My First Mazda!!

[SR388]

I have been a long time Honda fan, and my family has owned many of their cars over the years. Unfortunately, due to recent hail storms my beloved 2000 Acura Integra GSR was totaled.

Last week I bought a nice 2007 Speed 3! Its got a tick under 60k on the clock, and it is in good shape although it has a fair share of scratches and what not(typical used car).

I love the power of the car, along with the comfort and the toys that come with the GT package. I know the Bose system has many detractors but for me it sounds good.

I look forward to getting to know the Mazda community!

Me and my old GSR

 

[fishdonotbounce]

Welcome to the family! Thats a very clean GSR that you had. Sorry to hear about it being totaled but the speed3 looks great.

 

[SR388]

I have a question for you all. When a layperson asks what kind of car do you have, what do you tell them? I feel that Mazda, Mazdaspeed 3 is a bit too drawn out. I have been simply calling it a Turbo Mazda. If they ask about the body style, I just say wagon. I know it's a 5 door hatch, but the simpler I can make for folks the better. Lol!

 

[Tyrdstorm]

Just call it a Mazdaspeed3.

 

[oaklandopen]

When ppl ask me what kind of car it is I say its a mazda, but the turbo one (assuming you don't count the cx7). Most of the ppl that I talk to aren't enthusiasts anyway, which is to say I usually have to tell them what a turbo is afterwards

Its not a very gawdy car for one of the best in its segment, considering how many of the others have hood scoops or bigger spoilers. This makes it quite the wolf in a sheep suit, which I like. Unsuspecting ppl are the best kind to go up against

 

[BigDaddyMS3]

Welcome

Very nice color!

Looks like you autocross. Sway bars and tires might be your next mods after the RMM and CAI.

Enjoy!

 

[ScratchNSniff]

Welcome, check out the Tennessee section, plenty of people on here from your area...may also be interested in Carolinamazdas.com not sure of where exactly you are, but we have many meets that venture into TN...

 

[SKiZ0TT]

Welcome and enjoy the MS3!

 

[speed3 britz]

Welcome! I had a 94 integra myself, an LS tho, not a GSR

 

[SR388]

Very nice color!

Looks like you autocross. Sway bars and tires might be your next mods after the RMM and CAI.

Enjoy!

Thanks!

I plan to get a SRI, RMM, and shifter bushings down the line. For the time being I am just working to get to know the driving feel of the Mazdaspeed.

 

[phx]

It's a fun car and you will like it more then your old acura. For one you actually have some torque in the mazda while hondas don't make any

 

[SR388]

God, I am really falling in love with this car! Sometimes it doesn't feel super fast but then others it is just an absolute rocket! I need to be careful though, I know eventually I will get a ticket if I don't stop fooling about!

 

[KillerSpeed3]

Nice MS3. I usually just call it a Speed3, then if they don't know what it is i try to explain that it is a Mazda3 wagon/hatchback with a turbo, and if still don't know I just stop trying to explain because by now they won't get it. I almost bought a black one but I fell in love with the cosmic blue and black rims on the one I ended up getting. And I hope you don't put tape on your MS3 lol.

 

[Kain]

Where in Knox Vegas are you? I lived there and Oak Ridge for six years.

 

[SR388]

Nice MS3. I usually just call it a Speed3, then if they don't know what it is i try to explain that it is a Mazda3 wagon/hatchback with a turbo, and if still don't know I just stop trying to explain because by now they won't get it. I almost bought a black one but I fell in love with the cosmic blue and black rims on the one I ended up getting. And I hope you don't put tape on your MS3 lol.

Lol, the tape was simply because I didn't have any paper numbers or magnetic ones. I may have to do it on the MS3, because I plan to go to an AutoX next weekend. Black wasn't my first choice but I wanted the GT package and price was agreeable for a dealer. The color has started to grow on me, and I have begun to accept that the car is never going to look perfect.

Where in Knox Vegas are you? I lived there and Oak Ridge for six years.

I am in South Knoxville. I have lived in the area going on 16 or so years now

 

[SKiZ0TT]

If the hood is in good condition consider clear bra! Mine is so ate up from rock chips - I cringe after I detail my car and see all the speckles on the front.

 

[SR388]

Hooray! and Booo!

I am getting ready to have the car taken to a local trustworthy mechanic to have the car given a 60k service.

Just to be safe I am having him do:
Fresh Mobil 1 synthetic
Oil filter
Coolant change
Cabin filter
Transmission fluid change- Going with the motorcraft stuff, no Friction Modifier(we will see if I can live with the noise)
Fresh Spark plugs
Top engine cleaning- pretty much seafoam treatment
and various inspections.

The boo part is my need to add parts is starting to itch. This is odd because I never felt the need to touch my old GSR.

So... I just ordered from street unit:
SURE motorsports Rear Motor Mount
SURE Motorsports SRI
SURE Motorsports shifter bushings

I really shouldn't be spending money on the parts, but I need more POWER!!

 

[SR388]

Well, sadly Street Unit did not have the parts in stock. They were very friendly but I decided to cancel the order. I decided to order the following things from Protege Garage:

TRZ RMM
Cobb SRI
and some random shifter bushings

I am a bit nervous though ordering from Protege Garage, because I have not heard very flattering things about them. I wish I had researched before I placed my order. I will cross my fingers and hope for the best, but the fact I haven't heard a peep from them since I ordered yesterday is not confidence building.

 

[oaklandopen]

Apparently pg is hit or miss. But I also hear the staff size is not that great, sooooo....make of it what you will

 

[SR388]

Apparently pg is hit or miss. But I also hear the staff size is not that great, sooooo....make of it what you will

Well I will call and see what is what tomorrow, if I don't hear anything back before Monday, I may try to find out about getting a refund.

I am new to the Mazda scene, can anyone pm parts sellers who would have the stuff I need, and excel at customer service?

I miss the mid 2000's where you could simply go to NOPI or Summit and get what you need all in one go.