Update: Impressions of Speed3 GT after 3,000 miles

Antonio DiMarco

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Contributor
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2010 Mazda CX-9 GT Dolphin Gray
- Exceptional car in every way. Blows my 2004 Mz3 away in every category.
- I gain more appreciation for the MS3's styling. The strong creases along the top of the fenders and the nose really pop at certain angles. The car looks amazing when it's in shadow and light hits it from above. Really shows off it's muscular and sexy lines. I love the combination of the wheels and body. Think Mazda did a great job with styling cues. I see no reaosn to mod anything about this cars looks.
- VERY Solid, and high quality-feeling structure. Rides like it's on rails- planted and surefooted. Wonderful road feel.
- Deceptively quick and incredibly smooth. The engine is impressive.
- Bose system is getting better over time. At first it sounded a bit bass heavy, but now the sound is evening out. Classical and Jazz sound excellent. As long as you don't top off the volume th system holds together nicely.
- Traction control + Pirelli P Zero Nero All Seasons= pretty damn good traction and handling in the snow. It does a better job from a stop than the Mz5 with snows (and it's no slouch)
- This car does a great job letting you know when your going to kill yourself and gives you plenty of time to correct for stupid steering actions.
- Interior is FANTASTIC. Attractive, functional and extremely confortable for my 6'3" 215lb frame. Materials are also a step or two above my 2004 Mz3. Seats are great.
- Love the added flexibility of a hatch. Picked up a LCD TV and a bunch of otehr large items that would have NEVER fit in my Mz3 sedan.
- Much improved Nav over 2004 Mz3 version
- Love the littel things like auto headlights and wipers.
- Love the Growl that occurs when you push it. Very infectious and dangerous. Before you know it your flying at 100mph+:-)
- Incredible brakes. One night traffic stopped dead when I was going 80. I was able to brake and steer out of my lane safely. Brakes scrubbed off speed in seconds and with absolute control.
- I originally complained when I heard Mazda would not apply the MS treatment to the Sedan. After living with the MS3 for three months I think Mazda decision to go with the hatch was brilliant.
- Feel like I really got my money's worth and feel a certain level of superiority when I see people driving around in over priced German cars :-)

Negative:
- Windshield creak below 50 degrees F- To Be Fixed at next service. No Biggie
- I'm still getting used to the 6 speed tranny. I'm still accidentally shifting into 3rd from reverse and stalling her out!. Shift gate too cramped?
-Terrified of having anyone else drive it since it brings out the devil in people :-). Thank god I trust my mechanic.
 
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jesus christ dude, you've been on this forum a while and only put 3k on it???? When did you buy the car?
 
Ah! Have you driven in any of the snow lately up here? Mine hasn't moved in almost a week now.
 
drive it more, ull love it even better ;) !!! got mine on independance day, got 7500 on it .
 
jesus christ dude, you've been on this forum a while and only put 3k on it???? When did you buy the car?

Hey go easy on him. I have had mine 8 months now and only have 5k on my 2007. Mine is mostly a weekend driver since I take mass transit during the week.
 
LOL, I wasn't mad. I seriously thought that he bought it a year or so ago, hahah. It took me about twice that to get used to having the 6 speed. Now I get irritated looking for 6th in my 5 speed cars, lol
 
I've driven in the aftermath

Ah! Have you driven in any of the snow lately up here? Mine hasn't moved in almost a week now.

I took my wife's 5 to work on Thursday when it actually snowed. I took the Speed on Friday after it snowed. A lot of back roads were unplowed and the Speed did a good job negotiating them without getting stuck. My plan is to drive back roads all winter so I can reduce the chances of rock chips. :-)

A couple of other points I wanted to make:

The Speed is amazingly refined for a Sub $30,000 sports car with 263hp. I actually find it's suspension and drivetrain even smoother and less jarring than my Mz3. I'm guessing most of it is due to the increased structural stiffness. That's why I can't understand why people are saying the rid is jarring. I think it's pretty supple and controlled for a High Performance car. Could also be partly due to the Pirelli's
 
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