Really, REALLY need advice/opinion...

[sCoGrIfToN]

Hello to everyone out there. Long time reader, first time poster here.
I have a 2007 3 s touring 4dr that I got almost 2 years ago. I love the thing, but... basically even when I was looking at cars several years ago I COULDN'T get the speed6 out of my head! I think it looks AWESOME (although I never had the chance to test drive one), but it was more than I wanted to spend. So now I am looking into some used models, but I know I can't be trusted to make a rational decision on my own. This is where I need the help. I know that everyone here (for the most part) loves their mazdas', but I need some truth dropped on me!

1.) Is there anything wrong (design flaw, ect.) with the speed6? (I ask because it is pretty hard to find a used speed3, but there is an ample # of the 6's).

2.) What is the REAL gas mpg that the car gets? (While I it isn't a major factor, at 4.50 a gallon in Fresno...). I get about 25 on average in my 3, but to say I like to use the gas pedal is a bit of an understatement!

3.) Is there any real difference between the 06 and the 07 models?

4.) Should I expect the car to cost more to own than my current (and my insurance is covered by my office... I know, SWEET!)

5.) What is the MAX you would pay for an speed6 (for 2006 and 2007).

6.) Anything else that might be important...

Like I said before, I really just need to get some answers here. I dig my 3, but i realized that one of my favorite parts of the day is the drive to/from work (I love to drive), and that I should totally get a car that gives me the most enjoyment possible (as long as I can afford it!).


looking forward to seeing your responses!


Please post away with any and all information

 

[mazdaspeedster3]

Wow...

1) Only get the 07, the fixed the glitches from the 06
2) 20 - 23 MPG (worse with a heavy foot)
3) Fixed the glitches
4) It will obviously cost more, more car!
5) 18K
6) BUY ONE!

 

[kalte]

I have the 06 speed6 with 35k miles

1. The clutch...some hate it, some got used to it with clutch adjustment...but i believe the 07 have fixed that. Best way is to test it out for yourself as it varies for everybody. I did the clutch adjustment and it made alot of difference.

2. Real MPG..depends on your right foot
Typically i get about 20 - 23 mpg too...but on highway trips i get about 28mpg. My recent road trip of 500 miles nabbed 27.5mpg with 5 adults (including me) in the car...given it was a pleasant long cruise at about 70mph

3. Fixed the glitches ?

4. Your insurance is covered?? sweeeeet...it'll cost more, with premium gas...etc...bigger tires, more $$$

5. Not sure on the price...18 - 19k maybe ?

6. Test drive it, see if it fits your needs.

Keep in mind the seats WILL fold down...with the triangle braces there...I carry long furniture and stuff fine, just need to wiggle and arrange them properly to fit through the trunk without bending anything

The other problems include weak rear diff mounts...smoking due to leaking seals...etc...but to be honest, knock on wood, i didn't have any of those issues up till now...

Another thing is warranty, the 06 models have 4 years / 48k miles whereas the 07 models have 3 years / 36k miles...

It's a great car, and it suits my needs well...

just my thoughts.

 

[sCoGrIfToN]

let me clear up question 3 for everyone.

Ok, so when I ask about the difference in cost I should have been more specific. Sorry about that. I know it will be more expensive, but what I specifically meant was:
Does it cost any more for regular upkeep (oil changes and what-not... I have never owned a turbo so that is why I am asking). Also is it a MUST to use supreme fuel? I have heard some say that it is and others say the most important thing is to not switch back and forth between grades; I have also been told that plus is also an option.

Also, just a note, in order to test drive a car I have to drive 2 or 3 hours to the nearest dealership (which I can't wait to do!), but I sort of want to gather all the info first before I go to a dealership.

On the clutch issue, are you saying that it is stiff? Difficult? My first manual was a '90 bmw 535; pretty stiff clutch with ALOT of travel. As long as it isn't any worse than that....




I am stoked that I can find information here, and I hope to get lots more.

 

[Killer]

Wow...

1) Only get the 07, the fixed the glitches from the 06

06 models are fine as long as the TSB's have been performed.

I have an o6 and it has been TOTALLY trouble free and it now has 26k miles on it.

 

[sCoGrIfToN]

On a side note, I stopped by the dealership today and got a first look at the new 6... it is pretty awesome! The one thing I didn't expect was for it to be SO MUCH BIGGER! This car is easily as big as a maxima. Didn't test drive it (no manual yet so no point!), but it looks like it would feel HUGE to drive.

 

[lestat13]

Wish I could have gotten a speed6, but I couldn't get a used car loan in the 20k area. I love my speed3 but I keep thinking about the advantages of the awd (even if its not true awd).

Good luck with the purchase. Whatever you do, just make sure you buy a speed3 or speed6.

 

[sCoGrIfToN]

Well I talked to one of the sales people today and he was almost upset when I suggested that I needed the price to be 3000 grand less before I would consider. He has an 07 gt with 24k miles for 22 and an 06 touring with 9k (that I KNOW has been there for at least 7 months!) for 20,500... i told him to get back to me when he was ready with his revised prices, but i don't think he will call!

 

[jville]

keep the i'm never paying that front up, they will budge and maybe meet you halfway. Ms6 is the way to go. You will not regret it.

 

[3+5]

I've had my 07 since Jan 07, design-wise there's no difference. 07 is a carry-over from 06. There was no defective condition with the clutches, it was a driveability issue. The clutch feel is improved in about the middle of 06, but it's subjective as far as I know. The problem was that it engaged abruptly, causing many owners to stall the cars frequently. Even with an 07, it's pretty on/off. Car wash guys stall mine all the time. A product of AWD and sport clutch, I think. Just takes some getting used to. There's a TSB for the 06's, my 07 was not applicable, and mine is the first vin of 07.

KBB is something I've been looking at during the past week, and they are all holding value much better than the 6s or 6i. Any dealer will have these figures, but sell the car according to what they have into it, how long they've had it, etc. This should help on the two you're looking at:

Follow the link at the top of the page to change options and re-calculate.

http://www.kbb.com/KBB/UsedCars/Pri...2|true|1765355|true|1765344|true|1765375|true
http://www.kbb.com/KBB/UsedCars/Pri...42065|true|42077|true|42147|true|1763528|true


These figures are pretty real-world, driven spiritedly as I do. But I have had very good mileage on the highway, like kalte, I have had 28 mpg for several tanks on a long xc trip at 85mph. Generally, I get between 250-320 miles per tank.

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/FEG/noframes/23261.shtml

Good Luck with your shopping, be sure to compare the two by driving, and come back and post if you have questions/concerns.