New from Grand Rapids MI. Few questions about the MS3

[msu24]

i am 17 and looking to get a mazda speed3 that is around 8,000-13,000. But im not really fimiliar with them and wondering if there are any main problems i need to be aware of and also if you have to replace parts on it a lot because my dad wont let me get one if you keep having to replace and fix things on it.

 

[jthrockmorton]

Just go for a regular 3. Your insurance will be through the roof with a speed...

 

[msu24]

ya but i heard the reg 3s are really slow

 

[castner]

i have a regular 3 and i can outrun my friends 1.8t jetta pretty easily if that counts for anything. with a few bolt ons you can get decent power out of a regular 3 but if you can definately get a speed. from what ive heard there isnt much that goes wrong with them aside from the motor mounts if they are the same as the reg 3. same block=same motor mounts?

 

[WillD]

$8k - $13k is your price range? That doesn't give you a ton of options for picking up a used Speed3. I did a quick search on cars.com and with a max of $13k everything has 80k+ miles. As long as you get one that has the basic maintenance done.. brakes, rear shocks replaced, fresh fluids (brake, transmission, regular oil changes), and there doesn't appear to be any major damage or issues you should be OK.

Another thing you can do is read about the smoking turbo problem some of these cars have and figure out how to check the car out to see if it has that problem.

As far as the Mazda3 vs MS3 debate... I would agree that since you're 17 a Mazda3 would be a much better buy for you given your budget. Insurance will be cheaper, it will be plenty fast for you, and you'll be able to get a lower mileage and/or newer example with your budget.

Welcome to the forum and good luck with your new car search!