Mazdaspeed 3

[stevofthahill]

My friend owns one and it's an absolutely an amazing car. It is definitely one of the only current FWD cars I would purchase. However, I think the biggest issue with traction through 1st and 2nd though are the shitty tires that come on it stock. They're definitely not much of a "drag" car but are an absolute highway monster. It'll keep up with a stock STi, and walk all over 350z's, e36 m3's, previous gen Mcoupes, etc. Plus, most people don't know what they are(especially since my friend debadged his) and it's funny to see the look on peoples faces when they get blown out of the water.

[eric (^__^)]

Pontiacs are the lamest cars imaginable. (solstice is cool tho)

That said, I really love the styling of the Mazda 3 and I'm glad they made a hotrod.

[VacMan]

You know Tim.... the new G8 would be a nice driver too:evil:

Don't make me come and impound your 318i S50-wannabe...you know I'll do it if you buy a Pont-e-yack.

Glad to hear it Jesse, they're a sweet car.

[Jesse30]

i just came back from the dealer and im pretty sold on the ms3, i checked out si's, s2000's, gti's, wrx's, and even rsx type s' and they all wanted more than just the asking price on the ms3.

i'll be heading back at the end of the month to get the price that i want on the car.

[JAX S50]

You know Tim.... the new G8 would be a nice driver too:evil:

[CorvallisBMW]

I've also heard really good things about the Saturn Astra. It doesn't compare with the MS 3, but if you're more interested in the 5-door practicality than the speed, it might be worth a look. It's basically a re-badged Opel, so it's all very Euro.

[VacMan]

We had a normal Mazda 3s before my wife got pregnant and it was an awesome car. Drove very much like a Euro car, handled well, and had only ok acceleration. The Mazdaspeed 3 addresses my major gripe with the car and I think it would make an awesome DD.

[Bill 84 318i]

I'm only going off of what they are on paper...but I don't think you can beat them for the money. Especially since the new WRX's are very boring to look at.

[e30Matt]

does the LSD really correct the torque steer well enough?? i think the car is fantastic, but just wondered what it was driving a FWD car with that much power.

It still does have a noticeable bit of torque steer... and boost cut wasn't a good term, it's more like a boost limiter in 1 and 2 to limit wheelspin. You do a little tapdancing with the TC disable button whilst starting the car and you can completely disable it... the procedure is similar to a full TCS disable on E46s/Z4s. You push and hold the button while starting the car, and it will blink and then remain illuminated.

Jesse, I couldn't find much fault, other than the car felt like it ran out of ass above about 5-5.5k, but I have a feeling that Mazdaspeed exhaust and intake setup they sell as options would gladly help that out a bit and keep the warranty safe and sound.

I'm going car shopping again here in a couple months and will definitely be test driving one again.

[E30SPDFRK]

Wrong wheel drive. Other than that they are good cars.

[VAPORBLADE]

We have a speed6. I have yet to drive the speed3, but it looks like a sick car.

[willsol]

I owned one and loved it... 34 mpg on the highway!! ((yes a speed 3)) around the city though being Im heavy footed it dropped to 21.. you have to feed it 91 octane or better though.


Decent room... if you have kids though might not be enough space.

Any other questions just ask.

[CorvallisBMW]

I have always loved these cars. Automobile Magazine has a year-long tester, and they can't stop raving about it. My good friend has the regular 2.3, and I love the interior and 5-door practicality.

[Jesse30]

Test drove one a few months back. Fantastic car, would make a hell of a daily driver. Especially when you know how to turn off the boost cut in 1 and 2. :)

Sounds solid, but did you notice anything you would find annoying in your test drive? how would you cut boost in 1 and 2? turbo timer? boost controller? remap?

[silversleeper]

does the LSD really correct the torque steer well enough?? i think the car is fantastic, but just wondered what it was driving a FWD car with that much power.