Looking to Buy

[di81977]

New to the forum. Looks like a good one. I am very close to pulling the trigger on a new MS3.

What are you all hearing about 2009. I have not seen anything on the internet, but been told that a 2009 will be made and will be available in Sept (dealers have already ordered). No changes from the 2008.5 model.

Aug edition of Automobile Magazine has an article titled 5 of the best performance bargains. They are very high on the MS3, but really makes a point about torque steer ("some of the worst torque steer of any car on the road today"), turbo lag, and narrow RPM operating range.

I would appreciate anyones comments on these items, and whether anyone knows about the 2009 release.

thanks

 

[micronesia]

Everything I have heard says the torque steer isn't a problem...

I didn't think there was a 2009 release but I could be wrong.

Also check out my recent thread since people answered some similar questions (ignore the financial arguments unless they apply to you lol)

 

[controlo]

the torque steer isn't bad at all, IMO. i drove a Nissan Sentra spec V with much worse torque steer.

 

[SharkDiver]

mazdaspeeds run in 2 year cycles,I would be very surprised if they made the ms3 in 09 because that would be a first.

 

[nextcar]

New to the forum. Looks like a good one. I am very close to pulling the trigger on a new MS3.

What are you all hearing about 2009. I have not seen anything on the internet, but been told that a 2009 will be made and will be available in Sept (dealers have already ordered). No changes from the 2008.5 model.

Aug edition of Automobile Magazine has an article titled 5 of the best performance bargains. They are very high on the MS3, but really makes a point about torque steer ("some of the worst torque steer of any car on the road today"), turbo lag, and narrow RPM operating range.

I would appreciate anyones comments on these items, and whether anyone knows about the 2009 release.

thanks

my opinion on the magazine article:
1. torque steer is there but not as bad as some cars, like the 2008 acura TL-S. i usually don't do full throttle in 1st or 2nd gears because of the weird feeling in the steering wheel.

2. regarding turbo lag: power/torque starts building from 2500 rpm, and is strong at 3000 rpm. i kinda like the surge in acceleration when it hits 3000 rpm - it makes the car feel faster than it really is. i guess i like turbo lag (strange statement, i know).

3. regarding narrow rpm range. i don't think it's that bad, but then i rarely redline my car. it's all relative. when i drove a bmw 335, the power kept building all the way to redline. right after that, i drove the ms3, and yes it ran out of steam past 6000 rpm. it's not important to me, but if you frequently redline your car, you might be disappointed. being $17k cheaper than the 335, i can accept this small shortcoming.

 

[imac]

my opinion on the magazine article:
regarding turbo lag: power/torque starts building from 2500 rpm, and is strong at 3000 rpm. i kinda like the surge in acceleration when it hits 3000 rpm - it makes the car feel faster than it really is. i guess i like turbo lag (strange statement, i know).

actually i'm with you there. i'm not gonna be going out racing people, i just bought the car to have a blast with it. i too kinda like the turbo lag because if i'm rolling and some gas into it at a low rpm, it creeps up for a sec then just shoots out... really cool feeling IMO. i took it hard out from a stop for the first real time yesterday, and let me tell you, i got to 60 pretty damn fast, but it still didnt even feel as fast as when you roll onto the throttle and let the boost plant you in your seat.

 

[ZooMIN3]

Whatever you do, don't get the navi system...you can get a nice TOM TOM system for 200 bux... of course, that's my opinion, but I've seen the navi in the Speed3 first hand...and it looks like garbage compared to my TOM TOM... just an FYI...

Take a look at both the GT and the non-GT trim... I loved the GT trim over the Sport... the bose system is ok for the normal people who like stock...I'll be replacing the stock speakers soon with an aftermarket type, however I'll retain the stock head unit.. other than that, I love everything else about my Speed.

Don't worry about torque steer, you'll get used to it, and will hardly notice it if at all once you've grown accustomed to it. Have fun with your purchase when and if you get it! =)

J

 

[ndedomin]

New to the forum. Looks like a good one. I am very close to pulling the trigger on a new MS3.

What are you all hearing about 2009. I have not seen anything on the internet, but been told that a 2009 will be made and will be available in Sept (dealers have already ordered). No changes from the 2008.5 model.

I would appreciate anyones comments on these items, and whether anyone knows about the 2009 release.

thanks

From what I have heard, mazda will briefly be selling MS3's in the early portion of the 2009 model year, but they will not be sold for the ENTIRE year. The early 2009 MS3's will be exactly the same as the 2008.5 models, and, from what I have heard, will only be sold until maybe October/November. I originally had ordered a mazdaspeed 3 from my dealer that was supposed to arrive in October, but I couldn't wait and bought the one I have now. Either way, the fact that they had one on order for me supports the idea that MS3's will be around at least until October.

After that, mazda will most likely begin moving towards production of whatever the next mazdaspeed vehicle is for 2009/2010. Some people say that the new mazdaspeed is going to be a revamped ms6. I don't know if that's true or not, but it makes sense. Personally, I wish mazda would just give us a 3-rotor rx-8.

 

[di81977]

From what I have heard, mazda will briefly be selling MS3's in the early portion of the 2009 model year, but they will not be sold for the ENTIRE year. The early 2009 MS3's will be exactly the same as the 2008.5 models, and, from what I have heard, will only be sold until maybe October/November. I originally had ordered a mazdaspeed 3 from my dealer that was supposed to arrive in October, but I couldn't wait and bought the one I have now. Either way, the fact that they had one on order for me supports the idea that MS3's will be around at least until October..

Thanks for the reponses. I plan on driving one this weekend. I should get a better sense of the car then. My concern is with buying a 2008 now when there will be a 2009 model year (even though it might be a short one). It will probably cost me a little more, but a 2009 will be a considered a year newer than a 2008 at resale time.

Thanks again for eveyone's time.
David

 

[60181]

I'm in the same position as you. Likely going to pick up my new MS3 tomorrow after my sons ball game.

Torque Steer....come drive a 305+hp FWD V8 and you'll feel TS....but no seriously...even my GXP with all that power...it's over-rated IMO. What many reviewers are feeling with my car is the Traction Control causing the power to shift side to side. Turn off TC and it does pull, but it's more slide sideways (wow)

On the MS3, I hardly noticed TS at all. I didn't flog the car the few times I've driven it for demo's but pushed her hard and IMO, TS is minimal. Depends on how you drive too. I don't nail it off the line. I ease into power.

Same goes for lag. The car is tame below 2500 rpm, but those first few rpms come quick enough and then....hang on!

IMO, I don't mind the softer lead into the power as again, I don't race off the line, I usually street start run and as far as power drop off....I hardly redline anything. I short shift out of habit and call it a day. Get me at the track and things will be different.

New to the forum. Looks like a good one. I am very close to pulling the trigger on a new MS3.

What are you all hearing about 2009. I have not seen anything on the internet, but been told that a 2009 will be made and will be available in Sept (dealers have already ordered). No changes from the 2008.5 model.

Aug edition of Automobile Magazine has an article titled 5 of the best performance bargains. They are very high on the MS3, but really makes a point about torque steer ("some of the worst torque steer of any car on the road today"), turbo lag, and narrow RPM operating range.

I would appreciate anyones comments on these items, and whether anyone knows about the 2009 release.

thanks

 

[ComeBack]

the torque steer isn't bad at all, IMO. i drove a Nissan Sentra spec V with much worse torque steer.

yeah i had an 04 spec v 3 cars ago and the ms3 is nothing to that lol.

 

[UHATEIT]

The narrow rpm range does suck. Tho I rarely floor it, when I do I hate that the boost runs out after a certain RPM.

Torque steer Is not that bad with a simple mm insert or mm, its a small price to pay and it will drastically improve it. I mainly got torque steer if flooring it while turning from a side street, but in a straight line I have no problems.

Turbo lag is minor, Some like it some don't. I dislike that it kicks in later than it did on my GST eclipse, BUT I have learned to try and manage it by watching my boost/vac guage and my a/f guage as well during driving to maximize my mpg. You have to pick and choose I guess

 

[trdsw]

narrow rpm band? torque steer? Turbo lag? issues???

Put it this way mazda doesnt use the best motors if you wanted something with a fluid torque curve go for a honda. Question is what do you want. Ill point out my justification and pros and cons

CONS
Its front wheel drive
Turn in and handling arent as neutral and precise as Im used to
The stock seats dont hold you like the bucket seats Im used to in my previous DD
Sloppy shifter

PROS
200+ turbo horsepower
Vast cargo space
comfortable seating
Decent interior design and finish
PRICE!!!!
MPG!!!

The car chassis itself wasnt built for a track so lets face it your gonna need to upgrade some parts for it to do that.

Torque steer hasnt been an issue for me and Ive launched hard (First FF car with over 200) and the torque steer is there but mazda put in the right essentials for it to go straight well enough (LSD, torque management in 1st and 2nd),

Turbo lag and narrow powerband...If your a good driver you will learn to utilize the powerband of whatever vehicle you drive. If your used to v8s and a very thorough power curve this might take some adjustment for you around the twisties. If your interested solely in driving this car fast then your probably in line for a turbo upgrade or a ECU flash anyway. These mods will change the powerband and improve on what it is.

For the month that I have owned this car it has been what I have expected and more. Some adjustments (I usually prefer FR) but for the most part a very competent street vehicle and a definite killer DD.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Boost falls at around 6k... Its simple think of 6k as redline and it's not that narrow of a power band. There's plenty of power from 3000-6000rpms. In the Civic si for instance you only make decent power from 6000-8000rpms. I'm having trouble comprehending why some are saying the power band sucks. Oh and turbo lag is very minimal if you know what you’re doing. It’s all about timing and staying on the throttle.

 

[60181]

I agree about the Si. I drove one and while it's a very nice car for what it is, it's a big "young" for me in terms of you have to flog it and unleash the teenager in you just to merge into traffic. I'd much rather have boost kick in with minimal drama for everyone to see.

Boost falls at around 6k... Its simple think of 6k as redline and it's not that narrow of a power band. There's plenty of power from 3000-6000rpms. In the Civic si for instance you only make decent power from 6000-8000rpms. I'm having trouble comprehending why some are saying the power band sucks. Oh and turbo lag is very minimal if you know what youre doing. Its all about timing and staying on the throttle.

 

[08cosmic3]

I would like to see mazda drop our engine in a new Miata. Imagine 275hp in a rear wheel drive car weighing 2500 lbs. It would be one wicked little drop top. Probably run mid 13's stock.

 

[Ghost Rider]

I would like to see mazda drop our engine in a new Miata. Imagine 275hp in a rear wheel drive car weighing 2500 lbs. It would be one wicked little drop top. Probably run mid 13's stock.

Well considering the MS3 runs 14flat stock weighing in at 3153 being boost limited in 1st/2nd and being FWD; a car weighing 650lbs less without these issues would most likely run high 12's low 13's no problem, it would be a car with a 9 to 1 power to weight ratio.