Old Member, New Ride - '12 3i Grand Touring

[andersun16]

Good to be back! After a less-than-stellar relationship with my Mazdaspeed Protege, I'm back with Team Mazda. Picking up my 3i tonight. Can't wait! (headbang)

3i Grand Touring with Tech Package in White.

 

[GoBackToSleep]

Welcome back. Although the Grand Touring is tempting with its additional features, you may want to try out the six-speed manual Touring before committing to the purchase. I've had only manual cars for six years now so I'm a bit biased. However, like you, I come from a Mazdaspeed vehicle as well, which was a 2008 Mazdaspeed 3. It was an awesome car, but insurance and fuel expenses were much too overwhelming. I feel the Skyactiv 3 is just about as fun to drive, and the only real difference is the lack of a turbo. Well, that, and I CANNOT WAIT to get rid of these terrible OEM Bridgestone Turanza tires. No grip at all and they squeal during the slightest turns...

 

[puredrive07]

Welcome back. Although the Grand Touring is tempting with its additional features, you may want to try out the six-speed manual Touring before committing to the purchase. I've had only manual cars for six years now so I'm a bit biased. However, like you, I come from a Mazdaspeed vehicle as well, which was a 2008 Mazdaspeed 3. It was an awesome car, but insurance and fuel expenses were much too overwhelming. I feel the Skyactiv 3 is just about as fun to drive, and the only real difference is the lack of a turbo. Well, that, and I CANNOT WAIT to get rid of these terrible OEM Bridgestone Turanza tires. No grip at all and they squeal during the slightest turns...

Those Bridgestone's are terrible once it gets cold and damp out during the winter months. I replaced them after 7500miles with Continental ExtremeContact DWS when I had my MZ3.