MS3 vs WRX: MS3 Wins!

[power_hour]

Well like I said I would not hesitate for the WRX if they are willing to agree to a fair price. If they jack it up would you pay 28K+ out the door for a base WRX???

Faced with that choice I can live with a small grin.

Just to reiterate your original post and this one, I think your on the right track. The Mazdaspeed3 is a fantastic car. I am considering one myself or a VW. I would love to have a RWD or AWD vehicle like the STi but they are hard to find.

But the other issue is resale and trade-in ability. Having owned a number of cars over the years the problem with sports cars is they are tough to trade-in. If your leasing then the issue is moot.

And yeah the VW GTi is not as fast as the STi or the MZ3 but its a nice blend of power and functionality. Plus they tend to be alot easier to dump on trade's down the line. The DSG option is also nice if you live in the city and decide manual is not really practical.

Good luck with your decision. Post some pics when you get your car.

Cheers,

 

[ballmode]

I do like how they made the current 2008-2012 WRX/STI smoother and quieter than before, I think they should sell stripper versions for the diehard racers, and then just the limited trim which adds everything on top of it.

I personally would prefer a limited if it didn't have the moonroof

 

[the DRIZZLE]

I read the Focus ST is already up for preorder. If they are going to start delivering them soon I'd wait to at least see the reviews.

 

[nismotigerwvu]

Might also want to look into a Legacy GT. You'll get similar performance with a nicer interior and cheaper insurance rates

 

[Jumpem]

Might also want to look into a Legacy GT. You'll get similar performance with a nicer interior and cheaper insurance rates

Better act quick for this. It's been discontinued.

 

[Aharami]

Hey look the resident Subaru ass kisser shows up as usual.

Some people want a refined DD with spunk, not a tin can with a shitty interior

I have 2000 GTI VR6 with leather interior. When I sat inside the WRX this past weekend, I didn't think it was shitty at all. Yea the instrument cluster isnt as nice looking as VW's, but it didnt impart a cheap feeling to me

 

[Young Grasshopper]

i would take a WRX by far. that front end styling on the new mazda3 looks hidious.

 

[stag3]

yea if the price diff isn't much, i'd get the wrx hatch.

 

[exar333]

Might also want to look into a Legacy GT. You'll get similar performance with a nicer interior and cheaper insurance rates

Last gen for sure. The new Legacy is a huge step down.

 

[nismotigerwvu]

Last gen for sure. The new Legacy is a huge step down.

That's a shame, I love my 05

 

[xSkyDrAx]

So about 3 weeks ago I ended up going with the Mazdaspeed3. Went to the Subaru dealership first and the best they could offer me OTD for a base WRX was 28K+.

Prior to that I spoke with an internet sales manager at a Mazda dealership and he was able to give me 24.7k OTD on the speed3 and after a bit of looking at it it was too tempting to pass over. The interior is much nicer than the WRX's and it is a quick little car. Peak torque comes at 3k RPM and the steering feel is very good. Nice sound system too. Coming from a 02 Corolla I really have no complaints Also the smiley face is not really noticeable on black.

First thing I did was a tint and then a week later a wash and wax so here are some pics (they were taken on phone camera so I apologize for the crappy quality)

At the dealer

After the wash and wax

 

[satyajitmenon]

If that front license plate was all white, it'd look like buck teeth.

Congrats on the new buy. Do you feel any torque steer when you gas it?

 

[PlasmaBomb]

Looks well washed and waxed :thumbsup:

 

[xSkyDrAx]

If that front license plate was all white, it'd look like buck teeth.

Congrats on the new buy. Do you feel any torque steer when you gas it?

The most I've brought it up to was about 4k RPM in 2nd and 3rd (I'm still in break in stage) and I know Mazda put a torque limiter to help reduce the torque steer but honestly I haven't noticed it. I may have felt it once but both hands were on the wheel and it didn't feel like much more than a light tug on the wheel. I notice more wheel movement when it's tracking cracks on bad roads.

 

[Black2na]

great decsion i really like the MS3 if your smooth on the throttle torque steer is minimal to non exsistant. not ot mention the bump in MPG over the WRX is nice. dont get me wrong i like the WRX (i have one) but for a sporty daily the MS3 is an awesome car!

 

[punjabiplaya]

grats, time for mods now! moar power /TimAllen

 

[JCH13]

:thumbsup:

 

[NutBucket]

When did Subaru dealers get so full of themselves? Granted, the last time I really dealt with them was in 2005 but even so.....

 

[xSkyDrAx]

Well after the Tsunami last year that really messed with their productions and the increasing rarity for WRX's on the lots I guess they feel like they can charge you up the butt for it.

 

[NutBucket]

I guess. Which dealer(s) did you work with?

I had a similar experience buying my Honda last year. Tried a few dealers until I found one willing to deal.

 

[xSkyDrAx]

Talked to both Subaru in Monrovia and Puente Hills. Similar stories with both. Subaru dealers are a bit sparse in my area. The next closest one would be in either Long Beach or Irvine.

Mazda on the other hand was willing to deal right off the bat. Got below invoice pricing without much haggling at all.

 

[NutBucket]

Thank stinks. Enjoy your MS3.

And yea, definitely have to drive sometimes to get the right deal. I went out to Lancaster to get my LGT years ago (was living in West LA at the time). My friend bought a Civic hybrid in '06 and drove out to Bakersfield to get it as they gave him the best deal. Sometimes the drive is worth the effort.

 

[JCH13]

I flew from NH to Colorado to get my MS3... right when the 1st generation was phasing out.

Didn't hurt that my parents live in Colorado now and I visited all of my relatives on the drive home though

 

[power_hour]

Talked to both Subaru in Monrovia and Puente Hills. Similar stories with both. Subaru dealers are a bit sparse in my area. The next closest one would be in either Long Beach or Irvine.

Mazda on the other hand was willing to deal right off the bat. Got below invoice pricing without much haggling at all.

Hey! you bought my car ;-) Sweet car bud. Best colour. Have fun with her.

 

[NutBucket]

BTW OP, I would have been glad to sell you one of my WRXs