Thinking about buying a MS3

[swimman]

Hey all. Thought I would post a thread and get some opinions on the MS3. I understand there will probably be a bias as this is a Mazda forum but I have a keen interest in the MS3.

I've had many different cars and most recently have been driving the German brands. However, my favorite car was my 1990 Eclipse turbo. That car was a blast.

I now have a family of four and the MS3 seems like it would be very versatile due to the four doors, the hatch, the performance as well as the pricing.

I'm all over the map right now and am considering the MS3, Pontiac G8, Mitsu EVO X, and BMW 335i. The MS3 is the least expensive and from the test drive I took the other day, seemed to fit the bill, other than being a stick which my wife refuses to drive (that's another story).

Any thoughts? Any of you have experience with this car and a family (I have two kids 5 and 2-1/2)?

Thanks in advance.

 

[assman]

Well the evo seems like it may not be great for a family, we dont have the evo X in canada so i dont know it too well other then from mags. The G8, well if I won it I might keep it, otherwise... The 335i is a sweet car, more class and refinement but also probably more for insurance and initial cost.

The MS3 drives great in all conditions, can fit 4 adults comfortably and doesnt cost to much. Its an easy choice really.

If your not stretching your budget on the 335i I would buy it, but if your trying to convince yourself to buy it by making some sacrifices then its not worth it.

 

[2ManyCars]

The 335 is a really nice car but it's also substantially more expensive. As stated above, the insurance will also be a bit higher. It may be a safer car for kids but I'm not sure on that one...

I use the MS3 as a daily driver to keep my C6 out of the rain and airport parking lots. But I find the MS3 is just a total kick to drive, exceptionally well built for the money and very comfortable for passengers. It's a fantastic value. Forums like this one also make ownership a lot of fun as there is never an end to the stuff you can bolt on to this car at a relatively inexpensive price.

I had a Mazda3 sedan for a couple of years and liked it so much I traded-up for the MS3 after driving it.

 

[79_Limited]

Former BMW owner here. You will not regret the MS3. I like it because it is fast as hell, handles like my old BMW AND I can haul a bunch of stuff/people if need be. I took it on a 300 mile round trip yesterday and got a respectable 30mpg. The only downside is it is not the most quiet car I have ever driven. Other than that I give it a 9/10.

When I was shopping I was looking at other cars not even in the same price league (older 911's, newer Corvettes, GTO's, BMW 345) and I thought the MS3 was more well rounded. The other cars were more true sports cars that would probably become tiresome as a daily driver.

I say go for it.

 

[builthatch]

FWIW, the ms3 has practically the same interior room as the 335, in fact i believe it's got more room in certain aspects, in terms of seating comfort...

the 3 is deceptively roomy! ill tell you what, it seems like it has a heck of alot more room than my 4dr Si, atleast in the rear head area.

 

[redspeed]

If you can afford the evo X, go for it. Is a 4 door with tons of potential. If price is more of a deal breaker, the ms3 is the obvious choice.

 

[2ManyCars]

Do the BMW or EVO forums have as much fun debating CAI vs. SRI?

 

[builthatch]

Do the BMW or EVO forums have as much fun debating CAI vs. SRI?

hopefully someone will come up with a nice engine management so the debates will mature to turbo combinations!

hehe...

 

[redspeed]

Do the BMW or EVO forums have as much fun debating CAI vs. SRI?

You'll be surprised. There are some other forums that are crappy as hell.

 

[Young Roids]

the 3 is deceptively roomy! ill tell you what, it seems like it has a heck of alot more room than my 4dr Si, atleast in the rear head area.

I am not as big as you(only 6' 240) but I can adjust the front seat for a very comfortable position and then sit in the back seat behind it very comfortably as well. The rear head room you get with the hatchback body style is phenomenal. I can see how a 6'4" guy could be comfortable in this car.

Do the BMW or EVO forums have as much fun debating CAI vs. SRI?

Let's end this one right now, SRI FTW!!!

 

[bbychvz]

The MS3 is the best "bang for your buck" deal. just get one, and join the darkside. (burn)

 

[flipstylex]

ms3 is cheap and efficient, best bang for the buck. Now with the wifey situaton, tell her to e patience and teach her. thats what i did ....if u cant do it, hire a professional, no big deal

 

[Conso]

ms3 ftw, make ur wife learn to drive a stick nuff said

79_ y u gotta be stealin my avatar ....jk i approve

 

[Mocoso]

I have 2 kids and was driving a BMW 330i... I now drive the MS3... Do I miss the 330i (yes sometimes - it was a much easier car to drive...)- Would I go back to driving the 330i and give up the MS3 (Nah! it may be harder to drive but its a funner car to drive)

Best of All: I get to drive a car that you rarely see out here in SoCal for almost half the price of the beemer and I wont have to worry about the maintenace headaches

Icing on the cake: Read MotorTrend, Road & Track, etc... time and time again the MS3 comes up in 1st place... and it wins it without compromises or excuses (No BS of how it wasnt better in this but since its a Honda we give it the high marks anyways....)