I'm looking into picking up a used 2008 MazdaSpeed 3 Grand Touring w/ Navigation. Was wondering if anyone on here had one and could comment on the car. The one I'm looking at has about 50k miles on it. It'll be big change from my 01 Cobra, but I need the extra space, and this car is pretty peppy in stock fashion for a 4 banger.
Best bang for buck hatchback. If you're into modding, it gives great gains with minimal mods, make sure you get a good tune on it to benefit more from the mods. I had a friend put in a catback exhaust, Cobb Access Port with a few different tunes (they are local to us) and a K&N Filter and he gained about 25hp/20tq and increased his MPG by about 2-3. He bought his exhaust and AP used so he saved a TON of money. The only real big expenditure was getting the car tuned. Spend about 6 hours on the dyno and it runs smoother and more responsive than when it came out of the showroom. IIRC, the total amount he spent was about $600 and he now makes about 260hp to the wheels. He hopes to get 350hp with a FMIC and intake and retune.
I don't know if I'll need to mod it much. It already torque steers pretty hard stock, definitely something I'll have to get used to coming from a RWD car. Might look into a tune though and see if it can smooth out the power delivery.
Nice little car. if i hadnt bought my GTI, i think i would have had the MS3. The torque steer and handling was the deciding factor for me.
Yes, it is a good car to buy. The 2010 had the torque steer massaged better with an lsd. The MS3 has the upgraded green bushings and 268hp plus it's turbo.
This was the car i was looking at along side my GTI... the mazda speed 3 is a little more powerful but i felt the GTI was more classy and didnt feel as cheap inside
It really depends on which generation you're looking at. The first gen was more expensive and less refined, but the new one (2010 up) is a great buy.
I considered purchasing one a while back. I settled on just a regular GT. My thoughts on a fast FWD isn't entertaining in my books, I don't need that much power in a fwd car. I'd rather have a good dd with a fun car on the side. To each their own though. I can't complain about my GT, it's a great bang for your buck. When compared to similar cars(i.e-civic, corolla) it definitely is the best out of them. Common complaints are low speed squeaks and quick wear on your tires(low profiles). I like the car, as just a regular GT, it's not too bad on gas 450km for $50.
Besides that color, those are great little cars. Quick, well-handling, sexy interior, and they look great. One of my friends has had two - one black and one white, both with tinted windows. I saw a red 2006 at a dealer I would have traded my mustang towards if they hadn't wanted 18k for it.
I like the MS3........ very nice car, Id take one over a GTI, Golf R is a different story, and you can't really compare it to the STI or EVO. IMO. Very nice car like mentioned, I would consider one.
Yeah I would love an STI hatchback, but they're in a whole other price range. Should be picking it up on Thursday.
Excellent car , I have a 2006 speed6, Definate bang for you buck. AWD would have been nice ,but none the less a great with a great motor.
Dont these cars have a lot of engine and road noise inside, when you are at speed on the freeway? Dan F
One of the best cars I've owned bang for the buck wise. TBH, the interior quality is better than both of the evo's I've owned and as mentioned, cost substantially less. A few things to check for can be found here when buying a used ms3: http://www.mazdaspeedforums.org/for...mazdaspeed-forums-member-input-needed-100577/ Have one, tuned quite a few of them, and are capable of 300 whp and 330 - 350 wtq with a fuel pump up grade and a few bolt ons.
Sounds like it should be a great car. My down payment won't be transferred from mutual funds to my checking account until Thursday or Friday, so here's to hoping the one I'm looking at is still there by the time that comes through! If not, there's several others for sale in my area I'll check out.
Really close to purchasing a 2010, then 2011. Nice car all around, the power needs some getting used to though I'm sure you know that already. Try to get the latter 2008 cars as there are a few things that were changed, most important being the interior where the changed the seats from a weird black/light great color to just black, or black/dark grey.
