Maybe buying a MS3?

[BlackCherry]

Hey guys looking in the car market pretty soon, I'm growing out of the protege. I was looking at Mazdaspeed 3's I was curious about what people thought about them compared to protege's. What do you like about them, what don't you like about them. Anything specific that i should be looking for while I'm browsing (other than the usual stuff) Just anything that I need to know. Also what're the differences between then 07's 08's and 09's. Thanks!

 

[bradboyd80]

I don't know the differences in years, but I do know that the difference between the sport and GT models are the HID's, bose, and I think leather. I went from the MSP to the MS3, and there is absolutely no comparison. Nicer interior, better handling, and nearly twice the power. All around, just a better car. Look around and take one for a spin and you'll see what I'm talking about. I can't think of anything to look for though. Personally, I would have a mechanic check it out to be sure it's good to go. Depending on your budget, I'd look for a GT with low mileage. The extras are worth it imo.

 

[kvndoom]

08.5's and 09's fixed most of the problems that popped up in 2007-2008 models, and added a few new features. The GT is worth it for all the reasons Brad just mentioned.

The Speed's weaknesses have all been hit on a million times, but most can be modded away... bad engine mount, literally only half a horn, fog lights that are pretty much just decoration, windshield/seatbelt/glovebox noises, 2nd-3rd grind, blah blah blah. If you get one just be prepared to put some time and effort into making the car what it should have been from day one. It will reward you in spades though.

 

[BlackCherry]

Sounds good, so should I stay away from 07 models? And I'm not really a huge fan of leather seats, are they really that much better in these cars?

 

[subydoored]

well its leather but its suede in the middle so it doesnt get hot or cold.

 

[79535]

I would avoid 2007 and early 2008 models like the plague. I have a 2007 and have had nothing but issues with the engine, transmission and turbo.

If you will be buying one, buy one with the black interior as opposed to the grey/brushed aluminum interior. The difference between the two is build dates. The black interior cars and 2008.5 and up models and have shown better reliability and less issues.

Best of luck.

 

[BlackCherry]

Did they start making the black interiors at 08.5? If not, how can I tell the difference between an 08 and an 08.5?

 

[toastermcfunk]

Did they start making the black interiors at 08.5? If not, how can I tell the difference between an 08 and an 08.5?

There are a few differences, I believe 08.5's have white needles on the dash, along with the shiny piano black trim on the interior, along with alcantara inserts on the GT. I also believe that 08.5's had different colors available.

 

[rsvinylgraphics]

o8.5 has the piano black interior accents

 

[79535]

The only official differences are the different interior cues. Mazda refuses to admit to changing anything mechanical as far as I know anyways...

 

[bradboyd80]

I would avoid 2007 and early 2008 models like the plague. I have a 2007 and have had nothing but issues with the engine, transmission and turbo.

If you will be buying one, buy one with the black interior as opposed to the grey/brushed aluminum interior. The difference between the two is build dates. The black interior cars and 2008.5 and up models and have shown better reliability and less issues.

Best of luck.

You bought a bad apple my friend. I have an 07 and have had only 1 problem which was a 10 minute fix and self-inflicted; though I found out the hard way. Other than that, its been a dream. I'm also sitting at 60.5k miles, stock turbo, stock tranny, original engine, stock motor mount, a few mods, etc.

 

[dwc]

...only 1 problem which was a 10 minute fix and self-inflicted; though I found out the hard way.

Such a tease. Details?

 

[bradboyd80]

It's fun that way.....LOL. reference post 2.....

basically my intake clamp rubbed into my wiring harness and made contact with a wire. This triggered a short, causing the car to not run properly. Dealer had the car for 4 days, did absolutely nothing and tried to charge me $400. Had the car towed home, found the issue, fixed it, good to go. That's the short version. Here's the long one:
http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123782255

\threadjack

 

[79535]

You bought a bad apple my friend. I have an 07 and have had only 1 problem which was a 10 minute fix and self-inflicted; though I found out the hard way. Other than that, its been a dream. I'm also sitting at 60.5k miles, stock turbo, stock tranny, original engine, stock motor mount, a few mods, etc.

That would be my luck

 

[bradboyd80]

I had bad luck until I got the MS3. I do realize things happen though. Otherwise, there would be no bad stories about the MS3. Which isn't the case.

 

[BillTheCat]

Sounds good, so should I stay away from 07 models? And I'm not really a huge fan of leather seats, are they really that much better in these cars?

NO functional/structural difference between the Sport cloth & GT leather. Just the materials. If you're not a fan of leather, that's a huge chunk of the GT price difference. From everything I hear, the Bose stereo upgrade sucks major donkey testicles, so that leaves you with HID's and LED tails. If those really churn your butter, you can find aftermarket HID kits for under $200, and you can buy the tails on eBay & other places for a few hundred more.

If you don't see much difference in Sport vs. GT pricing in the used market, then it's pretty much a wash. Otherwise, I'd only go GT if I really dug the leather seats.

 

[BlackCherry]

So between 07 08 and 09 the only real difference is the interior color? Are the mechanical differences?

 

[bradboyd80]

No mechanical differences at all that I'm aware of.

 

[streetfocus]

Thanks for this thread. I have been looking to get an MS3 recently, and most are 2007 models. So maybe the 2008.5+ is what I should be looking for if they fixed some issues.

 

[ricky7384]

2008.5 - 2009 added metropolitan gray metallic and crystal white and dropped silver and cosmic blue. Like others stated 2008.5 + have piano black trim through out the car and all back cloth seats in sport or leather trimmed seats with alcantara seats which are awesome. Just bought a 2009 MGM Gt with 1700 miles for $18600.