2010 mazdaspeed3 best dd with under 20k for under $20k?

[naplesE30]

Looking to get a new to me dd. I am shocked how expensive new cars are and underwhelmed by everyone I have driven,,, jetta, e46, focus,

Recently the speed3 has cought my eye, and I have found a few in my price range but none local to me...

So before I make a road trip do any of you guys have any input on them other than torquesteer, or better alternative cars?

Keep in ming i am replacing a e34 525it so I would like something that has a good amount of utility to it.

[warmseth]

I hear good things about the mazdaspeed 3 but the FWD always put it out of consideration for me. Tacoma xrunner handles well, is rear wheel drive and with a truck bed and jump seat, has a lot of utility.

[3ics]

No love for the GTI? Get the TSI engines, so I believe that is 2010 and newer.

Regarding MS3, I'm not too certain, but I thought there were some issues with engine mounts. I could be wrong, maybe it was the previous generation?

[warmseth]

I own a MK6 TDI Golf (Wifey's car) and I can speak highly of that chassis. When pushed it can really hang the tail out easily. The traction control is amazing at keeping you out of most trouble while maintaining fun. The GTI is probably a ball. Still, you're over $20k for a new one by several thousand. You might find a 2010 for around $21 though.

[naplesE30]

Looked at the gti's hard to find in the price point and mileage, plus I prefer a 4door, with a 1 1/2 year old in the car seat. The new tdi's are to expensive and soft now, and the old ones hold their value so well your better off with a new one.

I have read that the motor mounts are so cushy that if you push the car hard the engine rocks into the firewall in between shifts, they now make a aftermarket rear engine mount to prevent it. Not sure what all is involved to install it though.

[warmseth]

They make the GTIs and TDIs in 4 doors. For a new car and one that is not exactly a sports car I think the TDI (and GTI obviously) are pretty stiffly sprung.

[Kershaw]

mazdaspeed3s are great fucking cars.

my only contention is how big the dash is. i cant stand that. i could never own one because of that.

[naplesE30]

My only problem never driving one is the rice factor, dislike the ricey tails and the dash is a bit busy, not to mention the horrible red seats,,,, but I can look past those things for the price and performance. But, I realize I will look like a tool being a 30+ year old in it, but who gives a shit really.

[J308]

MS3 sounds pretty good to me from a DD standpoint.

IIRC there is a weak point in the drivetrain (trans, diff?) that is found when turning up the boost. But if you are strictly DD, no mods, you should be fine.

[graveshaker]

I own a 2007 (pre clown face) and absolutely love it. The turbo spools really quick and simple mods like intake downpipe/testpipe really wakes it up. It runs circles around my e36 ///M3. But yeah the FWD is not nearly as fun as RWD. But as a DD it's loads of fun.
Test drive one and try not to smile when you shift to 3rd, I bet you can't!

[Killacortes]

Fwd kills it for me. But they are solid cars

[Cronopoulos]

Evo 8

[warmseth]

wrx wagon

[kway]

I realize I will look like a tool being a 30+ year old in it, but who gives a shit really.

Lol, reminds me of a bugeye WRX I saw on the way in to work not too long ago. It's coming from the opposite direction; slammed, big FMIC, etc. As I get close I see that the driver is in his mid-late 30's wearing a shirt and tie. He looked ridiculous.

Meh, I feel ridiculous in the e30s sometimes too though. Anyhow, before I got the e90 I was ready to buy a Speed 3. Went to the dealership, was planning on a test drive, and assuming it was positive was ready to buy THAT day. Several salesman saw me poking around the lot, but not a single one acknowledged me in any way. Said fuck 'em and decided to stick with a BMW.

So I've never driven one, only because of my shitty local dealership. So pointless response, other than to agree that yes they seem interesting, and I probably wouldn't mind having one myself.

[graveshaker]

I'm 40 and own several BMW's, a Porsche 911, a Mazdaspeed3, and a Toyota FJ cruiser. I never once thought of my age when deciding on a car. If I'm paying for it who cares?