New to the forum, from MN.

[007CobaltLS]

Hi, I'm Mike. I don't own a Mazda. Not yet. I've owned all GM's actually. Currently have an 07 Cobalt LS sedan. Base 2.2 with an auto. I've done quite a bit of work to it and have more to do. It's my DD and I've had it since 07. I may be retiring it by next year though...at least as my DD. It has numerous suspension mods along with CAI, intake mani swap, header, DP, cat-back, and tune for performance/MPG. I can manage nearly 40MPG on straight freeway driving. I average high 20's with the pedal buried most of the time and my daily commute to work gives me about 30-32MPG's. I can't complain at all. But I want more fun and better MPG.

I'm a member on the local MNMazda forum mainly because I have friends there, but also because I have always liked Mazda's. I'm not in the market for a different car right now due to finances, but I'm always thinking about what I want. While I would prefer to get a Miata, I can't because I need something I can drive year round and haul my son around in. That's when I thought an RX8 might do the trick. Unfortunately I'm not fond of the severe lack of power...of course I'm more into handling than anything.

Anyway, so that's when I decided after talking and reading. I'm going to plan on buying a 2. I like the looks, the design, and it's a decent platform to start with. Mainly I'm interested in the MPG factor and will get a manual this time around now that I can drive a stick...only took 28 years to learn. I drive a dock truck for work and was forced to learn to drive a 6-speed. Now that I can, I'm more interested in having a car with a manual.

Anyway, so that's my intro. I will mostly be reading on the forums and learning things. I will post once in a while probably, but hardly ever make new threads unless I actually have bought my 2. I'm just not sure if I want the Sport or Touring...cruise and fog lights would be nice along with the spoiler, but I don't need any of it. My big question is this: The CorkSport Kenstyle Replica Hatch Spoiler...when I was reading it says will require drilling for models without a spoiler. So does it use the same bolt holes as the stock spoiler? I guess that's really my biggest deciding factor in which model I get. Sad, I know.

Anyway, thanks for reading and having me here. Hopefully I'm welcome. LMAO
Mike

 

[DrWebster]

If you think an RX8 has a "severe lack of power," you're probably going to be disappointed with the performance from a 2, even with an MTX. And while it's certainly a fun car, but you're going to be hard-pressed to do better than 35mpg or so if you're beating on it like you do with your current ride. There are folks here who are having trouble staying in the low 30's even.

Honestly, if I were you I'd try to find a good, clean used Mazda 3 hatchback. You'll get similar gas mileage to what you're getting now, but the "fun" factor will definitely be better. Remember, "fun" and "fuel economy" are generally inversely proportional.

 

[007CobaltLS]

Sorry, should have chosen different words. It's not lacking power. From my knowledge (limited as it may be), you can't make a lot of power with the RX8.

As I wrote in the MNM fuel economy post I have...budget is the biggest factor for me. I can't afford a fun car. I would prefer to buy a new DD that I can have a little fun with. I'll look into the newer 3's then, but chances are they are out of my price range.

I've never owned fast car and that's not what I'm about. I prefer handling. The 2 is a cheap platform from everything I see compared to especially my car. I've put $5k into my Cobalt and from what I see for aftermarket on the 2, I can do just as much or more work for around $2-3k. It would probably be quicker and handle better than my car as well.

For reference...the few cars I've owned in the past 10 years...a 90 Grand AM with an Iron Duke...piece of slow s***. 2 Saturns with SOHC engines...DOHC Saturn S-series cars are fun...SOHC are practical. I have a 96 GA GT with a 4 cylinder and a stick that needs too much work for me to spend the time or money on, so that is going away. My current car is the "fastest" car I've ever owned...I use that term loosely because it's by no means fast. My ex's Saturn Aura with the 3.6L is quite a fun car and relatively quick for a big family sedan. Less than 15 seconds in the quarter mile which is good. Mine is probably in the 16's as it sits...maybe high 15's if I'm lucky, but doubtful.

Point being...I will be buying my next car as a DD. The 3 will be worth a look, but probably will not be the car I go for. I enjoy small/lightweight cars the most. I think a 100hp (at the crank) car weighing in around 2300lbs fits that bill nicely. My last car was a 99 Saturn SC1 which was 100hp at the crank and I believe weighed in somewhere in that range...heavier, but close. I enjoyed the hell out of that car, but the car was a lemon. Bought it from a shady car lot and had nothing but problems with it.