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- 2012 Touring MT
Max Archer's Mazda2 Build Thread
- Thread starter Max Archer
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Max Archer
Member
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- '12 Mazda 2 Touring 5MT/'87 325IS 2DR 5MT
Need to wash it and take some real pics. Took it straight to the canyons after buying it so it got dirty fast. Being black doesn't help either.
It's black with all the options. The Recaro package is basically mandatory, without it you get the same seats as a base Fiesta by the way.
Somehow re-engineered for more camber and better geometry. I don't know the details, but the thing about them comes from Grassroots Motorsports and I trust them more than any other publication out there to know what they're talking about.
The big thing was constant alignment trouble and a bad vibration that three dealers couldn't diagnose. As far as we could tell it was probably a control arm bushing, not something that should die at 30,000 miles, even with my driving.
It's black with all the options. The Recaro package is basically mandatory, without it you get the same seats as a base Fiesta by the way.
Somehow re-engineered for more camber and better geometry. I don't know the details, but the thing about them comes from Grassroots Motorsports and I trust them more than any other publication out there to know what they're talking about.
The big thing was constant alignment trouble and a bad vibration that three dealers couldn't diagnose. As far as we could tell it was probably a control arm bushing, not something that should die at 30,000 miles, even with my driving.
Re engineered to provide more static camber ( about -1.5), corrects bump steer issues, and adds more positive caster. Also the rear beam is not only more stiff, but has less rear camber also. ( a little less than - 1.0 as opposed to ours being closer to -1.5)
Congrats on the car. I have to admit that they are nice, but I have to ask why you got this compared to the Focus ST. If I didn't have the Miata I might have looked in to the fiesta or focus to get power, but I am ok with the 2 being slow since I have the Miata.
Max Archer
Member
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- '12 Mazda 2 Touring 5MT/'87 325IS 2DR 5MT
Last shot of the 2:
Last shot of the 2. by maximstensel, on Flickr
Better pic of the ST:
ST by maximstensel, on Flickr
I wanted a Mazda2 on steroids, and that's what I got with the Fiesta. Aside from that, the Focus was too expensive, it's closer to $29k loaded.
Last shot of the 2. by maximstensel, on Flickr
Better pic of the ST:
ST by maximstensel, on Flickr
I wanted a Mazda2 on steroids, and that's what I got with the Fiesta. Aside from that, the Focus was too expensive, it's closer to $29k loaded.
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From what I have heard the Fiesta and the Focus are both good cars. I never looked at them with options. I just know that the base for each one is pretty close to each other which is why I asked. I can understand the 2 on steroids thing. Hope ya enjoy it.
utmorpheus
Member
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- 13 Mz2 Touring MTX
You know, besides Buick the only other vehicle makes besides Mazda I'd buy is Ford. They really have their s*** together, and as far as the Fiesta and Focus, they are truly listening to the masses. If their interior wasn't like trying to go from DOS to OSX I'd probably be driving an ST myself, but Ford can't seem to get interiors correct. Everything about them is complicated and out-of-reach. I like Mazda because it's no BS. I have what I need, and if I need more there is aftermarket.
deadlydave
Member
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- '13 Mazda 2
Congrats on the Fiesta. I was eyeing these (in crazy colors) before I got my 2, back when I had an E30. I just couldn't justify the cost, since my 2 is my daily and my WRX is my brawler.
Had the opportunity to get into a Fiesta ST today, with the Recaros and sunroof.. The seats were NOT comfortable at all for this 200lb 6 footer. and with the sunroof there's no way I can get the seat low enough to fit with a helmet.
If it wasnt on the showroom floor, I'd have been able to test drive it and compare. The sales manager offered up a base to test drive and said "go out in this, and just imagine it handling 300% better and going like a scalded cat". I told him to call me if/when he gets a non sunroof/Recaros car and go from there. For now I like my 300% better handling car with 500lbs less weight.
The Lava Orange is amazing in person.
If it wasnt on the showroom floor, I'd have been able to test drive it and compare. The sales manager offered up a base to test drive and said "go out in this, and just imagine it handling 300% better and going like a scalded cat". I told him to call me if/when he gets a non sunroof/Recaros car and go from there. For now I like my 300% better handling car with 500lbs less weight.
The Lava Orange is amazing in person.
Max Archer
Member
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- '12 Mazda 2 Touring 5MT/'87 325IS 2DR 5MT
Yeah the sunroof would definitely be an issue for helmet fitment if I weren't 5'10. I actually wanted a non-sunroof car but would've had to wait for one and I ended up getting it for free so it's not the worst thing. I'm 190 and the Recaros fit like a glove but not everybody's the same shape.
Yeah, they fit me like a glove also, not sure I could live with them everyday. I hate the seats in my buddy's Mini with the sport seats also, so maybe it is my less than svelt frame....
Congrats on the upgrade Max!! Sad to see another good looking 2 go but nice upgrade!! disclaimer** I will probably never ever buy a ford.. but because of this thread I went on the site and built one the way I would want it and it came out to 25k.. for that money i'm in BRZ territory/ speed3 territory and too close to v8 power (30k). I'm sure its an awesome car, even Top Gear mag named it their car of the year.. but I cant justify the cost. That's 10k more than the 2. I am jealous of the turbo but still.. that's $10000!! Good choice on the color tho MAX.. I would do black/ dark blue/ or the orange. Did you have any parts left over from the 2? or did you leave it all on the car?
Font Motorsports
Member
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- 2012 Mazda 2
Congrats! Saw it in person at the Miami Beach Auto Show and it was looking good. One thing. Hate that it has a great looking diffuser but only one exhaust tip on the side. Boo. Still looks very nice. 
Max Archer
Member
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- '12 Mazda 2 Touring 5MT/'87 325IS 2DR 5MT
Yeah, fortunately I'm going to leave the windows as they are so I don't have to worry about it. It's got a bit of tint stock and I'm not big on the dark tint on a black car look.
I've daily driven fixed race buckets before so maybe I'm used to it, but I love them. I find more supportive seats to be comfortable on long drives.
I didn't think I'd ever own a Ford either, but this one's really a UK/Euro car so it's an exception. I considered the fact that the price was very close to an MS3 or BRZ or even a WRX/base Evo, but what I like about the ST is that it's as easy in the city and gets the same MPG as the 2, still has usable back doors and seats, and was a whole lot of performance for the money. The black actually wasn't my first choice (I really like Performance Blue) but it's what was available without getting on a waiting list or dealing with a dealer trade, and I liked it better than the bright green and white cars that were the other available options. I think it helps add a bit of stealth to the car as well, since all the diffusers and scoops and grilles blend in. it looks really nice up close, too, with more flake than I've ever seen in a factory paint job in my life and some subtle golden undertones.
Congrats! Saw it in person at the Miami Beach Auto Show and it was looking good. One thing. Hate that it has a great looking diffuser but only one exhaust tip on the side. Boo. Still looks very nice.
Yeah I noticed that as well. An exhaust will probably be in the car's future and hopefully it'll be possible to put a tip on each side. First mod aside from tires and pads will probably be the Mountune MP215 kit though, 215HP and a much fatter curve and will be officially available from Ford Racing dealers, which means the car will keep its full warranty!
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- 2012 Touring MT
Nice car !!
Andres
Andres
Font Motorsports
Member
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- 2012 Mazda 2
Yeah, an exhaust tip on each side would do that car well. Like always, if you need anything i can probably get it for you. Congrats on the ST!
Funny enough on monday I went into the food store and I saw a white Fiesta ST in the parking lot. As soon as I got into the store I ran into a old friend I have not seen in a while and it ended up being his. We will probably drive each others cars later this month.
Max Archer
Member
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- '12 Mazda 2 Touring 5MT/'87 325IS 2DR 5MT
Just be careful, you might end up coming home with one!
Yeah, an exhaust tip on each side would do that car well. Like always, if you need anything i can probably get it for you. Congrats on the ST!
Thanks. Actually, I'll be looking for wheels down the line, can you get anything in 4x108? Stupid fitment is one of the one big downsides of this car.
