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Which trim level?

  • Total voters
    37
95GTIVR6

95GTIVR6

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CosmicMS3
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I2valve
...that my next car will be a Mazdaspeed3. I've test driven the car twice now, once in an '07 Sport and once in an '08 Grand Touring. They each have the same engine and output but I would basically like some opinions on which trim level seems more appropriate.

I won't list all of the standard features of the Sport MS3 but I will provide the extras you get with the GT model:
- Anti-Theft Security
- Xenon Headlamps (adjustable vertical angle)
- Automatic On/Off headlamps
- LED Taillights
- Rain Sensing Wipers
- Driver Information System (Trip Computer)
- In Dash 6-Disc Changer and Bose Premium 220 watt 7-speaker sound
- Leather/Cloth seats (Leather Side Bolsters and Headrest, the rest is cloth)

And thats basically it. A Sport model for '08 is around $23,500 and the GT is $25,000 and thats with the Sport model having a dealer markup of almost $1,000. In my own opinion, the car is already on the expensive side so unless I can still manage to find an '07 I won't really have too much bargaining room. Anyways, just seeing what my fellow GTP'ers had to say.
 
I've never driven the Speed version, but my only gripes about the regular 3s are the feather-light brake pedal (which results in herky-jerky stops) and a crappy shift feel. But you've overcome those issues so...

I'd get the GT. The price is the only sore spot, but you seem prepared for it. One doesn't really have to worry about weight in a car that's already heavy and performs that well. You'll love the CD changer, and I think it reads MP3s also.

How did you feel about the cloth vs. leather bolsters? With my experience leather bolsters are usually a little too slick for my taste, but I know the Speed has massive bolsters so that might not be an issue.

An alarm? LOL. If people are going to steal your radio they're going to steal it. I can get one out of a 3 in under 30 seconds (my buddy, a tech, showed me how). If they do steal your radio you'll be annoyed to know that they won't even be able to use it, because it won't work without all these crazy codes and passwords required. Also, they won't be able to start your car unless they have your key. They just flat won't be able to start it, unless they happen to be a Mazda technician, have their tech password, the dealer password, the password from Mazda Tech Line, the serial number of this and that... The days of hotwiring are over. But that's just my little security system gripe, which applies to any new car. Of course, a security system gripe isn't enough to decide against a whole trim level.

I vote GT.
 
I'm going to withold my vote as of now as I'm not completely certain.

Normally I tend to look towards "stripper" models whenever I'm interested in a newer car, choosing to go without the extras in the interest of weight savings and the "what if" situations in which I may/may not use these little toys.

This being said, $25K gets you a lot of car these days, so I'd suggest weighing the options out. I'm not the biggest fan of Mazda, but of the Japanese companies, they're usually my pick for something good. I'd be interested to see how well these depreciate over the next few years, as that would be something of great concern for me... Of course, if you're leasing, it doesn't mean a damn thing.

For this kind of money and the class its in, I'd usually be more apt to searching out a MKV GTI, and if your tastes fit, the Volvo C30. But, the Mazdaspeed3 is an excellent vehicle... I'd have to drive all three to really get a good feeling.

...Then again, you could always get a stripper Mustang GT...

(Kidding!)
 
Go for a GTI, more cache. But if thats not cool a Mazda 3 is a fine car. 👍
 
That's a lot of extra kit for $1500. I'd go for the Grand Touring trim.
 
Duke
That's a lot of extra kit for $1500. I'd go for the Grand Touring trim.
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Same. I'd pay $1500 for just three of those options (provided I could choose them). It's the difference between a fun performance car and a fun luxurious performance car.
 
I would say the GT trim. Looks like some good stuff for not that much more.

Of course, I would also say look at the WRX, since I find the AWD much more fun when roads aren't perfect. But it just me and my WRC/Rally interests taking over.
 
Well, some may find it ironic that I am switching from VW to Mazda but I honestly cannot stand the styling of the MKV GTI. There is just something about it. I have yet to drive one either but have heard good things but its really just the styling that turns me off.

The really only turn off about the Mazda is their warranty. 3-year 36,000 mile bumper to bumper limited. Thats one of the WORST, if not THE worst warranty out there and really making me think about leasing the car instead of owning. But leasing limits me to 12K or 15K miles a year and I am not exactly positive where I will be in the next few years (grad school in Georgia or still working in Charlotte).

I see that as of this moment, no one has voted for the Sport trim and I am kind of leaning the way of the GT. The leather was a nice touch and (although its a major commodity) the adjustable headlights for when you carry large loads in the back is very neat (given that I don't get in a front collision....who knows how much those would be to replace :scared:)

Well, I am going to talk to the bank in the next week about loan options and hopefully I can get a good rate even with my credit just being established within the last 2 years. Who knows!

Oh yeah, the color I am looking at would be the Cosmic Blue Mica, the only color specific to the Mazdaspeed3. I am considering the red color as well but when seen in person it is RED and i mean RED. Silver is just too common and while Black looks mighty sharp, my dad has a black Jetta and it ALWAYS looks dirty!

Anyways, keep the suggestions coming.
 
Go for the MS3! I think I have an article somewhere where sportcompact car preferred it over the Subaru STi.
 
I accidently voted for Sport, can a moderator/administrator change my vote to GT please.

I voted GT because it would cost you more money to buy that stuff afterwards than upfront in a package.
 
Your insurance will cost about the same as your payments. Young + male + TURBO = unpleasant premiums. I really wanted a Mazdaspeed 3 when I was shopping last year. Fortunately I couldn't find one at the time, because it would have been next to impossible to afford on a $35,000 salary. You don't have to thank me for this buzzkill.
 
Yes, but I'd say the Volvo looks better... Its a bit more civil as well. Shame they won't sell the more highly-boosted version of the T5 here, let alone the right Focus with the right engine...
 
Oh, Brad, you're much too mature for your age. You need to leave this "civil" and "comfortable" and "Volkswagen" stuff behind you, and get a car that...makes a sound. Or something. :lol:

Anyway, if you want a monster of a car, Mr. My-Name-is-a-VW-but-I-Want-a-Mazda, you need to get the Speed 3. If you want to be a comfortable democrat, get the Volvo. If you're like Doug ( ----v ), you have to get the Volvo because the Speed doesn't come with an automatic.
 
Keef
Oh, Brad, you're much too mature for your age. You need to leave this "civil" and "comfortable" and "Volkswagen" stuff behind you, and get a car that...makes a sound. Or something. :lol:
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I will second that opinion. There's plenty of time for that stuff later.
 
Man, I wish I had your problems.

As for how much fun the car can be? A lot of MS3 owners on the Mazda boards have sports bikes... and their biggest complaint is that they never have time to take the bikes out anymore... they're spending too much time with their Mazdaspeeds. :D :D :D

As for the short warranty issue... it's a performance car that's going for a really low price. A lot of people are going chip this, overboost it, modify it, slam it, put new shoes on, drive the hell out of it, autocross it and drag race it. That's a lot of burnt clutches, broken engine mounts, busted suspension bushings and whatnot. You'd almost have to charge extra for the warranty... :lol:
 
Why buy an MS3 at all? If you want a 5dr turbo hatch, I can't see going in any direction other than the new WRX. I wouldn't in a million years take FWD over AWD, and the WRX is a very dynamically sound car, with a chassis designed for sport driving, unlike the economy-oriented Maz3 chassis.
 
Takumi Fujiwara
Why buy an MS3 at all? If you want a 5dr turbo hatch, I can't see going in any direction other than the new WRX. I wouldn't in a million years take FWD over AWD, and the WRX is a very dynamically sound car, with a chassis designed for sport driving, unlike the economy-oriented Maz3 chassis.
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You bring up a good point but there are a few reasons why I will pass on the new WRX. One is I personally hate the new styling, and with so many changes in so many years, for me its hard to get past how dynamically different each generation looks. And second, yes, AWD is a very fantastic innovation but in all honesty, I think there is a certain magic to driving FWD vehicles. Sure it may be prone to some understeer, wheelspin and other strange characteristics, but I think that is what gives Front drive vehicles character, especially those that try and harness power even greater than 200hp.

:crazy: = automatic

The Volvo looks very nice but the Mazda seems to be calling my name.

Oh yeah, the color I think I have decided on is below...
enclosure.jpg

I still need to schedule an appointment with the credit union to find out loan payments and that garbage. I found they can only get $200 off of invoice through the Mazda dealer they do business with so that extra $1500 in extra goodies may be swaying my mind toward a Sport trim because of price. My GTI doesnt have those things (except the 6 disc) and I can always change lamps or bulbs if I make payments to own.
 
I'd get the GT for the Xenon headlamps alone. Then again, a sport would TECHNICALLY be a lighter car. I doubt savings would be much, but you'd get a little more.

Know what, Sport package for Weight savings. that's my vote.
 
Keef
Oh, Brad, you're much too mature for your age. You need to leave this "civil" and "comfortable" and "Volkswagen" stuff behind you, and get a car that...makes a sound. Or something. :lol:
Click to expand...

Well, I do like to be comfortable from time to time, but I can fully-appreciate the proverbial balls-to-wall model as well. I just like the Volvo because it looks so damn good, probably the best-looking car in the class.

But, its a damn shame it doesn't have the performance to back it up...

---

For further clarification; If I was looking to spend $25K on a "sports" car right now, I'd automatically be looking at Mustang GTs or Pontiac GTOs. But, me being a crazy American-loving, VW-driving wacko... Well, thats to be expected.
 
TheCracker
Behold the magic of torque steer! :scared:
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Very true...and Mazda doesn't deny that it does have some torque steer. However. they do combat it with a torque management system that limits the power in first and second gears only. You get full fledged power from 3rd onward.

YSSMAN, about your choices. If I was big into Rear drive coupes, those would be my options as well. I actually wouldn't mind test driving a GT but I am afraid of the sheer size of those cars. The biggest thing I drive is a '98 Z71 on occasion and I feel like a huge boat rolling down the highway. Sticking to hatchbacks in my case is the best option for me. As much as I love my 3-door hatch, a 5-door makes more sense if you have back seats people will actually use.

*edit*

Nice, I just looked at SCCA's list of autoX classes and the MS3 would be in D Stock. Looking at the competition I see...
G35 Sedan, WRX, R32, ION Redline, Maxima ('04+), Eclipse ('06+), Crossfire, 9-2X Aero, BMW 3-series ('06+) just to name a few. I would say that the MS3 would fare quite well given an experienced autoX driver.
 
Jim Prower
Then again, a sport would TECHNICALLY be a lighter car.
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Yes, technically, by a few pounds. How much more does a six-disc changer weigh than a normal one? The one in my Sol weighs about 2 pounds. The electronic things you need for the headlights is probably a few extra pounds, but both cars have the same wiring harness. All you need to run the extras is the extras, the wire from the extra to the harness, and a fuse.

Just thought I'd say something.
 
Toronado
Because the 2008 WRX is a piece of trash, and the Mazdaspeed 3 is a faster, sportier, cheaper, more frugal and more fun drivers car.
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:lol: I was going to react myself, but not in such a dramatic manner.

@TF:

By saying that the Mazda3 was designed as an economy-oriented car and the WRX was designed for sporty driving ignores the fact that the Mazda3's C-platform forms the basis of the WRC participating Focus (of course, how much relation any of those cars have to production variants is debatable).

In other countries, your Impreza also comes in base 1.6 or 2.0 naturally aspirated models (the new one might start off with a 2.0, though, considering it's probably heavier). So both cars do their fair share of pedestrian duty commuting. You really ought to try the 1.6... 0-60 in... *yawn*... are we there yet? :lol:

The Mazda3 may not have the nimbleness or the immediacy of the previous Protege (oh, I know... I'm beating a dead horse, but it's true), but it's pin-sharp... and the older WRX isn't immune to understeer itself... (don't know about the new one).

The Mazdaspeed3 is something I wish we had here... all that power, with the practicality of a hatch! The local Mazda3 hatch is a decent drive, nice when it gets to the corners, but seriously lacking in oomph.

But with each generation of car increasing torsional rigidity by some impossible to concieve percentage, I suppose the current WRX should be the match or the better of the Mazdaspeed3, except in terms of outright speed.
 
Okay, do you want a car? or do you NEED a car?
Being able and WILLING to walk away gives you a lot of power.
You can always have the sales guy call you when a year old version of the car you like, optioned out the way you want it comes on the lot as a trade-in. (Yes, some people do trade cars every 15 or 20 thousand miles)
Let them take the big depreciation hit, and you get a near new car, usually with quite a bit of warranty left.
And by 20K miles, the original owner has usually taken car of the little niggling things that break, or didn't work, etc.
 

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