Talk me out of the MS3....

[SVgamer72]

I currently drive, and love an '07 MX-5 Miata Touring, but I am riding the horns of a dilemma....

1. I *want more power - The recently announced Cosworth Supercharger for the 3rd gen Miata will address this, but it would void my warranty and is still not yet available. In addition it is an expensive mod, and may require additional tweaks such as a beefed up clutch. (@$5-6K)

2. I made the "mistake" of tracking my Miata once at a driving clinic, and now I am addicted and can't wait to go back. - They allowed me to run the clinic with the stock rool hoops behind the seat, but if I want to do any real track time I need a real roll bar. (@$1k)

3. I was single when I bought my Miata, but now I am in a relationship with a woman who has an 8 year old. - Her car (blah..Cobalt. hehe) is fine for the three of us, but the end result is my sweet little MX-5 only being used to commute to work.

(*I purchased my NC with the full intention of trading into a Mazdaspeed Miata-NC if it became available, or doing an SC/Turbo upgrade as soon as one became available in the after market.)

The more I think about items 1-3 the more appealing the Mazdaspeed3 becomes. It would cost me the same or less to trade into the MS3 (my MX-5 is paid off), than it would to upgrade the MX-5. The MS3 is a much more practical car all around, but I would be giving up RWD, and the 'vert.

Thoughts and opinions welcome.

Thanks!

[Super Unique]

Given your dedication to the roadster form, I would hold off until the next mazdaspeed car for north america is announced.

Rumors are swirling about a new mx5 with the mzr disi turbo stuffed under the hood. If it's true, that will be a giant killer of epic proportions :), if not true, then you can pull the trigger. Besides, the mazdaspeed3 is already no longer taking orders.

[Young Roids]

The mazdaspeed 3 is a gas hog. What are you getting in your miata? I have gotten as low as 13mpg for a tank with my ms3 and the highest tank I have seen has been about 25mpg.

[TurboDreams]

those are really low numbers. normally i average between 22-25 mpg per tank and thats city and freeway driving

[AutoXRacer]

I traded in my Miata for the MS3... My Miata was a 99 fully modded...
Two totally different cars...

I raced my Miata and was always 1st ro 2nd place... With the MS3, I am struggling with traction and handling. It is surely a different style of driving.

I am planning to purchase the Mazdaspeed Miata when it comes out... I really miss my Miata.

Even though, the MS3 is a great car with lots of room, comfortable, and mad loads of power...after mods. It's just traction really sucks!!!

I don't know what to tell you. I know as far as room and convenience, its hard to beat the MS3. I miss my Miata...reason I will be getting the Mazdaspeed Miata when it comes out...I'll be keeping my MS3 also.

My MPG average is about 28 mpg and as low as 22.

[mazdaspeedster3]

First lets address the topic of this thread, GET A MS3 Today! Never and I mean never drive that cobalt again! Shame on you!

Next, 12 miles to the gallon tracking the car yes. 28 miles to the gallon to and from work. I am averaging 26 mpg and drive hard all the time...

[Young Roids]

those are really low numbers. normally i average between 22-25 mpg per tank and thats city and freeway driving

I have had the car dynoed and the power is fine but the mileage is just low I am not sure why.

[bjjer]

gas mileage sucks, requires premium, every rice boy will want to race you, clutch is stiff, there are rattles everywhere, its ugly, traction issues... I love my car but you won't. Convinced?

[Hyun]

horn is not satisfying. I really hate it. When im angry at dumb drivers and try to express my anger, all they hear is beep beep.

[mdavis]

+1

the horn sounds like an angry sorority girl

[Aaron@JSC]

+1

the horn sounds like an angry sorority girl

thats whay I got some hella supertones...bwa ha ha ha ha..(writeup coming soon)

[tiagotiago]

+1

the horn sounds like an angry sorority girl

+1 (lol2)

[imac]

every rice boy will want to race you

80% of the ricers wouldnt even know what the MS3 is. its amazing how many people have no idea that it even exists, or is any different from the standard issue 3, rims aside.

maybe its just me, but it seems like when i think stereotypical ricer, i think 91 CRX with a 3" turbo exhaust, removed baffles on the muffler, an unpainted body kit, aluminum wing and chrome rims. perhaps you have more intelligent ricers by you, but i still remember from an old forum i used to frequent where someone linked a thread from a civic forum where someone made the following statement:

"every time VTEC kicks, an angel gets its wings"

(stooges)

back on topic... every time i think about how much money i just spent to get this car like a year before i wanted to buy, i drive it and realize what a good decision i made. like previously mentioned, the feel is completely different than a roadster or even a small agile coupe, but you really can't beat the overall functionality of the car... decent gas mileage if you stay off the boost, pretty good zip when you get on the boost, room for 5 decent sized people, and a good amount of trunk space too.

i really dont have anything to say as far as convincing you not to get one. best bang for your $ on the market right now IMO.

[iBoost]

Go the way i did, but a new MS3 and buy a used NA miata for $3K. (alright) should have never sold it, fun to drive, great gas milege...

[bjjer]

80% of the ricers wouldnt even know what the MS3 is. its amazing how many people have no idea that it even exists, or is any different from the standard issue 3, rims aside.

maybe its just me, but it seems like when i think stereotypical ricer, i think 91 CRX with a 3" turbo exhaust, removed baffles on the muffler, an unpainted body kit, aluminum wing and chrome rims. perhaps you have more intelligent ricers by you, but i still remember from an old forum i used to frequent where someone linked a thread from a civic forum where someone made the following statement:

"every time VTEC kicks, an angel gets its wings"

(stooges)

back on topic... every time i think about how much money i just spent to get this car like a year before i wanted to buy, i drive it and realize what a good decision i made. like previously mentioned, the feel is completely different than a roadster or even a small agile coupe, but you really can't beat the overall functionality of the car... decent gas mileage if you stay off the boost, pretty good zip when you get on the boost, room for 5 decent sized people, and a good amount of trunk space too.

i really dont have anything to say as far as convincing you not to get one. best bang for your $ on the market right now IMO.

Im in So.Cal, ricers know what a speed 3 is around here.

[Nismothecat]

me too and no one ever tries to race me

[lunchbox16]

i had a regular M3 try to race me tonight on the highway. i don;t think he knew i was in an MS3. my wife was in the car and i was approaching my exit so i let him enjoy it for a bit then changed lanes.
i agree not too many people know about it which i like.

[Russm]

Good day
I don't think you will like a MS3, blowing away thoese expensive Audies/BMW's/Porches/Datsuns, I mean Nissans/ Honda's ETC on thoes short little jaunts to the speed LIMIT (LOL) will bore you too death!

[trufanatic]

dont get the ms3, there i've officially talked you out of it.

Its a great civilized car for the price, now go get it.

[clos561]

since ur car is paid off jsut get a ms3 and keep the other car, save up for a nice down payment and get a ms3.

[Hyun]

here is good reason, wait for euro focus that's coming to US pretty soon along with other sports compact.
With this car, you will earn some respect from those who knows but there are better cars coming in next few years. You dont want to regret do you? Patience is virtue.

[clos561]

get the cobalt ss!

[Hyun]

No U!

[coololddude]

i traded a 2006 mx-5 for my ms3. i hated not having a spare tire. thought i would "just take a look at a ms3" the only advantage i can see in the mx5 is in the "very tight" twistys. the only advantage of the ms3 is "everywhere else" the torque rush is evident even pulling out of the driveway!! the mileage is not even a concern since i was always flooring the mx5 to make do with 1/2 the torque and a lot less hp (not made up by less weight) the fact that i can stop on the way home with a passenger and still buy some STUFF! is not too shabby either. a lady i know had her top sliced (mx5-duh) cost $3000.00 for a new one!! plus, i now have a spare. a $23000.00 spare with a "GIANT KILLER" (automobile mag. aug 2008) attached. lol

[mmills416]

86 the MX-5 get an 08 MP3. When and if mazda makes the MS MX-5 NC, that when you have a real dilemma.

[UHATEIT]

Im in So.Cal, ricers know what a speed 3 is around here.

i too am in socal, no ricers have even attempted at racing. maybe mexicans in silverados with those gay ass "SS" wannabe cool emblems and thats about it.

People always tried to race me in my widebody mr2 and my 350z. Most people dont seem to give the 3 that much attention. A definate change for me.



BACK to the thread tho. If you like modding, the speed3 is not caught up yet very well in the aftermarket section, parts are expensive as shit and most of the good stuff tends to be out of stock. Car does take premium and all that as well which sucks with gas prices.

Seeing that you had a 2 seater miata, and I came from last having a 350z and an mr2, this being my first ever 4 door out of owning 6 previous cars, this is a nice change. Lots of room, although I will probably never use most of it, nice to know its there :)

[LReyes66]

VROOOOOOOOM VROOOOOOOOOOOOM


ehhhhhh ms3 is nice... get it b4 they are gone.... unless u want a new cobalt ss (blowup)

[bjjer]

i too am in socal, no ricers have even attempted at racing. maybe mexicans in silverados with those gay ass "SS" wannabe cool emblems and thats about it.

People always tried to race me in my widebody mr2 and my 350z. Most people dont seem to give the 3 that much attention. A definate change for me.



BACK to the thread tho. If you like modding, the speed3 is not caught up yet very well in the aftermarket section, parts are expensive as shit and most of the good stuff tends to be out of stock. Car does take premium and all that as well which sucks with gas prices.

Seeing that you had a 2 seater miata, and I came from last having a 350z and an mr2, this being my first ever 4 door out of owning 6 previous cars, this is a nice change. Lots of room, although I will probably never use most of it, nice to know its there :)


IDK then, ive had quite a few people try to race me, and I drive like a grandma.

[Mike240SX]

gas mileage sucks, requires premium, every rice boy will want to race you, clutch is stiff, there are rattles everywhere, its ugly, traction issues... I love my car but you won't. Convinced?

I wouldn't describe the fuel economy as "sucks"...recently got 30-32 mpg on a pure-highway trip with cruise locked at 65. Yeah, it sucks doing only 65 and watching everything pass you, but if fuel economy is a concern this seems to be a sweet spot for the car. Going up to 75 drops it in to the 28 range. This is computed, not relying on the in-car "MPG" display.

As for ricers wanting to race...hell, I can't get anyone to play. From kids in Civis to Evos and WRXs.

The clutch and shifter action does suck (at least stock), and the rattles are what you'd expect from an entry level car. People expect this thing to ride quiet like a luxury car and I just don't understand it. Just because it's priced with $25k cars doesn't mean it's not still a $16k car once you remove the power and electronics.

[bjjer]

I wouldn't describe the fuel economy as "sucks"...recently got 30-32 mpg on a pure-highway trip with cruise locked at 65. Yeah, it sucks doing only 65 and watching everything pass you, but if fuel economy is a concern this seems to be a sweet spot for the car. Going up to 75 drops it in to the 28 range. This is computed, not relying on the in-car "MPG" display.

As for ricers wanting to race...hell, I can't get anyone to play. From kids in Civis to Evos and WRXs.

The clutch and shifter action does suck (at least stock), and the rattles are what you'd expect from an entry level car. People expect this thing to ride quiet like a luxury car and I just don't understand it. Just because it's priced with $25k cars doesn't mean it's not still a $16k car once you remove the power and electronics.

The thread was talk him out of the MS3. I did not expect a rattle free hybrid when i bought this car. It was exactly what I was looking for and more. I was exaggerating. My car is rattle free and gets good gas mileage. the clutch is stiff, but I got used to it. In summation I freaking love this car.

[~JoJo~]

i really want to try to talk you out of it, but I love mine too much I can't think of a reason why you shouldn't get it. Don't get the red one though because i don't want too many ppl driving it. heehee.

[dandydaniel]

besides the stock clutch being a bit harder to get used to than others... I'd have to say screw this thread, go out, and buy the MS3!

[Sierra117]

Spent the weekend driving a buddy's '08 STI. Don't waste your money on the speed. If you want a new car and want to get some import four banger, get a new EVO or STI.

[hard2kill]

Spent the weekend driving a buddy's '08 STI. Don't waste your money on the speed. If you want a new car and want to get some import four banger, get a new EVO or STI.

Wow! Is the '08 STI that good? Damn, I might have to test drive one of them...

[mckraut]

Spent the weekend driving a buddy's '08 STI. Don't waste your money on the speed. If you want a new car and want to get some import four banger, get a new EVO or STI.

Not everyone can afford an STI or Evo, you know. For those folks (such as myself), I'd think an MS3 would be a good alternative.

[mckraut]

There was another post just like this a while back. You should do some research in that thread (http://www.mzspd3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123707250&highlight=talk) as well.

[LReyes66]

Not everyone can afford an STI or Evo, you know. For those folks (such as myself), I'd think an MS3 would be a good alternative.