So, I rode (didn't drive yet, planning on doing that in the next day or two) in a mazdaspeed3 last night. I have to say, as a whole, the car is a compelling package for the price. I wish that the cabin was a bit quieter, and there was less road noise. (I'm coming from a Volvo S60 2.5T now, so it is a pretty quiet car). Still, I think that would just fade to the background. I definitely need to drive the speed3, get a sense for how it feels, shifts, and see how bad the torque steer is. Hopefully I'll judge it acceptable as a daily driver. I also want to see how nimble the Mazda feels, my Volvo is kind of a boat with a lousy turning radius.
The Grand Touring seems to have a lot of features. But, I'm trying to decide if I should get the speed3, or spend the extra 7-9 grand and get an Infiniti G35. I've driven the G35, and it is a really nice car. Awesome power, great driving dynamics, RWD, and certainly a step up in the luxury department over the Mazda. The speed3 has more utility being a hatch, and having the ability to fold the rear seats down. Wish the seats folded down in the G. I sometimes need to haul long pieces of lumber for my woodworking hobby. I can live without that ability if I had too, (that's what friends' cars are for!).
I want something that is more fun to drive than my Volvo, but I also do like the luxury touches and upscale bits. Just not sure I like them to the tune of 7 to 9 grand. The extra cost isn't really a problem, I could afford it as it is close to what I'm paying for my Volvo now. Still, saving some money is always nice.
I like the image if the Infiniti, seems to be a bit more mature than the speed3, and has lots of amenities. But, if the speed3 is just as much fun to drive, can meet all of my needs, it seems like the smarter choice.
Any comments or advice? What would you guys do? Thanks!
The Grand Touring seems to have a lot of features. But, I'm trying to decide if I should get the speed3, or spend the extra 7-9 grand and get an Infiniti G35. I've driven the G35, and it is a really nice car. Awesome power, great driving dynamics, RWD, and certainly a step up in the luxury department over the Mazda. The speed3 has more utility being a hatch, and having the ability to fold the rear seats down. Wish the seats folded down in the G. I sometimes need to haul long pieces of lumber for my woodworking hobby. I can live without that ability if I had too, (that's what friends' cars are for!).
I want something that is more fun to drive than my Volvo, but I also do like the luxury touches and upscale bits. Just not sure I like them to the tune of 7 to 9 grand. The extra cost isn't really a problem, I could afford it as it is close to what I'm paying for my Volvo now. Still, saving some money is always nice.
I like the image if the Infiniti, seems to be a bit more mature than the speed3, and has lots of amenities. But, if the speed3 is just as much fun to drive, can meet all of my needs, it seems like the smarter choice.
Any comments or advice? What would you guys do? Thanks!