MS3 likes and dislikes...

[ReFlex]

Hi guys its me again with another question. I'm looking to buy a MS3 soon and just wanted to know some of the likes and dislikes of the car. I don't have first hand experience with the MS3 so i'm going to rely on your reviews to get a sense of what i'm getting myself into...Thanks all

[ReFlex]

O wow, i was thinking you guys would put some info up, i guess i wait a little while more...

[Mocoso]

O wow, i was thinking you guys would put some info up, i guess i wait a little while more...

A lot of it is personal so you should judge yourself through a test drive, etc.. but some dislikes:
1. Sloppy shifter... stiffer and more defined shift points would have been nice
2. No hook to hold passenger floormat
3. No trip computer on sport version
4. Stock sport radio lacks power
5. Brake Dust
6. Cant turn auto climate on without having A/C be on

Likes:
1. 3rd gear
2. Not dime a dozen out on the road
3. Exhaust note
4. HP/Torque... see #1
5. Brakes
6. Style
7. Price/Performance Ratio


Im sure there are more likes/dislikes...and some of these are very subjective and some even trivial....

[jbiird317]

dislikes:
1. Stock tires (in cold)
2. wheel hop with dsc on
3. brake dust
4. sub on Bose system is pretty weak
5. Torque steer

likes:
1. faaaaaaast
2. styling is unique, but still a sleeper
3. easily modded (room to get up to 300+HP)
4. seats
5. HIDs, auto wipers, climate control, all the other GT goodies
6. 3rd gear torque
7. black mica paint really shines when clean
8. did i mention that its fast??

[Evo Scooter]

Dislikes...

1. no MP3.
2. Torque steer.
3. "Rubbery" shifter and tall (compared to my Evo it's like the shifter came out of a truck. I think the knob itself is a bit tall. I'm going to try a different shift knob soon)

Likes

1. Beautiful interior.
2. Good Power. Gobs of torque in 3d and up.
3. Lots of space.
4. Comfortable.
5. Handles well.
6. Price.

[dread]

I agree with all of the above, except rubbery shifter, since I replace my rubber bushings with aluminum the shifter is solid and precise. However, it is still tough to get in second gear when cold. I also hate the stock tires in the cold, they are dangerous.
All I can say is fast, fast, fast and that is all you need to know.

[Vixen]

Likes:
1. Very Fast
2. Looks hot as hell
3. Great interior
4. Love the headlights
5. Lots of space in the hatch area
6. Comfortable seats
7. Paint is beautiful
8. Great brakes
9. MP3 Jack is nice
9. FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dislikes:
1. People drooling on it
2. Husband wanting to drive it all the time
3. Birds poop on it

[jbiird317]

oh yeah, another like: Dog fits easily in the hatch area

[ReFlex]

So far this thread is what i wanted to see...any more other things i should know?

[Evo Scooter]

So far this thread is what i wanted to see...any more other things i should know?

Yeah, it's fast.

And it is an attention getter to those who KNOW. The wife and I were walking out of Target on sunday and there were some kids in a honda stopped near it just staring at it. Depending on how you look at it... could be good, could be bad, but in general it is a Q-ship. It's not noticed until you stomp on it.

[Evo Scooter]

So far this thread is what i wanted to see...any more other things i should know?

Yeah, it's fast.

And it is an attention getter to those who KNOW. The wife and I were walking out of Target on sunday and there were some kids in a honda stopped near it just staring at it. Depending on how you look at it... could be good, could be bad, but in general it is a Q-ship. It's not noticed until you stomp on it.

[ReFlex]

Yeah, it's fast.

And it is an attention getter to those who KNOW. The wife and I were walking out of Target on sunday and there were some kids in a honda stopped near it just staring at it. Depending on how you look at it... could be good, could be bad, but in general it is a Q-ship. It's not noticed until you stomp on it.


It's true...people need to know a little about the car before they can realize what it really is...I sometimes i want people to notice me but for the most part its what the car can give me

[h0rde]

I'm coming from a very well equipped RX-8, which I loved to death, so I could be pretty critical about my MS3; fact of the matter is that it cost me over 10k less, so that really wouldn't be fair. That being said:

Dislikes: very crappy shifter, interior is a bit boring (especially the instrumentation...blah,) CD player doesn't play MP3 CDs, very cheap and generic looking key fob, all that power breaks traction very easily even when you're not trying very hard

Likes: it's fast as crap...i mean like 2500 rpm in 6th gear there's still power. It's well equipped for what I paid for it, seats are comfy, it doesn't look too bad for a wagon, and I like the exclusivity of low-production numbers.

[smo0f]

6. Cant turn auto climate on without having A/C be on


it's like that in my car too. i think it's technically because if you turn the A/C off, it's not 'auto' anymore. as in you're not letting it do what it thinks is best

[Mocoso]

it's like that in my car too. i think it's technically because if you turn the A/C off, it's not 'auto' anymore. as in you're not letting it do what it thinks is best
Yea it seems like half the cars out there work this way and the other half dont... my only issue is I have no idea if the A/C is actually on or not... I dont want it on in the winter unless I tell it to (I doubt auto mode detects fog on windshield and the thing is ON all the time....waste of fuel)

[smo0f]

well i don't think it'll use up freon for no reason. i don't think there's much of difference with it turned on or off. i tried it a few times and the gas mileage was the same, and the power felt the same. then again in my car i can barely feel power differences

[ReFlex]

the new civic si or civic in general has that same problem...but the ppl on 8thcivic got around that problem with some type of creatcode

[Bufalo]

My feet sometimes get caught on the brake pedal - seems like the actual arm of the brake pedal is too close to the gas pedal. I think they could've spaced the pedals better.

I don't mind the shifter, it's been fine to me, but I will say that it doesn't feel like it's actually controlling anything. There's no feedback in it.

The stereo sucks, but I never once intended that I'd be keeping that original.

Everything else has been great. It's an absolute blast to drive, I haven't missed my M3 yet, and that's saying a lot.

[nondual]

The shifter really sucks. I literally can't wait till ANYONE comes out with a short shifter with metal bushings.

I'd change the bushings myself, but I have no idea how to do it.

[Mocoso]

My feet sometimes get caught on the brake pedal - seems like the actual arm of the brake pedal is too close to the gas pedal. I think they could've spaced the pedals better.

I don't mind the shifter, it's been fine to me, but I will say that it doesn't feel like it's actually controlling anything. There's no feedback in it.

The stereo sucks, but I never once intended that I'd be keeping that original.

Everything else has been great. It's an absolute blast to drive, I haven't missed my M3 yet, and that's saying a lot.

Ah come on you are one step ahead of us in the heel/toe shifting thingy...

[Hikaru9]

I agree with the shifter being terrible. Edmunds.com mentioned that shifter doesn't like to be hurried, and I know exactly what they mean when I try to shift to 3rd really fast. Sometimes it would get stuck between the gates while doing so which is a first in any manual I've driven. I miss the crisp, short throws of my RSX; plus, the clutch travel is too long for my taste.

If Mazdaspeed has a shortshifter w/ quality bushings available, I'd definitely have the dealership install them in the near future.

I also dislike the stupid auto climate control which isn't so auto. Owner's manual said that the A/C doesn't operate in cold weather even if the A/C light is on. How the heck am I supposed to know when it's on? It's retarded how it disengages "auto" function when you turn off the A/C.

I miss my mp3 CDs very... very much. >_< The Bose system just isn't good enough compared to my Alpine setup where I could set up sound delays depending on the seating position. (one of its numerous nice features)

On the lighter side, I love its practicality and performance. I hated the noise at first, but now I love the rumble. *^_^* If wonder if the Mazdaspeed intake/ exhaust will make the car too loud to use as a daily driver. (keep in mind that I'd never owned a car which had a performance exhaust before)

[SwampAss]

I don't like how easily I scuff the plastic interior panels with my shoes when I exit or enter the car. The scuffs really show. The seats are ok but I am having a hard time finding a comfortable position. I feel like I am always adjusting my seating position. I don't like the no "auto up/down on all windows. The driver's side is auto down only.
My car is a little tricky to get into 3rd @ WOT from 2nd.
The CEL business is a little tired. Should be fixed soon though.
These are mostly knit picks though. I'd buy the car all over again.

[nondual]

I don't like how easily I scuff the plastic interior panels with my shoes when I exit or enter the car. The scuffs really show. The seats are ok but I am having a hard time finding a comfortable position. I feel like I am always adjusting my seating position. I don't like the no "auto up/down on all windows. The driver's side is auto down only.
My car is a little tricky to get into 3rd @ WOT from 2nd.
The CEL business is a little tired. Should be fixed soon though.
These are mostly knit picks though. I'd buy the car all over again.
They've recently released the redesigned part that fixes the CEL...call your dealer to find out if they're on top of it.

[Mocoso]

......
On the lighter side, I love its practicality and performance. I hated the noise at first, but now I love the rumble. *^_^* If wonder if the Mazdaspeed intake/ exhaust will make the car too loud to use as a daily driver. (keep in mind that I'd never owned a car which had a performance exhaust before)

If you hated the noise at first you may want to find someone that gets the intake/exhaust and take a ride with them...make sure you listen to it with windows down and up through various speeds specially cruising speed

[SwampAss]

They've recently released the redesigned part that fixes the CEL...call your dealer to find out if they're on top of it.

I've called. It's still "on order". Early next week they say.

[TheMAN]

Dislikes...

1. no MP3.
2. Torque steer.
3. "Rubbery" shifter and tall (compared to my Evo it's like the shifter came out of a truck. I think the knob itself is a bit tall. I'm going to try a different shift knob soon)

Likes

1. Beautiful interior.
2. Good Power. Gobs of torque in 3d and up.
3. Lots of space.
4. Comfortable.
5. Handles well.
6. Price.

you make it sound like mp3 is just plain not available with this car
a 6 disc MP3 changer is OPTIONAL from the dealer, and not to mention you can add an ipod adapter if you want

[TheMAN]

My feet sometimes get caught on the brake pedal - seems like the actual arm of the brake pedal is too close to the gas pedal. I think they could've spaced the pedals better.

I don't mind the shifter, it's been fine to me, but I will say that it doesn't feel like it's actually controlling anything. There's no feedback in it.

The stereo sucks, but I never once intended that I'd be keeping that original.

Everything else has been great. It's an absolute blast to drive, I haven't missed my M3 yet, and that's saying a lot.


people complaining about the pedals is why the normal 3 is that way... far from the gas pedal but makes it a bitch to rev match for those who do *drive* the car

so mazda did driving enthusiasts a favor by bringing back the good pedal placement in the ms3 that's been missed since the protege

[TheMAN]

I agree with the shifter being terrible. Edmunds.com mentioned that shifter doesn't like to be hurried, and I know exactly what they mean when I try to shift to 3rd really fast. Sometimes it would get stuck between the gates while doing so which is a first in any manual I've driven. I miss the crisp, short throws of my RSX; plus, the clutch travel is too long for my taste.

If Mazdaspeed has a shortshifter w/ quality bushings available, I'd definitely have the dealership install them in the near future.

I also dislike the stupid auto climate control which isn't so auto. Owner's manual said that the A/C doesn't operate in cold weather even if the A/C light is on. How the heck am I supposed to know when it's on? It's retarded how it disengages "auto" function when you turn off the A/C.

I miss my mp3 CDs very... very much. >_< The Bose system just isn't good enough compared to my Alpine setup where I could set up sound delays depending on the seating position. (one of its numerous nice features)

On the lighter side, I love its practicality and performance. I hated the noise at first, but now I love the rumble. *^_^* If wonder if the Mazdaspeed intake/ exhaust will make the car too loud to use as a daily driver. (keep in mind that I'd never owned a car which had a performance exhaust before)

stop whining and go get the MP3 changer upgrade like I told you to before already!

[TheMAN]

I don't like how easily I scuff the plastic interior panels with my shoes when I exit or enter the car. The scuffs really show. The seats are ok but I am having a hard time finding a comfortable position. I feel like I am always adjusting my seating position. I don't like the no "auto up/down on all windows. The driver's side is auto down only.
My car is a little tricky to get into 3rd @ WOT from 2nd.
The CEL business is a little tired. Should be fixed soon though.
These are mostly knit picks though. I'd buy the car all over again.

yup, mazda shafted us again... the japanese and europeans got auto up and down

[SwampAss]

I was digging for stuff to complain about. All in all I love it.

[Evo Scooter]

you make it sound like mp3 is just plain not available with this car
a 6 disc MP3 changer is OPTIONAL from the dealer, and not to mention you can add an ipod adapter if you want

This is true, but I don't think I should have to go get an I pod for that. I've been burning my own MP3 cds for years now and I have become spoiled. Also when I was looking for cars I actually looked at the Suzuki SX4 as a daily driver and that car's base stereo comes with MP3 capability. So why is it so hard to get it on a Mazda which is $6000 more expensive. I think it should be a standard feature now that we are in the 21st century.

Either way, I love this car even with all it's little flaws.

[htwo0rider]

Yea it seems like half the cars out there work this way and the other half dont... my only issue is I have no idea if the A/C is actually on or not... I dont want it on in the winter unless I tell it to (I doubt auto mode detects fog on windshield and the thing is ON all the time....waste of fuel)

If you just turn the fan knob, the air will not come on. Same for the climate control knob...just turn to adjust the temp setting, and don't press either one if you don't want the air to come on.

[justa4banger]

Dislikes

1. Shifter is vague, but i haven't had a 2-3 shift issue. i usually find myself going to 5th instead of 3rd from 6th for rapid acceleration.
2. instrumentation color is a bit much on the red side, but i'll get used to it(previous car was a 2k VW)
3. Road noise is much compared to my old VW , but i believe i have a fix for it without added tons of dynamat. Don't want the weight.
4. 1-2shift (hard accell) i hate the THUNK noise from the motor. Hopefully a solid poly lower motor mount will fix that.
5. Brake dust is somehting to mention, BUT isn't anything compared to most euro cars.

Likes

1. EVERTHING ELSE!!!!

As for those of you that complain about climate control /ac on........well i've had 4 cars that had climate control. ALL of them ALWAYS turn the A/C on. 2 things are accomplished when having the a/c AVAILABLE to turn on at the computers demand. 1st keeps all the seals well lubricated by cycling the system once in a while, 2nd it helps keeps the air drier, this helps keep windows from fogging and get the muggy feeling out of the car in humid areas. If you don't like it push the a/c off button. Same people bithcing about this would bitch the system doesn't turn on correctly in the summer (if thay had it there way). Also I'm pretty sure if its really cold out (below30) that the a/c won't even turn on to keep it from having problems.
Now i dunno if the mazdas does as other car companies but most of the time(nowadays) the a/c will shut off for WOT runs and come on as soon as you calm your driving. Mainly controlled with throttle Pos. and engine rpm.
If you really hate the light being on, then rip the dash apart and get rid of the a/c indicator.

As for not being able to play Mp3 Cd's .................well who cares??? I'm guessing that Mazdas thinks that future plans for most people don't include Mp3's on Cd's. thats why they offer a Ipod jack.

Get the car and have fun. overall its the best bang for the buck car on the market.
24k for MS3
25,500 for equally equiped VW GTI with less power (similar options)
Stomps civics and other compact cars in its class.

[justa4banger]

Damn Jungle internet, Gonna have to shoot that Monkey for hanging from my satilite

[Evo Scooter]

As for not being able to play Mp3 Cd's .................well who cares???

I guess that would be me. (smash) How much could it possibly cost them to make the CD player MP3 compatible?

But I agree with everything else. (iagree) This car is great fun.

[Hikaru9]

I guess that would be me. (smash) How much could it possibly cost them to make the CD player MP3 compatible?

But I agree with everything else. (iagree) This car is great fun.

+1 (iagree)

Not everyone likes the iPood. I like my mp3 CDs.

http://static.flickr.com/22/33086969_9440c12d81_m.jpg

[justa4banger]

Please don't think i was bashing you lol. I guess my point is that Mazda is probably trying to keep up with FUTURE inventions and life styles. Mp3's on cd's is kind of old tech.

Ipods are ok i guess, but i can't see the craze.

Now i will be looking to see if our South American freinds have 1 touch up and down window controls on their Mazda 3's. if so i will be outfitting my car with that option since i miss it from my golf. I'm also going to check for other options that the states might not have. I think i even saw a MS3 model at the stealership here in Bogota. if so i'm buying that thing. :D

IN the end the car is a blast but their one other problem that seems to come with owning a MS3. Please see the thread about warnings on the MS3 ;)

[Evo Scooter]

Please don't think i was bashing you lol. I guess my point is that Mazda is probably trying to keep up with FUTURE inventions and life styles. Mp3's on cd's is kind of old tech.

Ipods are ok i guess, but i can't see the craze.

Now i will be looking to see if our South American freinds have 1 touch up and down window controls on their Mazda 3's. if so i will be outfitting my car with that option since i miss it from my golf. I'm also going to check for other options that the states might not have. I think i even saw a MS3 model at the stealership here in Bogota. if so i'm buying that thing. :D

IN the end the car is a blast but their one other problem that seems to come with owning a MS3. Please see the thread about warnings on the MS3 ;)

I didn't think they would send the MS3 down there. Not enough of a market. Good luck getting one.

[justa4banger]

I didn't think they would send the MS3 down there. Not enough of a market. Good luck getting one.


I meant the desktop model like the canadians are getting
Oh i have a Silver MS3 in the states i just work down here.
As for a MS3 in colombia, ummm yea right. no one could afford it.the tax is 40% of stated value for import tax.

I'll check around though for other options that they might have that we don't.

[sixblade]

This is my first post...

From me testdriving the car it reminded me of a mk3 gti vr6 with the shifter feel, kinda numb. A short shifter really took care of that though.

and for TheMAN Ghost in the shell FTW.

[dcomiskey]

Dislikes:
exhaust drone
chronic CELs
no turning off auto-volume control for AUX input (on the GT)
pathetic donut spare
crappy transmission (2nd gear grind/no thrid gear when really cold)
I also agree about the A/C being on when you try to select auto climate control. Why the hell do I want the A/C on when I'm trying to warm up my car?
Highway stability seems a bit skittish.

Likes:
everything else. :)

[justa4banger]

WOw a ton of double posting. I have a crappy jungle internet in South America whats ya'lls excuse ;)

I am curious about all this talk about 2nd and 3rd gear problems. has anyone taken the issue to the dealer to get them to fix? or just complaining about it. i have no issues w/ the tranny, and texas isn't exactly been warm this winter.