I would say to go for a new GTI. The MazdaSpeed3 is a great car but has too much power for a FWD car. There will be too much wheel spin and torque steer from that car. The GTI is more well-balanced when it comes power, handling, and braking. Also, the GTI has a really great suspension. It absorbs bumps and crappy roads really well while still providing solid and predictable handling. It's a very nice balance of ride and handling that only the Germans can accomplish. Just get a GTI 2-Door Manny Tranny, Bi-Xenon Headlights, and the Premium Sound System and you're good to go. Just priced one out like that at $25,415. Save up for a little longer if need be, going brand new is worth it.
Balance of ride and handling only the germans can accomplish? If you want reliabiility, buy german? Seriously, what are you guys smokin'? VW/Audi are hit and miss. Mercedes are getting better, but in the last few years have been the most unreliable luxury cars on the road. And BMW's have always been so-so in reliability with high maintenance costs. I say take the GTI, but not because its german... MErcedes have great ride quality, but the handling is extremely underwhelming...BMW's have great handling, but they suffer BIG time in the ride quality area. Audi does a good job of both generally, but they understeer to a fault... The country of origin no longer has any value... And yes, theres some personal bias thrown in there. Ive grown weary of throwing money at a 'reliable' BMW... By the way, for 20k US, you could get into a nicely used E46 M3 or a Cadillac CTS-V...Both are fairly even in reliability, with the BMW being quicker in tight radius turns and the V being faster in the straight line from a roll. Both are quick, tho, and both handle great, have loads of luxury and class...and if you find a nicely used one, with a good service record, you probably wont have too many issues with maintenance.
Point well taken Grease, but if you go back to the beginning of this thread you'll see that point was brought up. For a good reliable car, get the Mazda. For a great car to drive with possible maintainance issues, get the GTI.
Our loaner is a MKV GTI. I've just lowered it, put 19" rims and rubber, some Rieger body effects,Air Intake, Exhaust and flash...WAY fun!!!!!
Have you considered a WRX or something else along these price points? I like the Mazda more primarily because of the reliability of them.
On a loaner? I'm moving to Colorado. We should be friends! I agree. But the fit and finish and overall build quality of the GTi is far superior to the Mazda. Depends what you are buying it for.
just get a GTI. you wont regret it. i could see getting the mazda and being content with it...for a while. then regretting it. my GTI has been stock for over a year until recently, and its still just as fun as the day i got it. no regrets here. but now ive got the mod bug, and a new credit card lol.
Reasonable enough. I lightly browsed through the thread. Personally Id like to be able to choose between the UK Ford Focus and the GTI. The Mazda3 is so...not attractive.
Off-topic, and Im sure a million others have said the same thing to you... Make sure you have the paper to back up the plastic. You dont want to ruin your credit for a few hp and new wheels... Car modding can max your credit much faster then detailing products.
I agree, I have had mine for 3.5 years and everyday it is a joy to drive and not bored yet of it. Dont have any performance mods but some do have a few other ones. Modding is expensive as it is a Euro but it is a blast to drive even stock...you know you want zee GTI!
I think as of right now my focus on being able to put myself in a position to choose. Although I was driving home from work yesterday and told myself the next car I saw was going to be my choice and 3 very very nice GTI's rolled by in a sweet succession. Might be a sign... I also have a friend that works for a company that specializes in GTI performance and he will be coming with me on test drives to test the cars as well as look at the guts of the car. I just can't get past the performance spread between the two, I want the performance. And I am a good saver and I am good with money and I take care of cars very very well so hopefully I can manage the costs well if the arise.
What? You don't like the big smily face on the front of the new Mazda's? The UK Focus' are sweet. I'd rather a Renault Clio Widebody though.
Hello Chas, thought I'd toss in my .02 about this. 20k for a used 3? I didn't even pay that much for mine when it was new! Which type of 3 are you looking at? 2004-2009 have two different engines, a 2.0 and 2.3 while 2010+ options are a 2.0 and a 2.5 (bored out 2.3 fwiw). The 2.0 with a light foot is much more MPG-savvy then the 2.3 or 2.5 (I still get 32+mpg though in my 2.3). If you're looking at what I call the "1st Gen's", stay away from 2004-2005, for 2006+ they revised a few things to make the car a iittle more pleasant as a DD. I drive a 2008 and have had only 1 minor issue with it (which ws my fault anyway), I accidentally jammed the CD player, D'oh! My honest opinion is if you're trying to compare GTi vs. the 3, take a look around for used Speed3's. 2007-2009's can be had for under 20k now! If you decide to go that route, there's a whole lot more advice I can offer (I'm doing a terrible job of not cluttering this post up!). Hope this helps, - Jake
Hey tripleskate, I am actually going out to do some comparison test driving today while I have the day to myself. You are totally right a used 3 is much less than 20K which is a huge plus for me. I heard about some of the issues leading up to the 2006 so I am narrowing my search to 2006 and up. I actually found a brand new one for around 18K so I am going to go check that out in a bit. I will let you guys know how it all goes.
