90's or better my grandmothers like 86 lincoln town car had auto dimming headlights when you had your brights on and it detected someone elses lights. i mean the speed3 has some cool stuff, but it doesnt compare in some features to some of the other cars out there.

 

[AutoXRacer]

i shoulda known, i could tell he didnt know what he was talking about and was just trying to BS me. he said "Mazda is years ahead of everyone, things we have been putting on standard for years are just now coming out it new cars"
i was thinking..what about cadallic and lincoln theyve had TMPS and crap like that since the early-mid 90's or better my grandmothers like 86 lincoln town car had auto dimming headlights when you had your brights on and it detected someone elses lights. i mean the speed3 has some cool stuff, but it doesnt compare in some features to some of the other cars out there.

Yeah, I don't think Mazda is one for techi features... My 1984 T-Turbo had a few future-istic features... (lol2)

I've always seem Mazda as a basic, no none-sense kind of car... (lol2)

 

[parkerfe]

I too was torn between the MS3 and GTI a few months ago. I test drove them both numerous times as well as a Mugen Civic, STi, EVO X along with several others. I ended up buying a 2008.5 MS3 GT with Nav, Homelink...loaded. The MS3 is just a superior car... is faster, more comfortable, looks better and is MUCH more reliable. After a little over 6,000 miles I have had 0 problems and have been averaging 25.3mpg in mostly daily commute driving. If you go with the GTI, be sure your dealer gives you a loaner car you enjoy driving as you will be driving it often.

 

[240ka]

You can get the MS3 Sport, and buy a HID kit for about $125. I average about 21-22 MPGs when dirving normal. The MS3 has more room, and in my opinion, it is better looking. Off course, no car is perfect, but a stock MS3 will feel so much faster compared to your civic.
I had a 1994 turbocharged Sentra SE-R and now that I'm getting older, I love the fact the the MS3 is very fast without being loud or rough on you during long drives.

Good luck

bought my apexcone/ddm kit. 55watt with 6k bulbs for 90 shipped

 

[GETxERxDONE]

cutoff pics?

 

[240ka]

From reading your post, I say get the GTI...seems like you like that one better... If you want a MS3, I say wait for the next generation to come out in 2010. Should be a little more refined...hopefully, Mazda fixes the issues engines blowing up and turbos leaking oil...

But from your post, seems like you really dig the GTI... Go with what makes you happy. This is an MS3 forum, so everyone will tell you to get the MS3. If you go to a VW forum, they will tell you to get the GTI...

Just make a list of pro and cons and go from there...but most importantly, buy the one that puts a smile on your face and you feel more comfortable with.

Good luck!!

disagree. the new design of the 3's look like ass. and as for the 2010 MS3. im not digging the dual exhaust or hood scoop. even if its functional

i say get a 09 MS3 for a sweet deal. and throw a few mods on it

while i would love a 2.5 l turbo. our 2.3's arent to far off

 

[GETxERxDONE]

wheres the pics? lol waiting would prob be better for me, and im in no hurry.

 

[Peter B]

I was in the same boat almost, but it was between the WRX, GTI, and Speed3.

I would say DON'T go with the GTI. Everyone I know who owns any VW car, including the GTI loves them... until something breaks. Then they hate every moment of their life until the car is fixed again. Everyone I have talked to, including a VW dealer has told me they can be expensive to fix and the parts can be hard to get in a timely manner. The GTI is a nice car, but if you wind up with any of the problems some of my friends have had, you will regret it.

On top of that the Mazdaspeed3 is faster!... read the reviews.

Out of all the cars I drove the speed3 out performed everyone, came with more features, was about $2000 cheaper, got better milage, and mazda was even clever enough to retune the engine so it can take the 87 gas without pinging or knocking. I dont think the GTI can say that.

I wouldnt even consider the civic si.... last i checked both the GTI and Speed3 will put that car down like a lame dog. Ontop of that civics are kinda douchey.

 

[PCspeed3]

My friend just got a Gti. In my oppinion the only downsides are: It sounds like its taking a s*** on itself at startup, the backseats are rock hard and have vertical backrests. Most of the stock wheel opptions look like poop. But on the upper hand it is built better but will probly die quicker than the MS3.

 

[SHaW]

Looks like you should really get the GTI, if you like those bonus features, interior wise. However, if your concerned over power wise, then most definitely go with the MS3.

 

[essejkcamraw]

I test drove a GTI and honestly DID NOT LIKE IT. too much money for not much of a car. i mean ill give it to VW. the interior of their cars are a lot nicer than most cars out there. i wont go into honda. flat out, i DO NOT LIKE HONDA. the speed has it all. power. looks. interior is up to par with VW IMO. but from the looks of it..your sold on the veedub. go with what you want. its your money. and your gonna be the one stuck driving it.