Thinking of getting a MS3

[VTBimmer535is]

Hey guys,

My current 87 BMW is getting to the end of its reliable life cycle without doing something drastic like an engine swap which I really dont want to deal with right now and would probably just leave more electrical grimlins to sort through so i'm thinking of moving on to something reliable and fun to drive.

I'm looking at the mazdaspeed 3GT, wrx, new gti, and the civic SI. Bang for buck def. goes to the 3 as its about mid range with my choices i've come up with so far.

What else did you guys look at when you were deciding on a car? (New or somewhat new) I've been reading all about the ms3 in SCC and MT and soem other websites comparing the two (WRX vs. MS3) It seems the big difference between these two is really just the ability to put power on the ground which AWD does way better than FWD, but i always seem to like driving fwd because it seems to take more skill to keep the car where you want it to go.

One of my good friends used to have a MSP and I loved that car, but he traded that in for an STi which i'm also in love with. I could probably dig up a used STi or EVO for the price of a new MS3 but who knows what the PO did to it to beat the living hell out of it.

I was reading that post on insurance and i really have no idea what my rate is because my mom deals with all of that, but i'm hoping to have an engineering co-op or intern this summer so I can finally starting paying for things myself and taking some responsibility in my life.

Any thoughts would be great. I'm already liking this board! You guys seem to be pretty good and intelligent.

 

[zumzumzoom03]

Where are ya located?

You can get a MSP... well look at that I have one for sale. HAH


http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123664590

 

[miss_steele_msp]

go with the rex or a evo or sti

 

[SwampAss]

I was in the same boat in Nov.

I looked at a few used STis and a used Evo. The very clean, stock, low mileage ones were pricey, and the ones with higher mileage, that were modded, and had been "driven in a manner I'd expect them to be driven" were not much cheaper.

There are some folks here that are previous/current STi/Evo owners. They'll probably chime in with the highs and lows.

I REALLY wanted an STi. I've ridden and driven them previously. After driving the MS3, I was sold on the fact I'd be getting a BFN car with a warranty and no questionable past. The other cars are more performance oriented but as with all things, come with a price. (both $ and livability)
I went with the MS3 and honestly, not upset with that decision in the least.

 

[VTBimmer535is]

I'm in Blacksburg Va. (VT college of engineering)

I was reading in another post that someone was waiting for the new better car to come out and in any situation theres always gunna be something better. I'd say for the space, performance, and price, the msp can't be beat.

And there has to be something said for individuality...everyone on campus has a WRX, i see lots of SIs and a GTI every now and then. I'm yet to see a MS3. Thats a lot like my 5er I have. I think there are only 3 or 4 other old 5ers that cruise around campus.

What payments are you guys making a month? Thats also a big consideration.

Thanks for the responses already, and I appreciate the offer to sell me the MSP, but i want something different that none of my friends have had or currently drive.

 

[SwampAss]

Most MS3s are going for MSRP or very close to.

http://www.cars.com/go/advice/financing/calc/loanCalc.jsp?mode=full

24,400 for 60months @ 4.75%

Is :457.66

 

[mazdadude]

One thing to consider also is that the 2.3DISI engine lusts for premium fuel.

Yes you can use lower grades, but not if you want the performance the car was designed for. For a 14 gallon fill-up, this adds another 4+ dollars to your fuel bill. You have to decide if it is worth it.

Do the STI and Evo require premium? Anyone?

 

[zumzumzoom03]

One thing to consider also is that the 2.3DISI engine lusts for premium fuel.

Yes you can use lower grades, but not if you want the performance the car was designed for. For a 14 gallon fill-up, this adds another 4+ dollars to your fuel bill. You have to decide if it is worth it.

Do the STI and Evo require premium? Anyone?

I would have to guess yes. I know the SI requires it but you are also getting better gas mileage with the SI if you behave than the others. So you may break even.

 

[jred321]

Do the STI and Evo require premium? Anyone?

yes. as well as synthetic oil, brake pads every 1-1.5 years, tires every year or so if you get performance tires like it should have, diff and tranny fluids, and if potentially a clutch depending on how you drive. and you get 20mpg on a good day with mixed driving, i've gotten up to 26mpg highway only but normally closer to 20. plus you're going to get nowhere near 20 years from it like your bmw gave.

for a student without a consistent source of income yet i would say no to the evo and sti from a total cost of ownership perspective. go with something slightly cheaper now (1-2 years old used are normally good, you don't get hit as hard with depreciation) and then when you graduate and have a full time job go with an evo/sti if you still want it.

 

[SwampAss]

GTI needs it too. The difference between prem and 87 here is 20 cents. My average fill up is 10 gals. That's $2. Not much difference between $25 and $27 with 10 gallons. I piss more than $2 away on chewing gum.

 

[clos561]

One thing to consider also is that the 2.3DISI engine lusts for premium fuel.

Yes you can use lower grades, but not if you want the performance the car was designed for. For a 14 gallon fill-up, this adds another 4+ dollars to your fuel bill. You have to decide if it is worth it.

Do the STI and Evo require premium? Anyone?

im prety sure every turbo car unless its deisel needs premium...

 

[Funkycoldg]

Yeah I am really really happy with my purchase and have found a new love again for driving. I put down $5000 and pay $378 a mo. the MS3 is a great bang for the buck and with the money you save, you can mod it how you like. I too was looking for a car mid price and under 25K and this sure was perfect. But get what ya want/can afford, you only live once.

~John

 

[TheDutchGun]

A turbocharger pretty much guarantees you will have to use premium as well as synthetic oil.

 

[orlandomsp]

All the cars he listed require premium fuel.

 

[bast525]

A turbocharger pretty much guarantees you will have to use premium as well as synthetic oil.

Agreed. Never known of a turbocharged car that did not specifically call for Premium fuel. Synthetic is also highly recommended which I'm surprised was not even mentioned in the MS3's owners manual.

Just bought a new MS3 GT this past saturday and so far I do like it a lot. I traded a Dodge SRT-4 for it and while the Dodge was a little quicker the MS3 is nicer overall.

Conversely, I bought my wife an '07 Civic Si coupe late last year and we also love that car. It's a lot of fun but seems a little overpriced compared to the MS3 which you get a lot more oomph, better handling, and more utility, and if you compare the base prices of the two the price difference is less than two grand, one grand if you're looking at the Si Sedan. However, base model to base model the Si is better equipped with the sunroof and seven speaker 300 W stereo that plays MP3 CD's. The Si has a much better feeling trans and clutch as well.

I dunno if I had to buy one I would almost definately get the MS3 UNLESS I just couldnt' afford it and the Si was still in my price range I would get that I guess... figure $2000 difference will be something like $40-50 a month difference in payments depending on the length of the loan.

 

[mazdadude]

I figured they would need premium also, but was to lazy to research. (sleep) As stated above, if it's turbo'ed, you will want to run synthetic oil and premium fuel.

I am hoping that I will be able to talk my wife into an 2008 MS3 if they add some colors. It shouldn't be too hard, she has been converted to a Mazda loyalist already. It the "TURBO" thing that shys her away, but she has not driven a turbo car yet.

Sure the Turbo adds extra cost in fuel and oil, but you saved the money when you bought the turbo car instead of paying 5-10k more for an equal NA high HP car.

I have had a couple turbo cars, and I enjoyed the cars because of the turbo, and probably would not have enjoyed the same car without the turbo.

However, with the MS3, you get a car that I would love to drive as NA (Mazda3 Hatch), but the extra ~105 ponies from the Turbo just makes me droool!(humpleg)