Should I? S2000 to MS3...
- Thread starter psychophd
- Start date
The only way I could deal with my system without getting completely pissed off listening to music, is BASS at -2.. anything above makes me want to rip out my passenger door and tweeters..
Ok, so I was able to take a look at one today. There was one salesperson...covering both Mazda and the Subaru dealership. Talk about a change in the economy...
I saw a... cosmic grey? GT level. Salesperson, who was 'the top salesperson for Mazda' didn't know a whole lot about the car. Didn't want to give me a test drive b/c he was the only on the lot. Had no literature on the car either, and said there would be none as the '09s were no longer in production. I did get to poke around the car some. My observations:
1. Lotsa room. back seats have decent space, even with the front seats pushed back a fair deal. All of you are right - the glove compartment could not only fit a glove, but a decent part of my arm, and probably a few more body parts (fyi, someone did manage to get his girlfriend completely in the trunk of his S2000 in one piece just to see if he could...).
2. From certain angles (esp straight from behind, rear quarters), the car looked... odd - bulbous? I guess I'm used to more smooth lines.
He did say that if I bought Mazda aftermarket stuff when I bought the car, it'd be covered by the warranty, but if I bought them afterwards and didn't have them installed by mazda, the warranty would not be voided.
3. He said there were no incentives on the car from Mazda, only from his dealership, but Edmunds showed a $500 discount. Anyone?
Hoping maybe tomorrow or Fri to go for a test drive....
I also found a few '08s within 100 miles of me. I'll let you guys know as things progress. Thanks again for the help.
I saw a... cosmic grey? GT level. Salesperson, who was 'the top salesperson for Mazda' didn't know a whole lot about the car. Didn't want to give me a test drive b/c he was the only on the lot. Had no literature on the car either, and said there would be none as the '09s were no longer in production. I did get to poke around the car some. My observations:
1. Lotsa room. back seats have decent space, even with the front seats pushed back a fair deal. All of you are right - the glove compartment could not only fit a glove, but a decent part of my arm, and probably a few more body parts (fyi, someone did manage to get his girlfriend completely in the trunk of his S2000 in one piece just to see if he could...).
2. From certain angles (esp straight from behind, rear quarters), the car looked... odd - bulbous? I guess I'm used to more smooth lines.
He did say that if I bought Mazda aftermarket stuff when I bought the car, it'd be covered by the warranty, but if I bought them afterwards and didn't have them installed by mazda, the warranty would not be voided.
3. He said there were no incentives on the car from Mazda, only from his dealership, but Edmunds showed a $500 discount. Anyone?
Hoping maybe tomorrow or Fri to go for a test drive....
I also found a few '08s within 100 miles of me. I'll let you guys know as things progress. Thanks again for the help.
black_ninja23
Member
- :
- Mazdaspeed 3
PSYCHOPHD lets trade man! hahaha jk. I'm from SoCal too, and man the s2000 has been my dream car since it came out MY2000.
Anyways, everyone's post before mine have pretty much summed up what I would have said. But just a few pointers.
1. Simple bolt ons will give you significant hp/tq gains. All I have so far is a short ram intake and an upgraded intercooler, that's actually enough for me, although I might do a downpipe eventually (unless of course we traded =D).
2. Shifter is just ok on this car, but what do you expect from a cable driven shifter/fwd car. I have the aftermarket rear MM to help with the engine movement, but it won't completely fix the engine from bucking if you plan on driving it like you stole. Otherwise you should be fine on a daily driving basis.
3. Engine mounts - I hear people complain both 07 and 08 models, but i've had my car for the past 21,xxx miles and 0 problems.
4. Smoking turbos - again 0 problems on my end, but people talk about it.
5. Don't let that sales person try to tell you that you have to buy the aftermarket parts in order for it to be covered. That's a whole lot of crap. Granted, there are certain rules as far as how the warranty is covered with aftermarket Mazdaspeed parts, but I think the guy is just trying to pressure you into buying those parts now. I have non mazda aftermarket parts, and my warranty has not been voided...but then again I haven't brought it in for any engine work.
Oh and the car you went to see, was it used or new? I wouldn't be surprised if Mazda Corp doesn't have any incentives right now because of the economy, but if his dealership does, I would inquire about it...and maybe push them for more
...so good luck...and let me know if a trade would even cross your mind (2thumbs)...I don't have kids so i don't need the extra room, just the fun factor
Anyways, everyone's post before mine have pretty much summed up what I would have said. But just a few pointers.
1. Simple bolt ons will give you significant hp/tq gains. All I have so far is a short ram intake and an upgraded intercooler, that's actually enough for me, although I might do a downpipe eventually (unless of course we traded =D).
2. Shifter is just ok on this car, but what do you expect from a cable driven shifter/fwd car. I have the aftermarket rear MM to help with the engine movement, but it won't completely fix the engine from bucking if you plan on driving it like you stole. Otherwise you should be fine on a daily driving basis.
3. Engine mounts - I hear people complain both 07 and 08 models, but i've had my car for the past 21,xxx miles and 0 problems.
4. Smoking turbos - again 0 problems on my end, but people talk about it.
5. Don't let that sales person try to tell you that you have to buy the aftermarket parts in order for it to be covered. That's a whole lot of crap. Granted, there are certain rules as far as how the warranty is covered with aftermarket Mazdaspeed parts, but I think the guy is just trying to pressure you into buying those parts now. I have non mazda aftermarket parts, and my warranty has not been voided...but then again I haven't brought it in for any engine work.
Oh and the car you went to see, was it used or new? I wouldn't be surprised if Mazda Corp doesn't have any incentives right now because of the economy, but if his dealership does, I would inquire about it...and maybe push them for more
...so good luck...and let me know if a trade would even cross your mind (2thumbs)...I don't have kids so i don't need the extra room, just the fun factor
well don't let the looks of the car decide, not that i think the car is ugly, well ..., all the cars in the same price range aren't that much prettier, put it that way.
let the test drive decide, boost is addicting (drive2)
don't mind the turbo lag before 3k, because after that the fun starts, .... till about 5.5k lol
which dealer did you go too? It sounds like the dealer in Monrovia, which became mazda/chevy/subaru about a month or two ago
let the test drive decide, boost is addicting (drive2)
don't mind the turbo lag before 3k, because after that the fun starts, .... till about 5.5k lol
which dealer did you go too? It sounds like the dealer in Monrovia, which became mazda/chevy/subaru about a month or two ago
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- :
- 2010 Mazda5 GT
It was probably Cosmic Blue or Metro Gray. The former is an '08 model while the latter is either an '08.5 or '09. Mazda assigned color codes to the Mazdaspeed parts and some will not void the warranty if you install it yourself. I'll have to dig that post up. I would definitely check Cars.com or autotrader also. There's one currently that's 2 hours from me that a dealer is selling for $17,900 - '08 GT with 9K miles.
I'm sure he won't mind waiting until 3000 rpm's for power, he has been waiting until 5800 in his S2000
Metro grey - sorry, my bad.
Micasp33d - yup, I went to the one in Monrovia. The salesperson said that they'd have more salespeople by the weekend. That whole complex, including Honda, is owned by the same guy.
Thanks for all the info again, guys! Just as a heads up, the salesperson said that the hp bump for the 2010 MS3 is 20...take that as you will - he didn't seem to know that much else.
Black Ninja - maybe... pm me and lemme know. I'm looking for stock, non-tracked/raced, etc.
Micasp33d - yup, I went to the one in Monrovia. The salesperson said that they'd have more salespeople by the weekend. That whole complex, including Honda, is owned by the same guy.
Thanks for all the info again, guys! Just as a heads up, the salesperson said that the hp bump for the 2010 MS3 is 20...take that as you will - he didn't seem to know that much else.
Black Ninja - maybe... pm me and lemme know. I'm looking for stock, non-tracked/raced, etc.
oh, and yeah, Circle9, things in my S don't get....interesting... until around 5800rpm . One added benefit of zero torque (probably the only one, now that I think about it) is that under 5000rpm, it's easy to drive (kinda like a civic si - sharp handling, like a GT car) and gets good mpg (I can get around 27mpg if I lay off the Vtec). Over 5800, it's like a civic si, but on crack. Lots of crack.
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- 2010 Mazda5 GT
That's clearly evident because there isn't a HP increase in the 2010 models.
And I found the thread about the Mazdaspeed Parts warranty (much kudos to Silver Ecstasy).
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Haha, having owned a '99 Prelude, '04 S2000, and '07 Si I fully understand the concept of no torque. I got tired of how gutless those cars would act the moment I had someone else in the car.
The only thing I have missed about my S and the Prelude was the transmission. Can't say the same for the Si, it would grind and pop out of 2nd and 3rd from day one.
david.underwood
Member
My S2000/MS3 comparison
I had this to say after getting my MS3 having driven 80,000+ miles in my S2000
http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123682898&highlight=s2000
I had this to say after getting my MS3 having driven 80,000+ miles in my S2000
http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123682898&highlight=s2000
I'd try to pick up a leftover new 8.5 if you can find one you like, it will be easier to deal on. My dealership did not have any promo/special APR's (I'm friends with the salesperson and the manager) when I bought my 09 on 2/28/09. I picked it up for $300 under invoice.
It's a tremendously fun car- I look for any excuse to drive it. I love how capable it is stock. It surprises me and I'm trying to figure out its limits still. I came from a 03 wrx with 225whp/225wtq with straight forward mods (flash/tbe/some suspension mods). The ms3 has a more compliant & cabable suspension, better power & delivery, and awesome practicality especially for storage. Some might argue the premium fuel/mpg- that doesn't bother me. If it did I would have bought a fit. The only thing I don't love is the shifter, that said I'm probably spoiled by driving my wifes tsx occasionally (6 speed) which is probably very similar to the s2k's.
I'm having a child in a few weeks and the 5 door practicality makes a lot of sense. It will be nice having room to throw a bunch of crap in the back.
It's a tremendously fun car- I look for any excuse to drive it. I love how capable it is stock. It surprises me and I'm trying to figure out its limits still. I came from a 03 wrx with 225whp/225wtq with straight forward mods (flash/tbe/some suspension mods). The ms3 has a more compliant & cabable suspension, better power & delivery, and awesome practicality especially for storage. Some might argue the premium fuel/mpg- that doesn't bother me. If it did I would have bought a fit. The only thing I don't love is the shifter, that said I'm probably spoiled by driving my wifes tsx occasionally (6 speed) which is probably very similar to the s2k's.
I'm having a child in a few weeks and the 5 door practicality makes a lot of sense. It will be nice having room to throw a bunch of crap in the back.
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I've driven my share of Miatas and various Hondas (s2000, Civic Si, etc.), and while the MS3's shifter isn't great, a stiff rear engine mount and bushings make it much better.
Oh, and coming to the College Park meet later this month?
love how ya have to do all this stuff to a new car just to get it right..
What a stupid statement. What could be just right for you, could be just wrong for some one else.
tiagotiago
Member
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- 2008.5 Mazdaspeed 3
Coming from driving NA cars all my life(though the ones I've owned have all been slow ones), it's still quite an experience when you hit the boost, even after 9 months of owning the car. For shure you'll be grinning when you hit the boost the first couple of times.
So far in my almost 10,000 miles, I've only had to stop in the dealership for scheduled maintanence.
But I do think it's important you test drive the car. Some owners really don't like the fact that its FWD and the handling characteristics that the car has; for some these are big issues and everybody has their own driving style. In my case, I have no complaints about the dynamics since I don't drag race the car, and the few times I've have driven at a good clip the car has handled really well. Evenwith passengers and a full trunk, you'll be surprised on how good the car behaves on a mountain road; at least I was.
Also, some are annoyed by torque steer. Again I rarely get serious bouts of torque steer. Maybe it's because of my style, or maybe it's taste (or maybe I'm just not going fast enough...) Speaking of taste,some people really like the GTs seats, others loathe them.
Tell us how the test drive went. For shure it won't be boring
So far in my almost 10,000 miles, I've only had to stop in the dealership for scheduled maintanence.
But I do think it's important you test drive the car. Some owners really don't like the fact that its FWD and the handling characteristics that the car has; for some these are big issues and everybody has their own driving style. In my case, I have no complaints about the dynamics since I don't drag race the car, and the few times I've have driven at a good clip the car has handled really well. Evenwith passengers and a full trunk, you'll be surprised on how good the car behaves on a mountain road; at least I was.
Also, some are annoyed by torque steer. Again I rarely get serious bouts of torque steer. Maybe it's because of my style, or maybe it's taste (or maybe I'm just not going fast enough...) Speaking of taste,some people really like the GTs seats, others loathe them.
Tell us how the test drive went. For shure it won't be boring
Nismothecat
Member
- :
- 08 Mazdaspeed3
i test drove a S2000. right before i bought the MS3. i liked the suspension and steering alot. the only thing that got me was how slow the car was before it hit vtec. having owned a civic hatch with a mildly built GSR engine. i know that hondas can be fast but you have to drive the s*** out of them to get any of that performance. in the end the fact that the MS3 had a more usable power curve and could haul tons of things won me over. oh yeah that and the sleeper look!!
SubieKiller3
Banned
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- 2008 black mica mazdaspeed mazda 3
i'll tell you the greatest advantage to having a ms3 over a s2000. the space! my friend that i used to live with had one and everytime i got into it i felt like i could hardly breathe. definately not a car for someone who is claustraphobic. he let me drive it a couple of times. it was fun to drive and all but damn, felt like i had no elbow room. with the ms3 you got plenty of space to put the seats back and relax. i guess my friend doesnt have this problem because he's a little 5'5" asian guy.(rei)
