Yeah yeah, I know it's FWD but for the price, it seems like a decent value. New, these seem like a pretty good deal. Do they usually go for sticker price, or is it possible to talk a dealer down to invoice? Also, just a quick CL search finds me mazdaspeed 3s with the grand touring package, 4k miles, for ~20k (year 2007).
Basically, I gotta get a car at some point by the end of this summer. I'd like something that feels a little special, isn't your ordinary car (duh, who doesn't), and this sounds stupid, but I'd rather get a car that isn't very common aka I'd rather stay away from the camry, accord, etc. The Civic SI is a bit tempting, but also small. Considering where I'll be going to school (which, as of now, looks like it will be in San Diego), I'll be making trips up to the bay area and back every 8 to 12 weeks. It would be nice to have a some cargo room. I know the MS3 could give me that with the seats folded down.
The last thing I have to include, which is pretty stupid, is that I know how to drive a manual. I've done it before in friends' cars, but it's not something I ever got used to. I haven't driven one in heavy traffic, on hills (like in SF..steep hills), or anything like that. I feel like moving up to a MS3 from my current 95 volvo 944 (automatic) would be a steep learning curve. So, with that said, would it be a stupid idea to get a car like this and just let myself get a feel for it for a few weeks? Aforementioned friends have all departed (face_sad... everyone went to school all over the country).
As for the specifics go, I think I'd like the GT..the stereo system, HIDs, etc sound nice, and if I ever decide to sell the car in a few years, I think I'd get more out of it if it were a GT. As far as color goes, I think I'd be interested in the black, red, or white. My first "mod" would be a visual one, in which I'd get rid of the mazda wheels (not really a fan) and throw on some black wheels (tasteful, don't worry) if the car was red or black. If its white, I dunno what I'd do, but the white looks very clean.
I'd also like to mention that I know I gotta test drive cars to see how I like em, that's a given. I just wanna do a bit of research first, and knowing me..i can change my mind quickly on cars. As for right now, this is a car that tempts me.
Anyways, thoughts and advice? Thanks!
edit: also, these cars require 91 octane or is that just recommended? That could be a huge factor in the buying decision with current gas prices (I saw $4.09 for premium on my way home the other day!)
Basically, I gotta get a car at some point by the end of this summer. I'd like something that feels a little special, isn't your ordinary car (duh, who doesn't), and this sounds stupid, but I'd rather get a car that isn't very common aka I'd rather stay away from the camry, accord, etc. The Civic SI is a bit tempting, but also small. Considering where I'll be going to school (which, as of now, looks like it will be in San Diego), I'll be making trips up to the bay area and back every 8 to 12 weeks. It would be nice to have a some cargo room. I know the MS3 could give me that with the seats folded down.
The last thing I have to include, which is pretty stupid, is that I know how to drive a manual. I've done it before in friends' cars, but it's not something I ever got used to. I haven't driven one in heavy traffic, on hills (like in SF..steep hills), or anything like that. I feel like moving up to a MS3 from my current 95 volvo 944 (automatic) would be a steep learning curve. So, with that said, would it be a stupid idea to get a car like this and just let myself get a feel for it for a few weeks? Aforementioned friends have all departed (face_sad... everyone went to school all over the country).
As for the specifics go, I think I'd like the GT..the stereo system, HIDs, etc sound nice, and if I ever decide to sell the car in a few years, I think I'd get more out of it if it were a GT. As far as color goes, I think I'd be interested in the black, red, or white. My first "mod" would be a visual one, in which I'd get rid of the mazda wheels (not really a fan) and throw on some black wheels (tasteful, don't worry) if the car was red or black. If its white, I dunno what I'd do, but the white looks very clean.
I'd also like to mention that I know I gotta test drive cars to see how I like em, that's a given. I just wanna do a bit of research first, and knowing me..i can change my mind quickly on cars. As for right now, this is a car that tempts me.
Anyways, thoughts and advice? Thanks!
edit: also, these cars require 91 octane or is that just recommended? That could be a huge factor in the buying decision with current gas prices (I saw $4.09 for premium on my way home the other day!)
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