Question on Mazdaspeed 3 reliability and fun factor-in market for car soon

[sbmrinaldi]

I bought my wife a CX9 a few years ago and I will be in the market for a car soon. I really like the performance numbers of the Speed3, but wanted to know from the owners the issues or reliability over duration of your ownership.

I currently am debating between an 07-09 Speed 3 or a Porsche Boxster S 00-02. Both can be had for mid teens and both seem to have some pro's and con's. The initial pro's on the Boxster is that it is .5 seconds quicker in 0-60 and is a convertible. The con's is I am sure the cost factor for maintenance is much more just because of the name. I still have to check insurance rates, but I am 42 so it should not be a big issue.

The Mazdaspeed 3 just looks great and is a much more family friendly car since it has 4 doors and a back seat. I have 4 kids and this would be a great benefit although we have the CX9 and another big car is not necessary. I wish it had a sunroof and it seems although I like the raised hood on the new 2010, the interior seems kind of "kidish" with the black and red design. I think I like the seats better in the older models. Again I am 42 and don't want to look like I am driving my sons car.

I have had a company car for about 15 years and now need to get my own. I also just moved to AZ where I can also buy a car without concerning myself about winter.

 

[Domino81]

I would never drive a Porsche as a daily driver. For no other reason than parts and service. At least the Speed 3 is based on the 3. So far most parts I've found are pretty cheap. At least by comparison to a Porsche. I'd love to own a Boxster S... it'll ultimately be more collectible. 42 and waiting a convertible Porsche sounds kinda like a mid-life crisis. Maybe neither option is right for you?

 

[oaklandopen]

I agree the porsche would be the bad choice of the 2, as far as ownership costs, reliability, and useability

But I am also having trouble understanding that those 2 cars are your choices. I feel like there may be some other cars better suited for you

 

[spdjnke]

get the Speed, keep it stock and it wont' look like your "sons" car.

 

[ras]

Buy the Speed3 it is fast and reliable, by the way I am 51 and love the car.

 

[boosted1]

Another vote for the MS3. I would opt for the '08.5 or '09.

 

[WillD]

Definitely an interesting pair that you've narrowed it down to! You can't go wrong with either vehicle IMO. If I were you I would get the Boxster S seeing as you have a more practical CX9 already anyways.

My dad has a Boxster S and I don't see any problem with driving it daily. He's taken it on several 1k-2k mile trips with my mom and both think it's an incredibly comfortable car, not to mention fun to drive. Maintenance costs won't be as dramatically more expensive as you might expect.

 

[sbmrinaldi]

It may be an interesting pair of choices, but I have always been into sports cars. In the last 10 years I have had C5 Corvettes, Nissan 300ZX twin turbos, 87 Buick Grand National. Anyway it never made sense having those cars in the midwest since they needed to be stored during the winter which turns out to be about 6 months. So sitting on the car under a cover and paying insurance lost its appeal. I don't think it is a midlife crisis (although maybe it is), I just finally moved to a state where I can drive whatever I want and since I have the CX9 as a family auto I can really buy what I want. The 2 appealed to me for the price point ($15-$18k) and fun factor. The Mazda would be much better for me if I needed to haul my kids around but the convertible sounds appealing as well. Both seemed to rate highly and I have not read much in terms of reliability issues with either one.

 

[WillD]

If you don't need to haul, kids, or anything else go with the Porsche for sure! I think they got a power increase in '08 or '09 so watch out for that.

 

[rdaex]

I actually say go with a Speed6
AWD, 4 door sedan.. not a "kid car" but damn will it put a kid smile on your face

 

[spdjnke]

I agree with ya, but he doesn't need AWD where hes going.

I actually say go with a Speed6
AWD, 4 door sedan.. not a "kid car" but damn will it put a kid smile on your face

 

[sbmrinaldi]

I like the thought of a Speed6 but don't need AWD. Also was wanting the smaller, more nimble fun car. Although I have not driven the Speed6 I would think the size is right there with my past company cars; Altima, Accord. Not big cars by any means, but yet not a sports car feel.

 

[meicalnissyen]

I also just moved to AZ where I can also buy a car without concerning myself about winter.

that would depend on where in AZ

 

[rdaex]

I like the thought of a Speed6 but don't need AWD. Also was wanting the smaller, more nimble fun car. Although I have not driven the Speed6 I would think the size is right there with my past company cars; Altima, Accord. Not big cars by any means, but yet not a sports car feel.

Dunno, AWD isnt just useful in the snow.. all that power goes right to the ground.

Also, the Mazda6 is significantly smaller, sportier and nimbler than any Camccortima