Traded in...

[hectik1]

Traded in my Sunlight Silver 2008 Mazdaspeed3 with 95k on the clock for a new 2014 Mazda 3 i SV in Liquid Platinum.

A little comparison:

Night and day difference as far as quality and feel between the two is what really sold me.

On a day to day basis I don't miss the power. The 2.0L Skyactiv really has a usable powerband. For the most part I don't notice the lack of 100hp. Why couldn't Mazda figure out the shifter feel on the first or second generation because the 6 speed manual in this car is fantastic! So precise and nicely weighted. Reminds me of the RX8. The suspension feels more sorted out compared to my old car, and even the 2nd Gen MS3 I've driven a few times. Brakes are typical Mazda....great.

With that being said I've already started modding. Some LED replacement lights, JBR drop in filter, Mazda aluminum sport pedals, all weather floormats, and some new tires on order to replace the passenger tires Mazda opted to put on the base model. Tint and Mazda lip spoiler will eventually make its way onto the car too!

Once I get it cleaned up I'll put up some pictures.

 

[mazdadude]

Traded in my Sunlight Silver 2008 Mazdaspeed3 with 95k on the clock for a new 2014 Mazda 3 i SV in Liquid Platinum.

A little comparison:

Night and day difference as far as quality and feel between the two is what really sold me.

On a day to day basis I don't miss the power. The 2.0L Skyactiv really has a usable powerband. For the most part I don't notice the lack of 100hp. Why couldn't Mazda figure out the shifter feel on the first or second generation because the 6 speed manual in this car is fantastic! So precise and nicely weighted. Reminds me of the RX8. The suspension feels more sorted out compared to my old car, and even the 2nd Gen MS3 I've driven a few times. Brakes are typical Mazda....great.

With that being said I've already started modding. Some LED replacement lights, JBR drop in filter, Mazda aluminum sport pedals, all weather floormats, and some new tires on order to replace the passenger tires Mazda opted to put on the base model. Tint and Mazda lip spoiler will eventually make its way onto the car too!

Once I get it cleaned up I'll put up some pictures.

Welcome to this part of the forums! (cheers)

I agree with you on all points, having driven all generations of the MS3, the all new 2014 Mazda3 shifter is worlds apart in feel. I can go from 1 thru 6 and 6 thru 1 without using my clutch, and just revmatching. (whistle)
I too love the power-band, and the smooth rev limiter, and I hate the factory 16" tires. What tires and size are you going with?(scratch)

 

[hectik1]

For the time being going with factory size Continental Pure Contact. A little more performance but nothing crazy.

 

[mazdadude]

For the time being going with factory size Continental Pure Contact. A little more performance but nothing crazy.

Well that should help you out in the bad weather a bit more too... Good choice!

You also mentioned that you traded the MS3 in... Was the value recvd close to the KBB/NADA trade in values?