Should I buy a Speed3??????

[lunchbox16]

so i'm looking to trade in my chevy silverado for a speed3.
i've been reading a lot about them but have not driven one yet. im planning on going to the dealership this weekend.
is there anything i should now going into the ms3??
i hear the torque steer is kinda bad as well as the stiff ride.
i'm just looking for any info that you can give me.
thank you
chris

[Young Roids]

The torque steer isn't bad at all. The wheel hop is the problem. Don't expect oget great MPG either you will probly average around 21mpg. Testdrive it and you will get an idea of the power it has.

[numbnuts22715]

The torque steer isn't bad at all. The wheel hop is the problem. Don't expect oget great MPG either you will probly average around 21mpg. Testdrive it and you will get an idea of the power it has.


It really all depends on how you drive
With quite a few miles of spirited city driving, about 20 miles of REALLY spirited driving, then a 180 mile trip, I got an average of about 29 mpg. Not too bad at all.

[builthatch]

best bet is to search the board with key terms you are curious about. you'll find everything you need already here ;)

there really isn't anything to not like about the ms3 itself, other than the learning curve for driving a fwd with such power, and the fact that a few key mods are 100% necessary IMO.

[lunchbox16]

thanks.
i now have an ext. cab short bed silverado, 2wd. i had it lowered at one point plus i have 20" wheels so i know all bout wheel hop.
when i bought my truck the sticker said it got 17/20 but i think i'm more around 15/19. so mpg in the 20's is great for me. i do a lot of highway driving too.
i was loooking at the speed as well as the wrx and the rav 4 (i like having a truck).
i just like nowing a lot of info before i make large purchases.


anyone drive it in the snow???? i live in ma. and the winter here is horrible.

[Old]

I've had mine since 2-19-08, got 2400 miles now and I'm still happy with the total package. Had a warranty issue with misfire/stalling, and factory changed sparkplugs, and no more problem, check engine light never came on again. Put on Mazda CAI, got a substantial boost in torque/hp. Changed to BFG 225/40/18 sticky tires, and that made a big difference in handling, braking, and it still spins tires in first three gears. At 300 miles, I changed to Mobil 1 0-40 full synthetic, and that helped performance too. FWD turbo cars are a little quirky, but easy to drive with the MS3, it's got lots of torque, and almost no turbo lag. I don't even use 1st gear, unless stopped on an incline. And did I mention it's FAST. Mileage has averaged 21mpg, with a low of 14mpg, and a best of 31mpg. It's a 5-door wagon with fold down seats, so it's very utilitarian, and it's a sleeper-rocket, a fun car.

[udontknowjack]

prem gas vs reg gas price.....about .40 per gallon different here in california

[stephani3]

OEM tires suck in the snow. I put my speed in a ditch a week after I bought it because of surprise snowy conditions (no damage though :) )... I'm definitely going to get some chubby snow tires for next winter.

[PeterC]

If you can live with a stiff ride and a pretty horrible clutch, this car is the best you can get for the money. The ride quality will probably drive your girlfriend or wife crazy, as it does mine. It doesn't bother me after owning several sport compact cars in my time. The clutch, however, is another story. In a word...it's crap. Out of all the cars I have owned it is the worst...it is basically an on/off switch and it never gets better. It is almost impossible to drive smoothly. When I am by myself this doesn't bother me, but with others in the car when you are trying to give them a smooth ride forget about it. I think a motor mount helps, but I don't want to have additional vibrations in the car.

Aside from those two gripes, this car is awesome. It's my favorite of the cars I have owned, from a GTI to a WRX to an RSX Type S. You will only get wheel hop if you are putting the throttle to the floor in 1st gear, which I almost never do anymore since I don't really race. I utilize the power in daily driving and it is explosive...it feels very similar to an STI from a roll.

If you are going to be in snow conditions regularly you might want to wait for the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart or go for a WRX since they both have AWD. They will probably be a couple grand more than an MS3 Grand Touring, and a few grand more than an MS3 Sport.

[DM33MS3]

If you can live with a stiff ride and a pretty horrible clutch, this car is the best you can get for the money. The ride quality will probably drive your girlfriend or wife crazy, as it does mine. It doesn't bother me after owning several sport compact cars in my time. The clutch, however, is another story. In a word...it's crap. Out of all the cars I have owned it is the worst...it is basically an on/off switch and it never gets better. It is almost impossible to drive smoothly. When I am by myself this doesn't bother me, but with others in the car when you are trying to give them a smooth ride forget about it. I think a motor mount helps, but I don't want to have additional vibrations in the car.

Aside from those two gripes, this car is awesome. It's my favorite of the cars I have owned, from a GTI to a WRX to an RSX Type S. You will only get wheel hop if you are putting the throttle to the floor in 1st gear, which I almost never do anymore since I don't really race. I utilize the power in daily driving and it is explosive...it feels very similar to an STI from a roll.

If you are going to be in snow conditions regularly you might want to wait for the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart or go for a WRX since they both have AWD. They will probably be a couple grand more than an MS3 Grand Touring, and a few grand more than an MS3 Sport.

ya the clutch... cant say that it ever feels the same anytime i drive, every once in a while i can get a smooth ride but thats only when it wants to but i also get wheel hop in first as well as 2nd though too, but again only if the pedal is to the floor... suspension is def stiff as hell so a bumpy ride but it sticks to the road almost as if its AWD... the bridgestones they come stock with def help this though, motor mounts known to break on this car so if you plan on launching then plan on buying an aftermarket mount, but thats bout all i can think of right now

[Hyun]

Yeah, i get told learn to drive stick many times when i give people ride. Im kind of used to it though, tell them stfu or get out :D

[stephani3]

LOL I feel like a dumbass but I stalled out yesterday. It definitely is a hard clutch to get used to.

[speed858]

I'm right there with ya! I can't believe how many people don't know how to drive stick. It should be a part a getting your drivers license.

[ericm]

I've got 1500 miles on a 2008.5. The car before that was a 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse, and before that a GMC C3 pickup. The small turbo cars are a lot more fun on back roads than the giant pickup was. The MS3' clutch isn't that bad, its just that the engagement point is narrow and high up in the pedal travel. It is a noisy car, there is a lot of booming from the exhaust at 3k rpms especially with trailing throttle, and the tires transmit a lot of noise from rough pavement. If you take a lot of long trips with your wife/girlfriend it may not be the best car... unless you're on back roads.

I haven't driven mine in the snow but it ought to be a lot better in the snow than a 2wd pickup with 20" wheels.

EDIT: I've had a bunch of fwd cars and the MS3's by far the best for torque steer. It's really not bad at all.

[Sacrilicious]

seriously, don't listen to any of us on what the car is like until you have gone and taken a nice, long test drive yourself. we are obviously going to be heavily biased for the car, so get yourself some first-hand experience in the car before you let us brainwash you! (eek2)

[camrycev6]

seriously, don't listen to any of us on what the car is like until you have gone and taken a nice, long test drive yourself. we are obviously going to be heavily biased for the car, so get yourself some first-hand experience in the car before you let us brainwash you! (eek2)

Amen! Get out there and drive it yourself. IMHO, I think you will really like the car, if not love it. It really depends on what you are looking for. As a total package for the money (fun to drive, practical, decent styling, etc.) I think you would extremely hard pressed to find a car that matches it.

Test drive it... heck, do it twice. Spending $25K should never be a casual decision. (Unless you are grotesquely rich...and in that case.... PM me, I want to be your new best friend.)

[chacon101]

Before I test drove mine, I was on the fence. One test drive and seven days later, I drove home in my new car. And I am the kind of guy that normally researches the living hell out of something before I buy.

It was just that much fun to drive....

[speed858]

I think that if you're anyway shape or form interested in the speed3 you should go out and buy it. It's such a unique car that you won't find another one like it.

[lunchbox16]

thank everyone for the info.
my wife hates my truck now because of the ride. when i had it lowered it was a smooth ride until you hit a small rock or god forbid railroad tracks. it felt like a ton of bricks were dropped in the bed. so my wife will be pleased to see it go.
she actually test drove an 08 mazda 3 hatch sport a week ago and feel in love with it.

about 8 years back i owned a 91 323 5-speed. when i bought it there was over 160,000 on it, and that clutch was either in or out. but that was the car i larned to drive stick in. anyone else that drove it stalled out constantly because of the clutch.

sunday i'm going to the dealer to test drive.

[Young Roids]

Clutch is no problem for me personally, the car has so much low end torque that I can shift very smoothly from a stop.

Snow tires are a must for winter driving since it comes with summer tires not allseasons. I have some snow tires on mine and it performed flawlessly in the snow, didn't get stuck once this winter.

And I don't know how you get 31mpg in this car unless it is 100% highway miles with cruise on. When I really race it the mpg can easily drop below 15.

[Sacrilicious]

thank everyone for the info.
my wife hates my truck now because of the ride. when i had it lowered it was a smooth ride until you hit a small rock or god forbid railroad tracks. it felt like a ton of bricks were dropped in the bed. so my wife will be pleased to see it go.
she actually test drove an 08 mazda 3 hatch sport a week ago and feel in love with it.

about 8 years back i owned a 91 323 5-speed. when i bought it there was over 160,000 on it, and that clutch was either in or out. but that was the car i larned to drive stick in. anyone else that drove it stalled out constantly because of the clutch.

sunday i'm going to the dealer to test drive.

if you're worried about the ride, make sure that your wife is with you when you go try out the ms3, because it's definitely got a stiffer suspension than the regular mazda 3 hatch. see if it passes the comfort test in her eyes! =d

[lunchbox16]

she'll just be happy to see the truck gone.
like i said she did like the 3, but liked the ride of a scion better.
her last few cars were more comfort than anything else.
but in the end this car is for me.
as long as i can out a baby in it with out shaking it to death. (no baby yet but i'm thinking ahead)

[MS38449]

Hell No..!

Not yet! The MS3 Coupe is almost out!

I hope they put a lot better suspension on this one.(poke)

[lunchbox16]

yea i know it won't. i was just joking...

[DreSEL]

I don't think the suspension is very stiff. In my opinion it is perfect. My wife and I have a baby and she has never complained about ride quality (she drives a Pathfinder). If you need to convince the wife, the MS3 has safety latches for a child seat, and plenty of airbags. So it's safer too.

About the clutch, I test drove my friends '07 befroe I went to the dealer, and I stalled it a couple of times. I've been driving stick for almost 15 years and I felt like an idiot. The clutch engages too high. I test drove a demo at the dealer and I had the same problem. When I went to pick up mine (2008), I was preparing myself for the drive home, but to my surprise, the clutch engaged low like I like it. And I actually find it very easy to drive. The clutch pedal can be adjusted if you think it engages too high.

Anyway, good luck with your decision.

[MS38449]

I don't think the suspension is very stiff. In my opinion it is perfect. My wife and I have a baby and she has never complained about ride quality (she drives a Pathfinder). If you need to convince the wife, the MS3 has safety latches for a child seat, and plenty of airbags. So it's safer too.

About the clutch, I test drove my friends '07 befroe I went to the dealer, and I stalled it a couple of times. I've been driving stick for almost 15 years and I felt like an idiot. The clutch engages too high. I test drove a demo at the dealer and I had the same problem. When I went to pick up mine (2008), I was preparing myself for the drive home, but to my surprise, the clutch engaged low like I like it. And I actually find it very easy to drive. The clutch pedal can be adjusted if you think it engages too high.

Anyway, good luck with your decision.


Ya, I heard they fixed that in the 08. 07 is more of a race clutch.

[D_Roc7822]

Dont get me started on the stock Potenza's... cause in my opinion they are horrible!!!! At least in snow and ice conditions. I had my MS3 for 4 days.. after surprise!!! lets have a huge ice storm in Illinois. Lets just say... I made really close and good friends with a fire hydrant and have to replace the front bumper. And the driver side fender is a lil banged up. But its all fixed now.. cept for the fender... Other than that.. the car has been a dream. If you are worried bout wheel hop... get the TRZ Poly mount and some really sticky tires.. I have KDW's and that will greatly reduce the wheel hop. Mine is practically gone.. although I havent launched the car in a while.

[Young Roids]

Dude! They are summer tires what do you expect you need to have at least allseasons for winter driving. But if you really want performance throw some snows on that badboy and you will be very happy. The summer tires are great at what they are designed for: temps above 50F.

[MS38449]

Dont get me started on the stock Potenza's... cause in my opinion they are horrible!!!! At least in snow and ice conditions. I had my MS3 for 4 days.. after surprise!!! lets have a huge ice storm in Illinois. Lets just say... I made really close and good friends with a fire hydrant and have to replace the front bumper. And the driver side fender is a lil banged up. But its all fixed now.. cept for the fender... Other than that.. the car has been a dream. If you are worried bout wheel hop... get the TRZ Poly mount and some really sticky tires.. I have KDW's and that will greatly reduce the wheel hop. Mine is practically gone.. although I havent launched the car in a while.


DDD

[JimmiV]

I just got my speed and it is the best car I have ever had. I traded in my 2006 dodge truck that I hated from the start. My wife gets car sick and she has been OK so far. My 2 year old daughter loves the car want to go for a ride the night I got is but couldn't ( I didn't have the baby seat in it yet) The next night she was pissed that I came home late from work and had to go to bed before I got home. The next day I took her out to see Grandpa and I really got on it on some of the back raods and she yelled out Weeeeeeee... and not she cries when she has to get in my wifes Lexus RX300. test drive one and I bet you say weeeeee too. and let us know what you think after you drive it too.
Later..
Weeeeeee that Kills me....

[matsuda]

thank everyone for the info.
my wife hates my truck now because of the ride. when i had it lowered it was a smooth ride until you hit a small rock or god forbid railroad tracks. it felt like a ton of bricks were dropped in the bed. so my wife will be pleased to see it go.
she actually test drove an 08 mazda 3 hatch sport a week ago and feel in love with it.

about 8 years back i owned a 91 323 5-speed. when i bought it there was over 160,000 on it, and that clutch was either in or out. but that was the car i larned to drive stick in. anyone else that drove it stalled out constantly because of the clutch.

sunday i'm going to the dealer to test drive.

Don't worry about the clutch. While I was driving the car today, I was thinking to myself that the clutch feel in this car is *perfect*.

Any "problem" with wheel hop can be attributed to driver error.

Unfortunately, most people haven't been taught to drive a car with a manual trans correctly.

[MS3077]

Don't worry about the clutch. While I was driving the car today, I was thinking to myself that the clutch feel in this car is *perfect*.

Any "problem" with wheel hop can be attributed to driver error.

Unfortunately, most people haven't been taught to drive a car with a manual trans correctly.

+1

[lunchbox16]

so how's this for a kick in the nuts.
i go to the dealer today, they sold the one they had listed online.
they "ran the numbers" to see what i could get as a trade in and payments.
they come back and tell me that they will give 2000-3000 less then what i owe on my truck, so my payments would be almost $500 a month for 72 months.
the worst part, i never even drove it!

[camrycev6]

Hell No..!

Not yet! The MS3 Coupe is almost out!

I hope they put a lot better suspension on this one.(poke)

And where did you get this information on a MS3 coupe? Links / data please... otherwise I have to call:

:bs:

[MS38449]

I know I know, Mazda is not the best or reliable, but I pretty sure I heard it from Nelson Mazda or the Speed Channel.

Now walk slowly to the phone, pick it up. NOW DIAL VERY FAST, 1-800-222-5500

[Mazdamarine1723]

i highly suggest the MS6, its way better, but the MS3 is also really nice

[MS3077]

i highly suggest the MS6, its way better, but the MS3 is also really nice

If you're talking about wheel hop you're right.

[JimmiV]

so how's this for a kick in the nuts.
i go to the dealer today, they sold the one they had listed online.
they "ran the numbers" to see what i could get as a trade in and payments.
they come back and tell me that they will give 2000-3000 less then what i owe on my truck, so my payments would be almost $500 a month for 72 months.
the worst part, i never even drove it!

DUDE.. I had to tack $3600 on to the MS3 and I got the payment at $452 (72) with $1400 down what rate did they run you? I got 5.9% $500 sound high but if they don't have one... There are 5 here in Rochester NY.... Oh that is for the sport on the GT..

[lunchbox16]

that was for the gt.
rate, i have no idea i got " assuming your credit is good....".
currently i'm paying $420 a month for and have been for the past 4 years. so i wanted to get around $380ish.
i'm trying to sell my truck, pay off the loan, and hopefully make out with some extra cash to put down.

i've been reading about and wanting this car since i first read about it back in 06. so it really sucks that this is where i'm at now.

[camrycev6]

I know I know, Mazda is not the best or reliable, but I pretty sure I heard it from Nelson Mazda or the Speed Channel.

Now walk slowly to the phone, pick it up. NOW DIAL VERY FAST, 1-800-222-5500

I hear you. No news from Mazda on that... They weren't very helpful.

[Timshadi]

I just got a 2008.5 metro grey speed 3 gt about two weeks ago It had 50 miles on it and was inside the showroom. I owed 2400 for my old ride and they would only give me like 800 for it, so I said no way and got them to give me 2600 for it. so they paid it off and I should be geting a check for $200 back. Also with $2000 down I got my payments to 450 for 72 months.

[MS38449]

Sorry to here that dude, seeing it's only the 5th month of the year.
What makes it special to be a 8.5

[MS38449]

I knew they wouldn't want to let any body know about it if they are or even when it's going to come out. They want to sell what they have waisted time building.


Now for the price of this car, PEOPLE I have 16%Fin @ $151.58 a month for 36 months.


How You Like That? I don't, I would have the car paid for by now @ 5%.

[Timshadi]

Sorry to here that dude, seeing it's only the 5th month of the year.
What makes it special to be a 8.5


Man where have you been the last few months

2008.5 is the newer 08 version of the ms3
its has different interior trim and seats
built in mp3 playability
and comes in two new colors metro grey and white

[MS38449]

ROF! Far out I wish I had a white one, damn it! I would like to see those seats to.

[emg23wv]

After drivng one you'll feel silly having asked the question, my friend. As Will Smith said in 'Independence Day' when piloting that alien spacecraft: "I GOT to get me one'na these!!"

[MS38449]

MM hMM, that's right DRIVE one, change lanes real fast and see how that rear-end wants to keep going, hit a 90 and watch that rear-end become the front. If you don't know what your doing. OH MY DOG! Don't EVEN try this in the RAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes! You can drift/POWERSLIDE! I do.

But other than that, it's OK. It's pretty fast for a factory built speeder.

If your smart like I hope you are, you'll buy something that gets better gas mileage most P/U Trucks. You have to WORK to better than 20 mpg some do a lot better, if there on the highway straight drive no rush hour or wrecks. Mazda says we only get 18 mpg.

Just another happy owner. (((NOT))) OH OH OH, BUT you can't buy a faster car for the price!!!!!

[camrycev6]

Hmmm... I average 21 when I am constantly getting all over it, and 25 if I am nice to it. I drive about 60% hwy, and 40% city.

Who buys a 263HP car for the gas mileage? If you wanted gas mileage, you should have got a regular 2.0 Mazda 3. That's like complaining that a Vette is too loud when you rev the engine....

As far as changing lanes quickly. I do it all the time with no issues. Maybe it is a driver thing... or the speed you are traveling when you do it, or perhaps the roads?

[lunchbox16]

i still have not test drove it yet.
after hearing about my trade it and payments it left me bummed a bit. so i haven;t looked at them since.
i'm trying to sell my truck now and i'm hoping to sell it in the next few months.
i still want one bad. i never see them around me. i think i've seen 1 on the road.

[MS38449]

Hmmm... I average 21 when I am constantly getting all over it, and 25 if I am nice to it. I drive about 60% hwy, and 40% city.

Who buys a 263HP car for the gas mileage? If you wanted gas mileage, you should have got a regular 2.0 Mazda 3. That's like complaining that a Vette is too loud when you rev the engine....

As far as changing lanes quickly. I do it all the time with no issues. Maybe it is a driver thing... or the speed you are traveling when you do it, or perhaps the roads?

DDD You think it might have been the (((((SPEED)))))lol.
Well fuck no, I damn sure ain't going SLOW! That was the whole point.

And what the fuck made you think I had a problem with the fuel mileage?

fuck it, I ain't in to it today.(smoke)need some sticky sticky

[camrycev6]

DDD You think it might have been the (((((SPEED)))))lol.
Well fuck no, I damn sure ain't going SLOW! That was the whole point.

And what the fuck made you think I had a problem with the fuel mileage?

fuck it, I ain't in to it today.(smoke)need some sticky sticky

This line:

"If your smart like I hope you are, you'll buy something that gets better gas mileage most P/U Trucks."

[MS38449]

Yea! I wish I had an Iron horse or a P/U to make money with.

Oh! By the way. I'll sell my car @ a lose. $21,000/7200 miles.

[mrjoshyman]

get the speed 3 unless you've got the money to blow on an STI....

[mrlilguy157]

anybody want to buy mine?

[Young Roids]

It is a gas hog I can get maybe 25mpg from a tank if I am really nice on it. But it is so hard to resist some wot runs and just a few of those will really drop your mileage down hard.

[camrycev6]

25 mpg is not a gas hog! Try an SUV or truck getting 14 - 16 MPG on a good day. I think this car gets pretty good gas mileage considering the power output.

[Young Roids]

25 mpg is not a gas hog! Try an SUV or truck getting 14 - 16 MPG on a good day. I think this car gets pretty good gas mileage considering the power output.

fair enough. It probly just seems worse due to the high prices at the pump. Still I don't want to compare my compact car to a truck mpg wise. I suppose we get close to what a v6 accord gets wich is about right for what we have.

[MS3077]

We really can't complain about MPG, lol!

[daluds]

Lunchbox,

I have a 2008 MS3 Black Sport that I am considering selling. Its in perfect condition with only 4800 miles on the car. I live in MA too.

Let me know if you are interested.

Dave

[davegutz]

thanks.
i now have an ext. cab short bed silverado, 2wd. i had it lowered at one point plus i have 20" wheels so i know all bout wheel hop.
when i bought my truck the sticker said it got 17/20 but i think i'm more around 15/19. so mpg in the 20's is great for me. i do a lot of highway driving too.
i was loooking at the speed as well as the wrx and the rav 4 (i like having a truck).
i just like nowing a lot of info before i make large purchases.


anyone drive it in the snow???? i live in ma. and the winter here is horrible.

Hey! I live in Ma too. I drove it part of '06-'07 after driving a Saturn. The stock Bridgestones combined with the stability control were equal to the Saturn that had all season BF Goodrich on them. In '07-'08 I got the Blizzak winter tires. It was like driving a tank. I go up to the White Mountains every other weekend in winter for hiking trips and had ZERO problems in the worst ever winter on record for NH. Best winter car I ever had, though I've never had a 4wd. It is not at all skiddish when you're cruising along. The huge engine is a benefit. I can lug along slowly in first or second without lacking power and it doesn't slip the wheels. It adds a lot of weight over the drive wheels. Really good snow car.