juxt3r, to answer your last question first - I wouldn't have any qualms about the vandalized units you are describing provided they either have been repaired correctly or it can be done.
It seems to me that the Mazdaspeed is a great value whether it is left stock or modded.
My perspective is probably a bit different than many here. I have owned probably 75 different cars in my life and purchased about 10 of those new, usually in a higher price range. I was not really looking to buy a car when I got it (sort of an impulse buy) and it is a third (or fourth) vehicle that will never be modded and likely never be driven much. That said, it offered incomparable value (at a shade over $16,000), uniqueness, and fun.
Having not really read about or researched it before my purchase (or seen this site) I knew nothing about its reported common "problems," all of which strike me as minor indeed.
I wouldn't hesitate to buy again - it is an impressive piece.
It seems to me that the Mazdaspeed is a great value whether it is left stock or modded.
My perspective is probably a bit different than many here. I have owned probably 75 different cars in my life and purchased about 10 of those new, usually in a higher price range. I was not really looking to buy a car when I got it (sort of an impulse buy) and it is a third (or fourth) vehicle that will never be modded and likely never be driven much. That said, it offered incomparable value (at a shade over $16,000), uniqueness, and fun.
Having not really read about or researched it before my purchase (or seen this site) I knew nothing about its reported common "problems," all of which strike me as minor indeed.
I wouldn't hesitate to buy again - it is an impressive piece.
