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2004 Mazda3 **Updated 1/24** MazdaSpeed3...200-240HP, possibly AWD :)

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How'd you feel about the additional cladding on the 3s after seeing it in person? The 3i didn't impress me, in that the exterior looked nearly as boring as other econoboxes. The 3s seems to add just the right something to the design. Sporty and sharp looking.🙂
 
Originally posted by: KnightBreed
How'd you feel about the additional cladding on the 3s after seeing it in person? The 3i didn't impress me, in that the exterior looked nearly as boring as other econoboxes. The 3s seems to add just the right something to the design. Sporty and sharp looking.🙂
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The 3s I drove didn't have the sport package so no 17" wheels and no sill extensions (well, at least not that I remember). It looked pretty damn good in person vs seeing it in pictures.

The 3s hatch that was sitting in the showroom was just DROP DEAD GORGEOUS. It had the 17" wheels and sport package and it was in that deep silver color. I was drooling all over that car 😛 DEAD SEXY!!
 
Wow, you got your test drive the same day I did! I went by my local Mazda today and they had maybe 5 of the hatch and three of the i-sedans. From the pictures online, I was thinking sedan, but in person, I liked the hatch styling much better. I test drove both styles and I'm not really a car enthusiast or anything, but they both felt plenty peppy.

I wasn't as impressed with the interior as you were. I sure wished it had the lighted "wheel" controls for the AC like the Europeans have. I just wasn't as impressed, mabe because my current car is an Accord. Maybe it's impressive for the compact segment then.

Anyway, It's definitely one of the nicest looking small cars in that price range. But, as I'm a Hot Deals kind of guy, I just don't know about going for it without any incentives, especially with all the other great incentives out there. And the first model year thing makes me hesitate too.

Overall, I liked it, but it didn't make me so excited that I signed on the dotted line today...but I'm definitely not ruling it out.
 
Originally posted by: Aztech
Also, I was wondering if you've ever considered that new sporty Neon that's out. If not, why not?
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Neon? Hell no. I think it looks like ass and the interior is a$$. And my family has been burned too many times by Chrysler.

I've also been thinking about 1st year problems/glitches on the '04 Mazda 3 and possible rebates/incentives on '05 models. It may be smart to just wait. I mean, I know my Camry isn't gonna die anytime soon😛
 
Originally posted by: NFS4

If you savor back seat legroom for your passengers, stick with the Accord 🙂 Although, the Mazda 3s sure is a LOT more fun to drive than an Accord. The salesman kept eggin' me on to gun and it and whip it around the offramp 🙂
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Have you driven the current accord??
 
Originally posted by: OS
Originally posted by: NFS4

If you savor back seat legroom for your passengers, stick with the Accord 🙂 Although, the Mazda 3s sure is a LOT more fun to drive than an Accord. The salesman kept eggin' me on to gun and it and whip it around the offramp 🙂
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Have you driven the current accord??
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Yeah, when it first came out. Wasn't too impressed.
 
Originally posted by: NFS4

Yeah, when it first came out. Wasn't too impressed.
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That's cool, which one did you drive? The handling on mine was on the sloppy side until I got my wheels.
 
Originally posted by: NFS4

It was a 4-banger EX model.
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Huh, thats close enough to what I have. It is a big car though and small cars tend to be more fun to blast around in.
 
how was the steering feel? turn-in?

What kinda tires does it have stock? How does it feel at the limit?

Inquiring minds want to know!
 
Originally posted by: mAdD INDIAN
how was the steering feel? turn-in?

What kinda tires does it have stock? How does it feel at the limit?

Inquiring minds want to know!
Click to expand...

Steering felt pretty well weighted to me. Turn-in was good, but then again, it wasn't like I was on a closed circuit road couse testing this thing out😉

Stock tires were wrapped around 16" wheels. Don't know what size/brand they were. I didn't really care...I just wanted to drive the thing😛
 
Originally posted by: NFS4
Originally posted by: mAdD INDIAN
how was the steering feel? turn-in?

What kinda tires does it have stock? How does it feel at the limit?

Inquiring minds want to know!
Click to expand...

Steering felt pretty well weighted to me. Turn-in was good, but then again, it wasn't like I was on a closed circuit road couse testing this thing out😉

Stock tires were wrapped around 16" wheels. Don't know what size/brand they were. I didn't really care...I just wanted to drive the thing😛
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Tire thing is of interest because most compact cars come with sh*t tires from the factory.

 
Originally posted by: pcmodem
NFS4, I say this periodically...

WE NEED AN AUTOMOBILE SECTION IN THE ANANDTECH FORUMS! 😀

Well, for those of us that love cars, we need one.

...

-PCM
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Second that!
 
Originally posted by: Maximin
Originally posted by: pcmodem
NFS4, I say this periodically...

WE NEED AN AUTOMOBILE SECTION IN THE ANANDTECH FORUMS! 😀

Well, for those of us that love cars, we need one.

...

-PCM
Click to expand...

Second that!
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It's called VW Vortex Car Lounge 😛
 
Originally posted by: OS
Originally posted by: NFS4

It was a 4-banger EX model.
Click to expand...

Huh, thats close enough to what I have. It is a big car though and small cars tend to be more fun to blast around in.
Click to expand...


you have an Accord now???


anyway, my co-worker has a i4 Accord coupe, it felt VERY torquey for a 4 banger...
 
Originally posted by: andylawcc
Originally posted by: OS
Originally posted by: NFS4

It was a 4-banger EX model.
Click to expand...

Huh, thats close enough to what I have. It is a big car though and small cars tend to be more fun to blast around in.
Click to expand...


you have an Accord now???


anyway, my co-worker has a i4 Accord coupe, it felt VERY torquey for a 4 banger...
Click to expand...


No, I don't have an accord. I said I test drove an '03 when they first came out
 
Originally posted by: NFS4
Originally posted by: andylawcc
Originally posted by: OS
Originally posted by: NFS4

It was a 4-banger EX model.
Click to expand...

Huh, thats close enough to what I have. It is a big car though and small cars tend to be more fun to blast around in.
Click to expand...


you have an Accord now???


anyway, my co-worker has a i4 Accord coupe, it felt VERY torquey for a 4 banger...
Click to expand...


No, I don't have an accord. I said I test drove an '03 when they first came out
Click to expand...



oh no I was actually referring to OS... hehe. 🙂
 
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