New MS3 GT owner impressions, pics

[dan1101]

Here she is:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2269/2037154071_722782284c.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2151/2039364128_ec0e92b64e.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2113/2037244623_27793a5c04.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2158/2039470456_cd44d4fcbb.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2070/2039470474_7939c25528.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2095/2038142710_6da2427853.jpg

Not sure if Flickr allows that sort of linking, so here's the whole set, larger pics available there:
http://flickr.com/photos/10073111@N04/sets/72157603214737329/

So far I'm loving it, I think this is gonna be a great car. Only a few little nitpicks. One is the LCD info display on the dash; you can view the trip computer or the clock, but not both at the same time. I'm always late for something but I also like to monitor my MPG. Same with the auto climate control temperature/outside temperature.

The speedo, not sure why 0 is at the 6:00 position, that makes 60mph not even up to the 9:00 position. Not a big deal, just odd.

I like the the cupholders everywhere, and I think I'm going to put some of that black rubbery shelf liner stuff in the door pockets. Otherwise things slide around in there too much.

I didn't pay much attention to the ashtray at first, but tonight I realized that A: It's lit at night and B: It has 2 slots for change so the change doesn't slide around. Cool!

The worst thing about the Mazdaspeed3 is having to drive it carefully for the first 600 miles. I'm at about 220 at this point...

Anyway, this website was part of my buying decision, I see there's a good group of people here, just like for the Ford Contour. I'm not going to mod too much yet, but I've got my eye on the Mazdaspeed CAI and have already ordered some 3M paint protection film for the front, and some clear floormats to go over the OEM during the winter.

[ottawaP5]

Congrats! I know what you mean about the break-in period...fortunatly I had to go pick mine up about 400 miles away so I got most of the break-in done on the trip back :)

[SwampAss]

where in Va?

[Donas64]

purty

[Mocoso]

Congrats... are those pin stripes on the side btw? it come that way or you add them or is it the picture playing tricks on me?
Oh and you know that you got the fastest color right?

[schmitty]

Looks sweet mate. The Speedometer is a little goofy and took me some getting used to while I was test driving.

BTW I get mine on Weds!!!

[Bravnik]

Nice car man! Gratz on the new ride!

[sleeper3]

congrats man!

you should have sprung for the nav. I can have my mpg on the trip computer and the clock on the nav. best of both worlds! (plus it has like maps on it and stuff to tell you how to get places and things)

my only real gripe about the gauge cluster is I think they should have swapped the tach and the speedo. seems weird to have the speedo in the center, but that's how it was on my Z and it made racing so much easier. who care's how fast you're going. I want to know my engine speed!

the mazdaspeed cai is nice, but make sure you read around about the different ones. there are some differences and advantages to each one.

congrats again! enjoy it!

[sleeper3]

oh yeah, I got mine on sunday! tomorrow is her one week birthday!!!

[dan1101]

Congrats... are those pin stripes on the side btw? it come that way or you add them or is it the picture playing tricks on me?
Oh and you know that you got the fastest color right?

Yeah, it came with pinstripes, I thought that was a little strange for a factory tuner, it's sort of old school.

Silver is indeed the fastest color. (rockon)

[dkswim]

neet

[M3 5MT]

you have a nice camera.....pictures look good (the color tones look awesome)

[bbychvz]

The speedo, not sure why 0 is at the 6:00 position, that makes 60mph not even up to the 9:00 position. Not a big deal, just odd.



Thats how Ferrari's & Porsche's have their speedo's...& I love it!

[flipstylex]

nice , u went from domestic cars to jap !!! welcome to the jap tuner world ! ;)

[dan1101]

nice , u went from domestic cars to jap !!! welcome to the jap tuner world ! ;)

I've been a Ford guy, but Ford doesn't really have much interesting right now except the Mustang. They refuse to give you a V6 with manual, or a turbo 4 with manual.

I know Ford owns X% of Mazda, but the dealer said the Mazdaspeed3 was 100% Jap. But when I was rooting around under the driver side dash last night I saw a box with the Ford oval on it!

[dan1101]

you have a nice camera.....pictures look good (the color tones look awesome)

Thanks, it's a Panasonic DMC-TZ3, set to "rich" or "vibrant" color mode, something like that. The default mode was a little dull looking. It is widescreen, and has image stabilization, I've only taken one blurry picture with it, works very well.

[jalaan1]

congrats.

[Va6li]

where in Va?

I have the same question.

[dan1101]

I have the same question.

Louisa County. Out in da country. I've heard there's another silver MS3 running around here though.

[SwampAss]

Louisa County. Out in da country. I've heard there's another silver MS3 running around here though.


There is. ZoomnMs3 I think is his name. I'm not far from you. I actually grew up out that way. I ride motorcyles in your area all the time.

[dan1101]

There is. ZoomnMs3 I think is his name. I'm not far from you. I actually grew up out that way. I ride motorcyles in your area all the time.

Awesome, howdy neighbor.

Yep, it's a good place for motorcycles. I've got a Honda Shadow Aero that I love to ride around the back roads.

[Stamperman]

I've been a Ford guy, but Ford doesn't really have much interesting right now except the Mustang. They refuse to give you a V6 with manual, or a turbo 4 with manual.

I know Ford owns X% of Mazda, but the dealer said the Mazdaspeed3 was 100% Jap. But when I was rooting around under the driver side dash last night I saw a box with the Ford oval on it!

Yeah, and there are great big Fo Mo Co's cast into the back sides of the front calipers, though supposedly those are supposed to be from a Volvo. Of course Volvo is Ford Company too.

[Young Roids]

(sad2) That makes it feel like a focus.

[SwampAss]

Euro focus.

[Bengilante]

a little late, but welcome. Nice pics! still amazed at how sharp the silver comes across in pics

[SwampAss]

Awesome, howdy neighbor.

Yep, it's a good place for motorcycles. I've got a Honda Shadow Aero that I love to ride around the back roads.

You weren't in Fredericksburg this am were you? Someone in a silver MS3 was eyeballing me when I was getting gas.

[dan1101]

You weren't in Fredericksburg this am were you? Someone in a silver MS3 was eyeballing me when I was getting gas.

Nope, I don't get up that way very often. Charlottesville every week or 2.

[Andrade08]

Have you gotten any more used to the gauge set up? I am picking up my 08 CB MS3 on thurs or Fri depending on work and the gauges struck me as odd too. The one thing I will most likely swap in the first few weeks of owning it is the shifter. The stocker seems a bit tall and squishy. Or am I nuts? I am doing a lot of searching on this site.
I am a former Ford guy also. I sold my 485fwhp/550fwtq N/A 1995 Lightning for the MS3. Truck was a summer toy and I needed a single daily driver now. Owning 3-4 cars is in the past for me. I will have this Mazda and my wifes 07 Jetta 5cyl 6spd auto.

[BLACKMS3]

I beat mine down the first day I picked it up.... I wanted to SEAT those rings!!

[dan1101]

Have you gotten any more used to the gauge set up? I am picking up my 08 CB MS3 on thurs or Fri depending on work and the gauges struck me as odd too. The one thing I will most likely swap in the first few weeks of owning it is the shifter. The stocker seems a bit tall and squishy. Or am I nuts? I am doing a lot of searching on this site.
I am a former Ford guy also. I sold my 485fwhp/550fwtq N/A 1995 Lightning for the MS3. Truck was a summer toy and I needed a single daily driver now. Owning 3-4 cars is in the past for me. I will have this Mazda and my wifes 07 Jetta 5cyl 6spd auto.

Yep, the gauges are fine for me now, it didn't take long to get used to them.

A lot of people seem to be installing short shifters and/or some sort of washers or bushings.

Lightning, niiice. I like my F-150 but a Lightning would be really nice.

[dan1101]

I beat mine down the first day I picked it up.... I wanted to SEAT those rings!!

You'll have to let us know in 100K how that turned out for you!

[BLACKMS3]

I'll pass that along to it's next owner!

[Young Roids]

I beat mine down the first day I picked it up.... I wanted to SEAT those rings!!

That is what I plan on doing as well. But it MUST be done within the first 15 miles on the motor.