What to look for in a speed6, questions

[turbospartan]

got some questions about the speed6..... recently compared it to an Audi A4 and have been doing a lot of research since then. Had a few questions that I thought you guys could help out with.


1. Where did you guys buy yours (Mazda dealership, used car dealership, private, etc) and how much (including how many miles)?

2. Any difference between the 06 model year and the 07 model year speed6's? Sometimes they make updates in the following years... would it be better to go for the 07?

3. What is covered in the factory warranty period (4 years, 50k I think)? Can 2nd owners still use this warranty (i.e. is it transferable)?

4. Common problems associated with the MS6? (Audi B6 A4 has certain issues such as: coil pack failures, window regulator failures, sludge in engine (if proper maintenance wasnt taken care of), etc, etc) - are there any "common" issues with the MS6's?

5. I read in a thread on this site that to run larger type rims, you have adjust the rear camber to somewhere near -3* and/or roll your fenders. What type of suspension do you guys run on the MS6's and is everything fully adjustable? (A4 front suspension was not adjustable, couldnt adjust camber/toe unless you bought aftermarket control arms).

6. Running out of thoughts/questions here.... so last one: What DONT you like about your MS6?



Thanks for the help guys

 

[y2kc0wb0y]

MS6 warranty. 06 = 04/50k
MS6 warranty 07 = 3/36

Some colors were not offered in 07 that were offered in 06 like White Water Pearl and BlackCherry.

Most issues have been address with Mazda TSB's but, the rear diff mount likes to break so I recommend upgrading that if your serious about launching or beating on it.

Audi equals two words......Extended Warranty.
Had one that I babied the hell out of and it and had nothing but issues. My 06 MS6 as been very good to me over one year now without issue.

Plus the power of the 2.0t or 1.8T cannot compare to the 2.3L's output. Hell I'd put the power of the 3.2 up against it too.

 

[turbospartan]

THanks for the reply.


I think some of the other posters on here don't want to answer my questions because I was arguing that the Audi Quattro system > mazda awd. haha.


Really, I'm very interested in getting an MS6.... but i'd need to sell my a4 for a reasonable price since all the used MS6's ive seen online are going from 18-20k (could probably talk them down though)



anyone else?

 

[Myriad]

We're not afraid to answer or holding any sort of grudge... just seems things are taking their time today (scratch). To help answer some of your questions here are my responses:

- I bought mine at a used car lot after seeing it while on my way to a second Mazda dealership trying to negotiate a reasonable deal on a new speed3. I was really lucky and worked out a great deal on an 06 gt with 27k on it. They bought it back as a sport and priced it as such, so I got it for $18k plus taxes. Seems going rate on the sport is around $20k and gts are going for about $22-23k depending on options (like nav). Every area seems to be different, but not too far off in price. A little digging and you should have no trouble finding what is a good deal in your area.

- Being only a two model year run there were no major changes. As stated above it was mostly color options and the change in warranty. I think the two tone leather was 06 only, but I could be wrong on that.

- Warranty for the 06 is as stated above and IIRC the 07 warranty was a 3/36 bumper to bumper plus 6/60 powertrain. The factory warranty travels with the car and should be in place for you unless the previous owner managed to get it voided. Good way to tell if the warranty is still there is to pop the hood and see if there are extensive bolt-on mods... if so, run!

- Here's a link to the TSB list :http://www.mazda6wiki.com/wiki/Technical_Service_Bulletins_(Mazdaspeed6)
If you have any of those problems the dealers are usually good about fixing them, especially if you bring in a printout of the particular TSB you may be experiencing. Also, the engine runs a little rich. Stabbing the go pedal sometimes causes a puff of black smoke to come out the exhaust. Not a problem as it's just the excess unburned fuel being burned by the cats. It's easily avoided by rolling into the gas and does not ruin any of the fun.

- As far as wheels are concerned it comes standard with 18x7 rims skinned with 215/45-18's. In my research I've found that a set of 18x8's skinned with some 225/45-18's and a mild drop generally work without changing the geometry beyond factory spec ranges (as in no special camber bolts or control arms necessary) depending on the backspacing of the rims. There's a great thread in the rims and tires section of this sight that will probably answer any question you could have about rims. If 19+ rims are the way you want to go, then I can't help you out there.

- Only complaint I have about my speed6 is having the powerband taper off after 5.5k rpm, but nothing is ever perfect and having this as my only complaint does little to change my feelings on this car (2thumbs). Also, the factory air box is very restrictive. A new intake is a good idea, but keep the factory setup to reinstall for any dealer service visits that might come up.

Hope that helps you in the right direction.

*Edit*
Just had a chance to see a dropped speed6 on a set of 18x9's up close and personal. They stick out well past the fenders, but don't rub with the rolled fenders... might take out pedestrians on the sidewalk though.

 

[coyfish]

Yeah as I said in my post in your other thread the speeds are still pretty new cars so you wont find too many problems for the most part. From what I have seen here on the forums older 06 models have TSB's for clutch replacements. The clutch engagement point is high (I just adjusted my clutch today and it was amazing). As for the 06-07 there is no major difference. The newer models just have the clutch tsb done.

As Myriad stated the stock wheels are already 18 inches. Plenty of rims available but for bigger ones you will need to have your fenders rolled which isnt too big of a deal.

Im still running the stock coilovers but I have H & R springs which lowers the car just under 2 inches. Makes it look puurty and feels much better when cornering.

What I dont like about my speed 6:

1) Gearbox: Definately not the best.

2) Gears: Too short imo. Im not convinced that 6 gears would be faster than 5. During DD you have to shift so much which can get annoying.

3) Clutch: Engagement is so high its hard to get smooth shifts. There is a sticky about adjusting your clutch which I did today and it made a huge difference.

4) Motor mounts: Stock mounts suck. Unless you upgrade your rear motor mount your going to get a nasty bang when shifting from 1st to 2nd during fast driving.

5) Engine noise : Wont be as quiet as your audi but its not too bad.

As for the price I got mine brand new fully loaded (except navi) for 24K. Got it from a dealer in alabama. They pretty much gave it to me. Haven't seen anyone on these forums who has purchased a new speed for less.

Just curious but why are you so worried about the AWD / suspension?

 

[Myriad]

Just curious but why are you so worried about the AWD / suspension?

The a4 is a crisp handling car from the factory and it seems that he wants to keep a very similar feel in his next car. Also, he's coming from a car with quattro which is a very smooth and refined AWD setup unlike on the speed6 which just sort of throws the rear into the mix somewhat dramatically.

 

[turbospartan]

The a4 is a crisp handling car from the factory and it seems that he wants to keep a very similar feel in his next car. Also, he's coming from a car with quattro which is a very smooth and refined AWD setup unlike on the speed6 which just sort of throws the rear into the mix somewhat dramatically.

Myriad pretty much summed it up....

Basically I love my A4 except it is slow and has the potential to become very expensive (if stuff starts breaking, which is not uncommon for Audi vehicles after 50k miles).

I like the MS6 because it is quicker, hopefully a little more reliable (again, nothing has gone wrong with my car, yet, but lately I've just been like paranoid android over little squeaks and rattles that i hear, hoping something isnt going to go terribly wrong).

And if something does go wrong with the MS6.... how much are replacement parts? I know that is somewhat of an issue for Audi's, as they are from Europe and parts cost a lot of money.


The suspension differences.... on all of the Audi forums I frequent (AW, AZ)... almost every is against getting "springs" to adjust the height of the car. Most of them feel it is only a "band-aid" fix to the suspension, and that the only viable alternative is to go with a set of coil-overs.

Also - on Audi's, at least the b6 a4 - my opinion is that wheels with an offset around +35 look the best, as the wheels are pretty much flush with the fender. I saw a thread on here claiming that MS6's cant run that much offset, and the one guy who had large wheels plus a lower number offest, had to camber his rear wheels just to make it fit....


sorry for all the long-as-a-novel posts

 

[Myriad]

Cost of ownership on mazdas is usually fairly low and even though the speed6 was a two year production run the engine is still being used in other vehicles. Regular maintenance shouldn't be any more than a regular family sedan.

The stock dampers are actually pretty decent on the speed6 and several manufacturers have designed springs around this fact. You could always go with a coilover setup to really ramp up responsiveness, but the the ride quality is usually diminished. One speed6 I had the pleasure of driving (the car that helped make up my mind for me) was dropped on an eibach pro kit. Lowered the stance without making it look slammed, beefed up the handeling and still had a comfortable ride quality.

As far as wheels, general consensus is that 18x8 (or 7-7.5) at +48 with a 225/45 will fit without rubbing and flush up with the fenders nicely. The offset can be tweaked to bring the rims out a little more so that the tops are flush and the bottoms stick ever so slightly outside of the wheel wells (body line curves, not camber issues) but having to roll the fenders becomes more likely. As long as you don't lower the car too much you should not have to roll the fenders or strip your wheel wells.

No problem on the post lengths (just look at mine (blah) ), you came to an enthusiasts forum to get some info on a car so we don't expect them to be short (thumb).

 

[Tender Vittles]

I pretty much agree with everything said. Picked my 06 up Jan of 08 from carmax for 20k with 5k on the odometer. It was supposedly used but still had shrink wrap on the aluminum door sills. So I assume I am the first real owner and the 5k was maybe test drives/ dealer employee use. So far so good. No probs yet, got a brand new clutch through the TSB about a month ago.

 

[turbospartan]

So who wants to buy a 2004 Audi A4 Ultra Sport (USP) ?


http://detroit.craigslist.org/cto/903924729.html



BTW - pay no mind to the fact that I want to "sell" the car to get something more affordable. In a twisted way, I am doing it for that reason. WIth a MS6 having a warranty for another year or 2, plus not having such expensive parts... im saving myself the hassle/cost in the future

 

[DetroitMS6]

I just noticed you're in MI. If you want to drive my MS6 you can. The only mod it has is CAI.

 

[turbospartan]

Where are you located?

 

[DetroitMS6]

Sterling Heights

 

[Mistersix]

that was a good read. lot of useful info right there.

 

[tunersteve]

Hey Detroit, turbospartan...check out the MI subforum. There's lots of members and I'm sure they'd be willing to help ya out there.