Any reason I shouldn't buy a Mazdaspeed3?

[ggnl]

Up until last week I was planning on buying a plain-Jane Mazda3 (new, not used). I'd ruled out all alternatives, saved up a pretty sizable downpayment, and I was just about to pull the trigger when out of nowhere my employer decided to give me a ~20% raise. Obviously this bumped up my car-buying budget a bit.

I've always secretly lusted after the MS3, but now that it's comfortably within my budget I figured I owe myself a little due dilligence to investigate alternatives before running out and buying one. So, given a budget of about 23-24k, am I making a good choice? Any alternatives I should look at first (new or used).

I only have a couple of concerns. First, I'm a little wary about the long term reliability of a turbo motor making over 100hp/L. Second, I'm worried about insurance costs. How much more should I expect to pay compared to a normal economy coupe. I'm 25 years old with a relatively clean driving record (no tickets or wrecks in at least 3 years).

 

[Ryland]

First off there is a special deal going on for some Mazda's (not including the MS3) which gives you $300 back

The Mazda3 2.3L is a nice car to start and the MS3 would probably be even faster.

 

[SVT Cobra]

The mazda speed 3 is an awesome car, go for it. Now!

 

[Mr.IncrediblyBored]

Regarding the insurance, why not call your current insurance agent and get a quote?

The Mazdaspeed3 is a great car - probably best in class. Not sure I'd be willing to deal with higher insurance premiums and gas costs, but then again my work commute kills just about any vehicle that gets <30mpg.

 

[fbrdphreak]

That car sure is hard to beat in its class. There's a reason it's won so many sport compact comparo's.

 

[ayabe]

I would suggest driving before buying. I hated the electronic shenanigans necessary to keep the car going in a straight line.

 

[Vic]

My tips:

Get an insurance quote before you pull the trigger.

The MS3 is FWD with a bit of horsepower and so it has traction issues. If you need better traction, you might want to wait for the new model WRX hatch coming out in a couple months.

Mazda has a considerable history of making reliable high-hp-to-displacement turbo engines, so I wouldn't worry about that.

For the money, the MS3 is a great car. Performance, reliability, decent gas mileage, and utility all in one package and reasonably priced. I looked at one myself and only backed off because of the FWD.

edit:

Originally posted by: ayabe
I would suggest driving before buying. I hated the electronic shenanigans necessary to keep the car going in a straight line.

Yep. The biggest drawback of the car IMO is that it's putting too many horses down to the front wheels.

 

[vi edit]

Probably wouldn't hurt to look at a VW GTI or maybe hold of a bit for the new WRX and see how that is.

 

[ggnl]

Well I ran an insurance quote and I think it's pretty reasonable, around $1,200 a year. So it looks like there's nothing on the financial side holding me back.

I have looked at the WRX and GTI as alternatives. But from a value standpoint, the Mazda seems to win hands down. WRX is tempting but there's just not enough on the table IMHO to justify spending a 2-3 thousand more.

I'll test drive both just to make sure. But is the torque steer really that bad? Every review I've read has been highly favorable towards the MS3's handling.

 

[ayabe]

Originally posted by: ggnl
Well I ran an insurance quote and I think it's pretty reasonable, around $1,200 a year. So it looks like there's nothing on the financial side holding me back.

I have looked at the WRX and GTI as alternatives. But from a value standpoint, the Mazda seems to win hands down. WRX is tempting but there's just not enough on the table IMHO to justify spending a 2-3 thousand more.

I'll test drive both just to make sure. But is the torque steer really that bad? Every review I've read has been highly favorable towards the MS3's handling.

WRX and MS3 should be around the same price. But I would wait for the new WRX because it will have a nicer interior and navigation as an option.

The GTI is around the same price as well, though it's less performance than the other two.

I don't really understand why they didn't go AWD, the Speed6 has AWD. FWD with that much power in such a small car is just dumb.

Some people aren't bothered by the electronic gizmo's that limit power in 1st, 2nd and exiting corners to keep torque steer at a minimum. It bothered me immediately. It did handle pretty well, I just don't like the intrusion. It's not nearly as bad an SRT-4 if that means anything to you.

This is the same reason why I didn't buy an IS350. I understand the need for safety, but you should always be allowed to switch that crap off when you wanna let loose.

 

[ggnl]

Originally posted by: ayabe

WRX and MS3 should be around the same price. But I would wait for the new WRX because it will have a nicer interior and navigation as an option.

The GTI is around the same price as well, though it's less performance than the other two.

I don't really understand why they didn't go AWD, the Speed6 has AWD. FWD with that much power in such a small car is just dumb.

Some people aren't bothered by the electronic gizmo's that limit power in 1st, 2nd and exiting corners to keep torque steer at a minimum. It bothered me immediately. It did handle pretty well, I just don't like the intrusion. It's not nearly as bad an SRT-4 if that means anything to you.

This is the same reason why I didn't buy an IS350. I understand the need for safety, but you should always be allowed to switch that crap off when you wanna let loose.

According to edmunds the invoice price of the WRX TR (stripped down version) is about $1,800 over the base MS3 and the regular WRX is about $2,800 more. When is the new WRX going to be available? Time is sort of a factor here, my old car is on it last legs so it's going to be weeks not months before I have to make a decision.

 

[vi edit]

The only reason I mention the GTI is because sometimes raw power doesn't always make the car. It's certainly no slouch and is a lot more of a refined vehicle. It's the TL of the sports compact market. Good at just about everything (well, except maybe reliability) but great at nothing.

Again, it's worth at least a test drive.

 

[ayabe]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: ggnl
According to edmunds the invoice price of the WRX TR (stripped down version) is about $1,800 over the base MS3 and the regular WRX is about $2,800 more. When is the new WRX going to be available? Time is sort of a factor here, my old car is on it last legs so it's going to be weeks not months before I have to make a decision.</end quote></div>

Well I haven't checked recently but I heard that the MS3's weren't going for below MSRP, but work your dealerships.

The new WRX's should be here in a couple months, I think September is what I read recently, though I could be wrong.

You might get a good deal on an '07 WRX as they might be priced to move to make room for the new ones. You aren't sacrificing much in the TR version, which is what I have. You get a crappy stereo that you would be replacing anyways, manual instead of automatic AC, no fog lights and no painted mirrors. When I was buying my car the regular WRX's were very hard to find, all my dealerships only had TR's.

I'm really not trying to poo poo the MS3, it's a great car and has a much nicer interior than the WRX.

Something else to consider - your location. AWD is a godsend in snow country.

Edit - OK, I'll assume Texas

AWD is also great in the rain, I live in FL and it rains every afternoon in the summer.

 

[theeedude]

Unless you have plans for racing, get the regular Mazda3, and invest the rest of the money. I make 6 figures and drive a 3s touring, no complains. Seriously, the 3s power is already more than adequate, and it's a good match for the chassis.

 

[ggnl]

Originally posted by: ayabe

Well I haven't checked recently but I heard that the MS3's weren't going for below MSRP, but work your dealerships.

The new WRX's should be here in a couple months, I think September is what I read recently, though I could be wrong.

You might get a good deal on an '07 WRX as they might be priced to move to make room for the new ones. You aren't sacrificing much in the TR version, which is what I have. You get a crappy stereo that you would be replacing anyways, manual instead of automatic AC, no fog lights and no painted mirrors. When I was buying my car the regular WRX's were very hard to find, all my dealerships only had TR's.

I'm really not trying to poo poo the MS3, it's a great car and has a much nicer interior than the WRX.

Something else to consider - your location. AWD is a godsend in snow country.

Edit - OK, I'll assume Texas

AWD is also great in the rain, I live in FL and it rains every afternoon in the summer.

Well I'll definitely be checking the Suburu dealerships as part of my search, so don't think I've discounted anyone's opinion here. I'll probably even test a GTI.

You've all been very helpful so far. Keep the comments coming!

Just as a wildcard, how does the Civic SI stack up against the cars mentioned so far?

 

[vi edit]

Originally posted by: ggnl
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: ayabe

Well I haven't checked recently but I heard that the MS3's weren't going for below MSRP, but work your dealerships.

The new WRX's should be here in a couple months, I think September is what I read recently, though I could be wrong.

You might get a good deal on an '07 WRX as they might be priced to move to make room for the new ones. You aren't sacrificing much in the TR version, which is what I have. You get a crappy stereo that you would be replacing anyways, manual instead of automatic AC, no fog lights and no painted mirrors. When I was buying my car the regular WRX's were very hard to find, all my dealerships only had TR's.

I'm really not trying to poo poo the MS3, it's a great car and has a much nicer interior than the WRX.

Something else to consider - your location. AWD is a godsend in snow country.

Edit - OK, I'll assume Texas

AWD is also great in the rain, I live in FL and it rains every afternoon in the summer.</end quote></div>

Well I'll definitely be checking the Suburu dealerships as part of my search, so don't think I've discounted anyone's opinion here. I'll probably even test a GTI.

You've all been very helpful so far. Keep the comments coming!

Just as a wildcard, how does the Civic SI stack up against the cars mentioned so far?

Lighter on it's feet, and a very slick shifting gearbox from Honda. And in typical Honda fashion, very little "go" under 5000 RPM's.

 

[SVT Cobra]

Originally posted by: Vic
My tips:

Get an insurance quote before you pull the trigger.

The MS3 is FWD with a bit of horsepower and so it has traction issues. If you need better traction, you might want to wait for the new model WRX hatch coming out in a couple months.

Mazda has a considerable history of making reliable high-hp-to-displacement turbo engines, so I wouldn't worry about that.

For the money, the MS3 is a great car. Performance, reliability, decent gas mileage, and utility all in one package and reasonably priced. I looked at one myself and only backed off because of the FWD.

edit:<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: ayabe
I would suggest driving before buying. I hated the electronic shenanigans necessary to keep the car going in a straight line.</end quote></div>
Yep. The biggest drawback of the car IMO is that it's putting too many horses down to the front wheels.

If you floor it, it is going to tapper the throttle so you do not get torque steer, and in toher situations it is only if the steering angle is great than 3 degrees IIRC. Either way most reviews have said the system works great.

 

[Kelvrick]

You know, you mkight be able to get a legacy GT for just a bit more then that. Its a in the compact "class."

 

[Insane3D]

With all the incentives, you might find the Mazdaspeed 6 another great choice. IMO, it's a better all around car. I picked up a brand new, loaded '06 GT for ~$25k. The '07s have fixed a few minor early build issues, and have the most forgiving clutch. They are both great cars, and stock for stock, the MS3 is a bit faster from a roll because it has less drivetrain loss and weighs less, but overall, I think you get a lot more with the Speed6.

Of course, I may be biased..

 

[thomsbrain]

--poor interior fit/finish
--questionable reliability from an engine boosted that heavily, especially from a company known to have reliability issues with certain engines (though mostly the rotaries).

that's about it. for plenty of people, the power and practicality will be enough to make them overlook the above. though i chose not to buy one when i was in the market, i still get excited when i see one and i'm sure the owners are happy.

 

[imported_Truenofan]

Originally posted by: thomsbrain
--poor interior fit/finish
--questionable reliability from an engine boosted that heavily, especially from a company known to have reliability issues with certain engines (though mostly the rotaries).

that's about it. for plenty of people, the power and practicality will be enough to make them overlook the above. though i chose not to buy one when i was in the market, i still get excited when i see one and i'm sure the owners are happy.

ok wow, someone doesnt know what he's talking about for rotaries, i have one(sig), and its over 160k in miles, alot of 2nd gens, go easily over 200k some in excess of 250k w/o a rebuild, its about how you take care of it and if your willing to do PROPER maitinence on em. mazdas are good cars, my dad had a 323 with minimal rust and nothing wrong with the engine(and i mean NOTHING, no tapping, knocking or anything). turbo engines have less wear and tear than high revving n/a's, as long as you dont beat the living crap out of the car in general, it should last you quite a long time. i know someone that had a mazdaspeed3 back in 03/04, and he loved it, every part of it and how it took off.

 

[zerocool84]

Originally posted by: Truenofan

Originally posted by: thomsbrain
--poor interior fit/finish
--questionable reliability from an engine boosted that heavily, especially from a company known to have reliability issues with certain engines (though mostly the rotaries).

that's about it. for plenty of people, the power and practicality will be enough to make them overlook the above. though i chose not to buy one when i was in the market, i still get excited when i see one and i'm sure the owners are happy.

ok wow, someone doesnt know what he's talking about for rotaries, i have one(sig), and its over 160k in miles, alot of 2nd gens, go easily over 200k some in excess of 250k w/o a rebuild, its about how you take care of it and if your willing to do PROPER maitinence on em. mazdas are good cars, my dad had a 323 with minimal rust and nothing wrong with the engine(and i mean NOTHING, no tapping, knocking or anything). turbo engines have less wear and tear than high revving n/a's, as long as you dont beat the living crap out of the car in general, it should last you quite a long time. i know someone that had a mazdaspeed3 back in 03/04, and he loved it, every part of it and how it took off.

Rotaries are long known for their realiability or lack there of and the oil consumption. Hell the RX-8 recall didnt help much either. Also there was no Mazdaspeed3 for those years. This is the first year. The only problem that I know of for the Speed3 is basically some engine bolts snapping and the engine literally falling out but Mazda has already issued a recall for that.

The MS3 is a great car for the money. No matter what, there are limitations to high-powered FWD cars on the street, no way around it (trust me i know). There are things you can do to help but traction will always be an issue. Remember guys this is an economy car NOT a luxury car. This car was built for speed on the cheap so of course the fit and finish will not be awesome but it is better than other cars in it's segment.

They did not make many of this car and I have yet to see one in Los Angeles area. I would have picked up this car instead of the SRT-4 because it comes with options the Neon never thought of. How many people look at a Mazda 3 hatch and think it could give a Stang GT a run for it's money??? Definately get it if you really want to but I hear mark-up on these is kinda high at the moment.

 

[imported_Truenofan]

so, who have you known that has owned one, and followed the service manuals instructions on mantinence on a rx7?

 

[ayabe]

Originally posted by: ggnl

Originally posted by: ayabe
Well I'll definitely be checking the Suburu dealerships as part of my search, so don't think I've discounted anyone's opinion here. I'll probably even test a GTI.

You've all been very helpful so far. Keep the comments coming!

Just as a wildcard, how does the Civic SI stack up against the cars mentioned so far?

The SI was actually the car I was going to get over the WRX, but after driving each for a second time I went with the WRX for these reasons:

1. AWD on the WRX

2. Easy to get more power out of it(WRX) inexpensively.

3. The dash on the Civic didn't sit well with me, the digital speedo was a real distraction and looked goofy to me.

4. Torque - after 6 years with my VTEC motor I was ready for more torque, it's nice to be able to pass people without having to go above 6000 RPM. It's fun at times to have a car that makes such beautiful mechanical music, but I outgrew it.

My previous car was an Integra GSR so I was a bit of a Honda fanboy, the SI was very close to perfection for a FWD car for me. The only other car I can compare it to is an Integra Type R which to me is still the best handling FWD car I've ever driven.

The SI shifter is great as was already mentioned, rivals the S2000 shifter except for longer throws. Honda always makes great shifters, even the Accords are great in that area.

The Civic is also a couple thousand cheaper than the other cars we've been discussing and you can get navigation and Ipod connectivity as an option.

 

[ValValline]

Of all the cars in the class I would say your two best options are the MS3 and GTI.

The wife and I picked up a loaded '07 Mazda3 hatch last Feb (she can't/won't drive stick) and absolutely love it! Almost went with the GTI with DSG (manual tranny with no clutch pedal), but the questionable reliability record that VW has, and the fact that our local dealer is the biggest crook in town, eliminated that option.