MS3 Sport vs. MS3 GT

[chrischil]

Is it really worth the extra $3k to buy the Grand Touring or what?? Apart from the BOSE speakers, Hid kit, leather seats, rain-sensing wipers, is it something I should consider buying? Ive already made up my mind to get the MS3, and hopefully in a month's time i'll have one, but ive been looking at sports cause they are in the $22k range, and the GT's i've seen start at $24k and go up to $25...What are your opinions - I'd like to hear from guys w/ Sports (whether u regret it or not) and guys with GT's.../chris

 

[jam_asian85]

here's a couple threads that might be able to asnwer your question

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123699274&highlight=grand+touring

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123652947&highlight=grand+touring

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123655471&highlight=sport

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123667810&highlight=sport

 

[~JoJo~]

go with GT! If you don't want to pay too much, wait a bit and get a used GT with very low milage (under 5k) for around the price of the sport. It just makes the car so much more nicer to have some of those option. Yes it's true for the money you can easily get aftermarket, but they are not OEM. Get a used GT and drive the s*** outta it =p

 

[hectik1]

When I bought mine I couldn't justify spending more money on leather (I don't particully care for), BOSE system (stock sounds just fine), rain sensing wipers (I sense rain too LOL), and HIDs. I like the HIDs, but knew I could hook up a kit for significantly cheaper than buying the other options.

 

[redspeed3tk]

i got it all and talked them down a grand and a half so it wasnt too bad it makes the resale a lot higher in the future

 

[Betelgeuse]

No regrets on the sport. I'd do it again if I had to buy now (unless I got a GT for the same price). If you can beat them down on a GT like someone mentioned, do it. Or if you really want the extras and the difference is no more than about $1500 or so, do it. If you don't care for the extras, don't do it, the money can go elsewhere or in the bank.

 

[MS3Jon]

I ended up going with the GT. I think it had something to do with the interior as to why I made that decision. Can't quite remember. I love it though.

 

[MS3077]

The leather while not the soft mushy type found in high end luxury cars does a lot for the appearance of the interior of the MS3.

If you really think about it $1700.00 isn't all that much for all that you get with the GT. Probably something like 20 bucks a month.

Either way you go it's the bargain of the century as far as performance per dollar is concerned.

 

[Mspeed3]

the only reason I dont like the leather is they put in the spot that I thought would wear the worst, on the bolsters on the side of the seat. Maybe someone with some miles can chime in on that. Also I bought mine in Oct06 and the prices in my state were pretty firm. The diff in price was 4,000 and the only gts i could find were cosmic blue, and I wanted black or silver. That is why I bought a sport

 

[chrischil]

I'm a little worried about what insurance would do for the GT to me, ya know? I guess the thing i really wish I could have out of the sport was the HIDs (which can easily be bought aftermarket) - cause i dont like the leather. Thanks for the feedback guys!

 

[MS3077]

The sport model is great if you don't mind forking over $$ for after-market stuff. Re-sale well suffers but that's what happens when you use none OEM products. Also, after-market HIDs will not have the adjustability that the OEM Hids do nor will they have warranty if they blow out. This could be expensive. Just something to think about.

How tacky does an after-market sound system look in a MS3? I would imagine really tacky considering the dash layout.

 

[Betelgeuse]

The sport model is great if you don't mind forking over $$ for after-market stuff. Re-sale well suffers but that's what happens when you use none OEM products. Also, after-market HIDs will not have the adjustability that the OEM Hids do nor will they have warranty if they blow out. This could be expensive. Just something to think about.

How tacky does an after-market sound system look in a MS3? I would imagine really tacky considering the dash layout.

You have to subtract the difference in price from any possible better resale value. Besides, I wouldn't be surprised if the resale value on both these cars are very close being it's a limited model.

If done well an aftermarket stereo and NAV can look factory. And as far as the warranty is concerned, after 36k you're sol unless you purchased extended coverage.

 

[haberdashery]

the new alacantra seats in the 08.5 gt is amazing, i think you should go check them both out, sit in them both, and if the gt doesnt tickle your fancy then go with the sport

 

[stevekt]

I got a Sport and with the money I saved I got drugs and hookers. No regrets.

 

[Rany]

I got a Sport and with the money I saved I got drugs and hookers. No regrets.

I did almost the same, I got hookers and drugs

 

[08cosmic3]

Only thing I wish I had on my Sport is the HID and I could not justify the extra $2000 for better headlights. Save the money and buy some performance goodies like an intake, exhaust and Cobb AP. All added together are less than $2000.

 

[2 DIZZY]

I like the GT I wanted as much as comfort I could get from this sports car. I drive an hour to work and If I am stuck in traffic I need comfort and a good sound system.

 

[~JoJo~]

I like the GT I wanted as much as comfort I could get from this sports car. I drive an hour to work and If I am stuck in traffic I need comfort and a good sound system.

+1

 

[RXMmazdaspeed]

no regrets with the sport. the sound system is great, the seats are comfortable, and if i want HID's - i'll buy aftermarket.

 

[SPEED305]

+1 ^^
i got my hid for 140