should i buy an ms3?

[gosvatos]

Been talking to many of my friends about this and I'd like to ask what ppl think:

I'm 22, single, about to start working full-time. Sold my 2005 civic sedan and planning to buy something between 20-25k. looking at several cars, the MS3 GT being one of them.

here's the catch: I've just recently learned how to drive manual. should i spend money on a speedster like this one? I trust my driving ability, but is it worth it to spend my first days driving manual transmission with this car?

Also, the word out there says that such cars are for 'performance enthusiasts'. Do you have to be a pure enthusiast to enjoy the MS3? I'm not looking to regularly clock 130 mph here - I love driving and want to experience something better than my 116 hp civic VP. Should I consider spending a bit of time with other less powerful cars before moving to this one?

Thanks and this is my first post to the forum. Been reading the content and i'm very excited about the MS3. zoomzoom

 

[AeroSquid]

single, 22 and not actually working full time? you should buy an Enzo

Seriously first you should call your insurance company and find out how much it will cost you to insure an MS3... for someone your age it can be a little expensive especially if you have had a few tickets. Don't worry about driving a stick, the clutch can stand your fumbling about for a few days and you will get the hang of it real quick. I'm no enthusiast, this is by far the highest performance car i've ever had. I don't plan to take it to the track or autocross it anytime soon... all I want it to do is get me to work and back with a smile on my face and the Speed 3 delivers that in spades. Go test drive one if you haven't already. You will know if it is the car for you right away... at least I did.

 

[ncsukingpin]

Im 23 and about to go back to school, and I am SICK AND TIRED of not being turbo. I hope to turbo my protege, and for my next car want either a MS3 or some american muscle (new camaro?).

I havent driven a MS3, but my car is a manual and I wouldnt worry about that. I am sure you will be fine.

 

[TheDutchGun]

Have as much fun as possible before real resposibilities start to take over. Basically just buy the car.

I'm 24 and have my Mustang. Being single completely justified buying it. Take the advise of someone who was in almost the exact same situation as you.

 

[GNsPR5]

Simplest answer.....yes.

 

[gosvatos]

thx guys - honestly i'm super excited about the car, and probably a little too self-conscious for my own good.

hope to join this forum of owners soon!

 

[BLACKMS3]

I test drove a regular 3 and the Speed....

Needless to say I bought a Speed within a few days...

 

[justa4banger]

m lets me get this straight your 22, just learned to drive a stick and you want a relatively sporty MS3................... **** yea buy it.

Where do you live so i can get some parts off your car in the salvage yard.............

Check with insurance, i'm betting you might not want to make the car payment and the ins payment.
Better to buy a cheap car till you get a GOOD job and hit 25 then buy your toys.

 

[Bakrauf]

Hell your lucky. Let See.. I am almost 40 and the MS3 is my very first brand new car. This is by far my favorite of any I have owned (mostly mustangs)

Buy it and dont wait yor whole life for something you want!

 

[Scott]

Yes, but be careful or your engine will fall out.

 

[Rotary_Powered]

Been talking to many of my friends about this and I'd like to ask what ppl think:

I'm 22, single, about to start working full-time. Sold my 2005 civic sedan and planning to buy something between 20-25k. looking at several cars, the MS3 GT being one of them.

here's the catch: I've just recently learned how to drive manual. should i spend money on a speedster like this one? I trust my driving ability, but is it worth it to spend my first days driving manual transmission with this car?

Also, the word out there says that such cars are for 'performance enthusiasts'. Do you have to be a pure enthusiast to enjoy the MS3? I'm not looking to regularly clock 130 mph here - I love driving and want to experience something better than my 116 hp civic VP. Should I consider spending a bit of time with other less powerful cars before moving to this one?

Thanks and this is my first post to the forum. Been reading the content and i'm very excited about the MS3. zoomzoom

WTH? About 95% of what you said match me. Except I wanted to buy and restore an RX-7. Anyways, hell yeah buy the MS3 best value on the market hands down. Mazda makes awesome cars! Zoom zoom and never look back.

 

[~JoJo~]

buy it...period. Try not to get a red one because that's what I plan to buy, and if you buy it, that's one less red for me =p

 

[USAFdude02]

Get the Speed3 man. I just got one and I am 23 (I have a good job though and no tickets). I love this car. I upgraded from a 06 Mazda 6I that my wife has now.

 

[JLee1469]

This was the first manual transmission car that I've owned. I have experienced driving manual before but you know its never the same as driving one daily. I felt very comfortable driving the car the first few days and its already second nature within the first month so its definitely not a tough car to learn on.

I think pure enthusiasts would only have absolutely interest in two seater coupes designed to be sports cars. What we have is a practical Mazda3 5-door hatch with a turbo version of its top end 2.3. Definitely a great daily driver if you don't mind the premium gas and so-so MPG.

I came from a 1995 Nissan Sentra (1.6, 115hp) to this, and never looked back. I'm 21 and begun working full time as well so I can relate. I do wish I paid off tuition before picking this up but this car is worth it!

Let us know what you choose to do.

 

[gosvatos]

I came from a 1995 Nissan Sentra (1.6, 115hp) to this, and never looked back. I'm 21 and begun working full time as well so I can relate. I do wish I paid off tuition before picking this up but this car is worth it!

yup. when even bicyclists can beat my 0-20 acceleration, embarrassment isn't even enough to describe my feelings.

I won't be buying anything until late July or early August. Thanks everyone for the advice, I'll keep you posted. Let's just say that all those negative vibes I got are dispelled (cool)

 

[pmeilakjr]

Just drive it before you buy it

I'm not sure what kind of answer you are looking for when you post a question about buying a new MS3. I don't think anyone that owns one will say I made a mistake - I'm returning it. All cars have issues - its just what are you willing to live with. Why do you want a Mazda 3 ? Why do you want such a small car? There are so many whys?

Yes we need premium gas and yes we don't get great mpg but DUDE - we got 263 HP and one fun car to drive for a great price. If there was another car that has this much power and fun factor for under 30K (heck 35K) I would have bought it.

So ask yourself why this car (turbo or not)? Why not a miata - awsome car and handles like a dream (you got no kids). Why not a GTI or SI - all good cars - test drive and find your car. Then never second guess yourself.

 

[~JoJo~]

so I heard that they only plan to make 5000 mzspd3, does anybody know how many of them are going to be in red?

 

[openuser]

Hi, I have turned 20 in last february..
And I have ordered my Crystal White MS3 (Which was manufactured in May/07) to pick it up in following august.

I am coming from my parents' TL-S (which I bought from them few years back).. Since it was my first car, I did not have manual experience at all..

I have test driven (Actually The sales representitive drove it with me in the passenger side) and I fell in love with its power! Amazing torque..

My TL had 260 HP and 230 TQ but Boy.. This 50 difference in Torque and 6 spd manual in Speed3 really makes a big difference.. This thing pulls and pulls and pulls..
Well, I have to say I am giving up some luxury for more performance.. So in some sense I am a performance enthusiast...

But I'm never planning to take the car to the track.. If I have a chance, I may take it to the drag strip for once... But, for me, to enjoy the car, I dont need to push the car to the limit.. Just the fact that my car CAN do those things and outrun most of the cars out on the roads is enough to enjoy the car.

So, heck man, common, if you like it, go for it!
It's my first manual too and Boy I cant wait to learn how to drive that thing!

 

[~JoJo~]

how much if u don't mind me asking

 

[openuser]

Sorry, Are you asking me Mazda5owner?