Newb with legit question...

[RTexasF]

Good morning all. I am strongly considering a new '08 or '09 MS3 GT. I have read a great deal here in the wee hours (couldn't sleep) but I do have a question and seek owner's opinions. Since I live in deep south Texas where summer is 9 months long, and brutal, cold A/C is a must. For those that have had their cars long enough to go through a summer or two how do you rate the air conditioner?

Mind you the closest authorized speed dealer is 160 miles from me (they have 1 in stock (hand)) with many more choices available in San Antonio which is a 300 mile drive......that's one way for both. Since it's such a hassle to even go sit in one I'm trying to gather all the information possible before hitting the road.

I'm driving a lightly modded '04 Accord EX 5 speed with the 2.4l four banger and the A/C is meat locker cold so I'm a bit spoiled.

Good or bad I'd sure like to hear it......Thanks

[oaklandopen]

well my opinion is the gt model is a good choice, auto climate control is a feature i used to run my a/c. i dont' use it so much for the cold cuz i don't like the compressor running for the heat, which it does when you select floor, floor+defrost, or just defrost.

the problem i have in the summer isn't with the air conditioner, it's with the interior. since the interior is all black it's going to suck in as much heat as it can, so save yourself the trouble of getting black mica (although im sure you know to stay away from a black car in high heat areas anyway). the interior gets very hot in direct sunlight, some days i couldn't even grab the steering wheel where i like to hold it.

but the ac works very well in this car, did in my old mazda3 too.

but i don't think you need to either go to one dealer or the other for YOUR options. if you go to the closest one and tell them exactly what you want, they might even end up trading with the san antonio dealer to get it. you don't have to go everywhere to get your car, have them do it. it's your money, make them work

[Speed3Rookie]

IMO...the ac on this car is NOT one of it's strong points.
Since you have grown accustomed to a very cold ac system you will definitely notice the difference.

[RTexasF]

oakland,

Thank you for replying. Believe me dark colors are not even in the picture. If/when I get one it will be in Pearl White with tinted windows.

I'm working with four dealers via the internet to see who is most anxious to do business. I'd prefer to deal with the closest one but they would have to do a dealer trade since they have only one in stock and it's red. I don't mind driving for a much better deal though.

[RTexasF]

IMO...the ac on this car is NOT one of it's strong points.
Since you have grown accustomed to a very cold ac system you will definitely notice the difference.


So we have one for and one "against". Thanks, a so so A/C would positively kill the deal. Since I haven't driven one yet I need to see if I can deal with the stout suspension and road/exhaust noise or not. If the majority of people think the A/C sucks then then I'll be far less anxious to go drive one in spite of the outrageous performance.

Please keep 'em coming...

[zim]

you're picking a car based on how well the a/c performs? wow.

[RTexasF]

you're picking a car based on how well the a/c performs? wow.

Hardly or I'd stick with what I have but it plays heavily into purchasing or not. What's the temp in Pennsylvania today, freezing your cods off? It should be about 82 here and that's in the winter! Seems like a simple and logical request to me.......ask for information from actual owners not salespeople at a dealership.

Do you own one? If so, how do you rate the A/C?

[Speed3Rookie]

Looks like to me the guy is doing his homework.

[squidmotion]

RTF,

i live in houston, AC upgrades should be considered a PERFORMANCE option :)

"yeah, that thing sure looks fast, how's the AC perform?"


i just bought a new sport version with the climate control, and it seems to work well, though the real test will come in july/august/september... i already feel like it works better than the standard HVAC i have on my new tundra.... i love everything about that truck EXCEPT the HVAC system! standard climate controls on that truck are a JOKE! i will elaborate, if you guys have the time... hehehehe.

[tiagotiago]

I live just south of Arizona in the middle of the desert, and I've had my Speed3 since this last June, and I didn't feel my car was lacking AC power, it worked really well for me, but I usually set the temp at about 70ºF; and I get the impression you like far colder temps. Also, over here there's usually very little or 0% humidity in the air, and since I have been a few times to south Texas, I recall it was a lot more humid; I can't really say how good this AC system is in working with humidity.

I also got a CWP GT, and the thing I'm most thankful about is the Alcantara seats, which stay roughly as cool as cloth, and nowhere near as hot as a leather/vinyl seat.

Obviously this being a subjective thing, I'd like to say that you go out and try it, but being as we're in "winter", I'm guessing it's gonna be a bit hard, unless you plan on buying it in a few months time, but I get the impression you're planning to get one real soon. Good luck.

[mr_mazda329]

I think the A/C does pretty good now especially since I got my windows Tinted. Out here in Las Vegas, it gets really hot around 115-120 during the day and 100 or so around midnight. The summer here starts around late April and goes to Octoberish. Definately get the windows tinted and I even got the window tint arcoss the top of the windshield. Living here makes your really appreciate the winter months while you have them. Heck we got a coulpe inches of snow 2 weeks ago. I say get the MS3 and don't look back.


And besides, A/C systems arent as good as they used to be on older cars. Cars nowadays use R134 refrigerant which isn't as good as the R12 that was on older cars, say 94-older.

[Invictus]

I live in Jacksonville, FL. On hot days, the AC will get the cabin feeling cool pretty quickly. I'd give it a pretty good rating.

[Speed3Rookie]

RTF, do a search for ac posts and you will find a few threads questioning the ac on these cars.
I would hate to see a post from you in July 09 concerning the ac on your new Speed3. :)
Good luck!

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123716920&highlight=air+conditioning

[ZyrehT]

I may not be down south but the trips I've made have been fine. We see the 90's a lot in the summer around here as well.

[SubieKiller3]

I live in florida and i have a black mica speed 3. the ac works fine for me. i have no complaints. although you might want to consider the sport instead of the gt model because those leather seats of the gt model are gonna suck to sit in after your car sitting in the sun for too long.

[GoFast]

i have a black mica and when i lived in vegas it performed quite adequately. vegas summers are quite brutal also

[oaklandopen]

if the op wanted to get a car purely for frigid AC performance, i would hope that he would get a pre-R134a car, that way he really would be living in a freezer. only problem would be having to fix components or recharge with R12....and believe me there are still ppl out there that refuse to get rid of their R12 cars

[RTexasF]

Folks I really do appreciate the responses. It sounds like the A/C is up to the task which is a relief. I'm still open to more input if others care to chime in with their opinion. Thanks to all that posted useful information. This seems to be a very good community and I look forward to becoming part of it once I get some better numbers in my e-mail inbox from various dealers.

[Wastegate13]

I live in florida and i have a black mica speed 3. the ac works fine for me. i have no complaints. although you might want to consider the sport instead of the gt model because those leather seats of the gt model are gonna suck to sit in after your car sitting in the sun for too long.

Unless you're wearing short shorts no skin will really contact the leather portions of the seat. I live just about as far south as you can go on the west coast of FL, summers here are pretty brutal with high temps and higher humidity levels. I think the AC worked great this past summer, much much better than my Jeep ever did. Funny thing was my Eclipse had the coldest AC I've ever felt but with the gi-hugant FMIC I was running I couldn't run it in traffic long without the car getting too hot for my liking.

[RTexasF]

if the op wanted to get a car purely for frigid AC performance, i would hope that he would get a pre-R134a car, that way he really would be living in a freezer. only problem would be having to fix components or recharge with R12....and believe me there are still ppl out there that refuse to get rid of their R12 cars


I do not and why would I buy anything that old when I want a new car? My current Honda uses the "new" refrigerant and I have to turn it down after a short time. All I'm asking is that the little Mazda Turbo Monster has equal or better A/C.

[oaklandopen]

I do not and why would I buy anything that old when I want a new car? My current Honda uses the "new" refrigerant and I have to turn it down after a short time. All I'm asking is that the little Mazda Turbo Monster has equal or better A/C.

my reply was just to tell the others that you didn't just care about AC, and that if you really did you probably wouldn't want this car

this car's AC is just as good as any others. and because you're buying new you'd be getting the best possible charge of refrigerant and oil, and the newest components. so that's 2 positives right there

[RTexasF]

my reply was just to tell the others that you didn't just care about AC, and that if you really did you probably wouldn't want this car

this car's AC is just as good as any others. and because you're buying new you'd be getting the best possible charge of refrigerant and oil, and the newest components. so that's 2 positives right there

Got it, thanks. I misunderstood completely and do appreciate your input. There are MANY factors to consider, the A/C being just one but a very important one considering where I live.

To change this topic a little, how difficult is it to change the cabin air filter? My current car takes all of one minute and I'd love for the MS3 to be as easy.

Anyone care to discuss it that has actually changed the filter??

[oaklandopen]

Got it, thanks. I misunderstood completely and do appreciate your input. There are MANY factors to consider, the A/C being just one but a very important one considering where I live.

To change this topic a little, how difficult is it to change the cabin air filter? My current car takes all of one minute and I'd love for the MS3 to be as easy.

Anyone?

sorry but i don't think it's going to be as easy as your other car was, accord right? that shoulda been done by squeezing the glove box door "stoppers" so the whole door would hinge down, then just pull the filter holder out and replace, or something like that.

well this is for the mazda

http://www.imageput.com/hosted/49424untitled.bmp

[RTexasF]

Once again thank you. Yep, that is a real pain in the ass allright.....I'm not even familiar with some of the things that it says to disconnect. If I become an owner I'll have to learn what to do 'cause I'm sure a dealer pulls your pants off to perform the A/C filter service. I must applaud Honda for their simple to change efficiency on this one.

[///M Compact]

The A/C works OK in my 2007.

[mo08ms3]

I have an 08 MS3 in SW Florida. My A/C handled fine through the rough months.

[RTexasF]

This is all very reassuring that the a/c will hold up to the south TX heat & humidity. Dealing with the cabin air filter looks to be a hassle but I guess you can't have it all. Thank you to all that took the time to answer.

[BURNt SKiN]

South Florida here..... blue ms3 w/ 20% tint... Never had to run the a/c full blast for more then a minute or two... It's almost 80 degrees today, trust me its hot in the summer.. i say go for it

[GoFast]

burnt skin does bring up a good point! in vegas i had 15% all the way around so i am sure that helped quite a bit. this past summer in chicago i took off the ftint on the front two windows and it worked well still. i did feel the difference without the tint though

[RTexasF]

GOTTA have tint, no two ways about it. That is on my list as a must.

[GoFast]

GOTTA have tint, no two ways about it. That is on my list as a must.

then you should be more that satisfied with the ms3's a/c

[RTexasF]

Thanks, I appreciate your assurance. Let's just hope that I can fit in it. I'm old enough to be the Dad or Grandad to many here so my car criteria is much different than most on this forum. I'm an old fart hotrodder and I just can't help it!

[BillTheCat]

I'm older than the average bear here as well, and I feel your need for A/C because I live in Florida. Isn't it lovely having 83 degrees & 70-80% humidity on Christmas Day? I presonally find it oppressive, and wish I could afford to move to a more mild climate.

On topic, I'll just throw in one more confirmation that the A/C is up to task in this car. I don't care for automatic climate controls all that much, because they never seem to adjust things the way I want, so I end up overriding & setting things manually.

I tend to start with the fan relatively high, the temp setting at 60, and within 5 minutes, I usually back the fan down a notch or two & change it from the front vents to the bi-level deal. I never have to drive around all day with the fan on max & the temp on 60 in order to keep comfy.

[RTexasF]

That is good news indeed. I'm not a fan of auto climate either but it comes with the package.

Let me ask something else------------
If driven easily can you squeeze out a few more MPG than the EPA rated mileage? Is upper 20's maybe even 30 possible on the highway with a careful right foot? I do realize this is a performance car but I currently get 25 in town and 36 on the road. I don't expect that of course but just wondering....

[Alexsered]

ac is not that cold, but I rarely use it, even on the hottest summer day, I roll around with the windows down. Unless the girl is in the car, they hate to sweat.

on your MPG question, with stock tires I was getting around 350 miles on 12.5 gallons of gas (29.1 mpg) but now that i just put on 225 tires, I can't seam to get over 310 miles on around 12.5 gallons of gas. (24.8 mpg) this is all with spirited driving and the only thing that has changed were my tires.

[RTexasF]

Thanks. Is that a mix of town and highway?

[Alexsered]

Thanks. Is that a mix of town and highway?

yeah, it's a mix of highway and city driving. what mpg are you aiming for?

[RTexasF]

I'm not aiming for any particular MPG just curious if folks do better than the EPA's predicted 18/26 after break in is complete.

[///M Compact]

The automatic A/C works OK, but it's not that much better than a manual system. I average 21-25 mpg in a mix of rural and suburban driving. I think that is pretty reasonable considering the car's above-average straight-line performance.

[RTexasF]

I agree, thank you.

[ZyrehT]

My dad is 62, has an 08 MS3, lives in southern florida and says the ac freezes him out.

[tiagotiago]

I usually do 100% inner city driving, and so far my absolute worst tank has been 16 MPG, and that was on the first tank. Since then, I get around 17.5 MPG-20 MPG, depending on how careful I am with the throttle.

There have been several threads where milage pops up and my numbers are below average. If I remember correctly, most people average what ///M Compact states.

30 MPG on the highway is doable, but it depends on ambient conditions, not just on careful driving

[RTexasF]

My dad is 62, has an 08 MS3, lives in southern florida and says the ac freezes him out.


THAT is music to my ears, I'm only a couple of years behind him and live in a similar climate.

[RTexasF]

I usually do 100% inner city driving, and so far my absolute worst tank has been 16 MPG, and that was on the first tank. Since then, I get around 17.5 MPG-20 MPG, depending on how careful I am with the throttle.

There have been several threads where milage pops up and my numbers are below average. If I remember correctly, most people average what ///M Compact states.

30 MPG on the highway is doable, but it depends on ambient conditions, not just on careful driving

Any problem finding premium fuel in Mexico? Matamoros is just the other side of town from me, I'm in Brownsville.

[Super Unique]

I have a black mica speed3 , 2008.5 gt version, I live in central florida and during the hottest part of summer, it is merely adequate, certainly NOT as good as my previous vehicle, a soft top jeep wrangler with a/c that was awesome. Before everyone freaks out on my opinion, the a/c in the mazda is clearly not up to par of some other common vehicles I have ridden in. It does work, but just enough to cool down gradually. On a short trip, you will definitely notice its weakness.

[tiagotiago]

Any problem finding premium fuel in Mexico? Matamoros is just the other side of town from me, I'm in Brownsville.

I've had no problems so far with fuel availability, nor problems with the fuel's quality that have thrown up a check engine light or something; so far everything's been ok, I hope it stays that way!!

[RTexasF]

Thanks tia, has the air conditioner been satisfactory?

[RTexasF]

Have any of the folks that think their air conditioning system is marginal to poor been back to the dealership with a complaint? If so did any good come of it? Undercharged/overcharged maybe?

If you live in an area when July is near 100F and the humidity is 85+% you certainly understand why I'm inquiring about this. If you don't live anywhere like that you only need to experience it once to figure out why cold A/C is paramount.

[Russm]

Good Day
Up here in WI I just roll the windows down in the middle of the summer for a/c, we only had 4 days this summer over 90 and the a/c worked just fine. By the way it cost $58 at the dealer I bought my Speed from for a cabin filter replacement.

[GoFast]

lmao russm you kill me. every post starts off with "good day" (first)

[serialtoon]

Id skip this car, it has the weakest A/C ive ever had. buy yourself a lexus is350....those are meat locker approved :-)

[18psiWhiteMS3]

Hardly or I'd stick with what I have but it plays heavily into purchasing or not. What's the temp in Pennsylvania today, freezing your cods off? It should be about 82 here and that's in the winter! Seems like a simple and logical request to me.......ask for information from actual owners not salespeople at a dealership.

Do you own one? If so, how do you rate the A/C?

im in PA, it was in the 40s today. felt like summer

[DaleNixon]

My first two cars didn't have A/C. And I was driving in Southern Louisiana summers!

This car feels like the inside of a freezer in comparison.

[RTexasF]

Id skip this car, it has the weakest A/C ive ever had. buy yourself a lexus is350....those are meat locker approved :-)

Yeah, that's only another ten bucks or so right? :)

Thank you one and all for your help. Test drive is tomorrow.

[Super Unique]

You will likely have to try it for yourself on a hot day to really get a feel for the a/c....

[BillTheCat]

RTF... I track my mileage on www.fueleconomy.gov (http://www.fueleconomy.gov) all the time. Mind you, I am in FL where virtually all gas is 10% ethanol, which reduces mileage, and I drive with A/C on 11 months or so out of the year. And for the other month, it's still probably 50% A/C usage. So my mileage is probably a tiny bit low.

My best tank so far has been on a round trip from Tampa to Orlando, about 250 miles total, including some in-town driving. I was just shy of 25mpg. My worst was just under 21mpg on a tankful with a higher amount of in town driving (more like 40/60 instead of my usual 70/30 highway commuting tanks). I also drove it HARD on that tankful, just to see how low it would go.

Since September, when I bought the car, my overall average, which is usually a 70/30 hwy/city mix with A/C on 90% of the time, is 23mpg.

At the moment, since it appears the weather has cooled as much as it is going to for a while, I am 2 days into a tankful where I am trying to drive gently, cruise as lower speeds, and not use the A/C except to defog the windshield. I just want to see how high the mileage will go.

Side note: I have a friend with an MS6 (same engine, but AWD) who says he has gotten 27 out of his on occasion. His daily round trip commute is in excess of 100 miles, whereas mine is just 55-60. He also has a decent amount of mods, but I forget if he has any engine management or A/F mods. Was planning to ask him after I get this tank's mileage results.

And I gotta say.. man, it is hard driving like a granny. I'm nowhere near true hypermiling, as I do NOT have that kind of patience, but I'm driving the MS3 like a frakking K-car on a grocery run right now. I oughtta be drugged.

[RTexasF]

Bill,

To me those are very good figures especially considering the 10% ethanol mix and air on most of he time. I won't have to deal with the E10 but will run the air as often as you do. Thanks for the information.

[zerilos]

I'm surprised no one else from Texas has replied. I drive back and forth between Houston and Dallas a couple times a year, and I know the temps are probably not quite as bad as it gets where the OP lives, but it's still freaking hot and humid.

I got my '08 GT model back in June and during the summer I had the automatic climate control set around 68 to 70. The AC would blow full blast a couple minutes, maybe 4 or 5 at the most, and the car would be pretty cool by then. I was also surprised that the leather seats didn't really bother me during those 100+ degree days.

You should definitely get the windows tinted. Also suggest keeping a cloth in your center console/glovebox for the shiftknob on hot days.

[RTexasF]

OK FOLKS HERE'S THE SCOOP.

It's a no go and here's why.....................

The seat base is way too short and not high enough so zero thigh support. About halfway through the test drive my legs began to ache and I knew the outcome. When we returned to the dealership I sat in the Accord for comparison and it was like night and day. It was like a favorite chair as opposed to one you could barely sit in. I traded in a new & paid for 2003 Corolla in about six months (on the Accord) for the same reason. I wasn't going through that again.
Rear seat was totally useless except for small children....don't got none, don't want none. Figured that out already since it's a compact, no biggie.

On the plus side...........

*Handled like a slot car.

*Major go anywhere in any gear at any time.

*Enough torque to take off in 2nd or even 3rd with no chatter or vibration or smelly clutch slippage.

*Bad roads were not gut wrenching, suspension stiff but not over the top. Just very taut overall.

*Pass someone right now in 6th gear above 35 MPH, just awesome in that respect with A/C on 100% of the time.

*Not a great test (temps 75) but A/C seemed up to the task.

In short: had the seat fit me (in the bottom section) I would have bought the car but not from those folks. Didn't like them one friggin bit. Useless lying bastards, and they thought I had no clue. I've had more time in commission only sales than these pups have had birthdays so we didn't get along well. No honor, no integrity whatsoever and it didn't take long to figure it out. None of that matters though 'cause if your ass don't fit the seat then what good is the car?

That's the way it stands for now.

I can not offer enough thanks to those that contributed to my questions. I would really like to be the newest owner on this forum but it doesn't look that way currently.

[BillTheCat]

Sorry to hear that, RTF. But one of the reasons I decided not to buy a VW GTI was that the seatback bolsters were like a pair of 2x4's, and my lard butt self was slightly wider than the bolsters. Made for an uncomfortable seating situation.

Just curious... were you in a GT or a Sport model? I don't know if the seat design differs, other than surface materials, but the seats in my MS3 Sport seem fairly supportive. (Granted, everyone's experience with comfort will differ)

I certainly hope you find something just as fun that seats you comfortably.

[RTexasF]

Support in the back and bolsters were wonderful. Just the seat bottom itself killed me. The driving experience itself was beyond compare. I drove the GT but the shape and size of the seats are identical on both models only the material differs. What a pisser!! I'm looking into the possibility of a seat base being made to fit me that doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

[ZyrehT]

The seat base is way too short and not high enough so zero thigh support. Rear seat was totally useless except for small children.....


I'm almost 6-2 and don't have a problem in the front seat. With my 300 pound friend in the drivers seat I'm able to fit behind him without a problem and I'm far from a small child.

[GoFast]

this may help
http://www.lenkart.com/images/Cott_Poly_pillow_insert_16.jpg

[RTexasF]

I'm almost 6-2 and don't have a problem in the front seat. With my 300 pound friend in the drivers seat I'm able to fit behind him without a problem and I'm far from a small child.

I'm happy for you but it didn't work for me at all. When I had the driver's seat adjusted for me my 5'3" gal couldn't even sit behind me. You must be very flexible. No matter because I didn't expect the back seat in a compact car (any compact) to be of much use. The too short (once again...for ME) seat cushion killed the deal.

[RTexasF]

this may help
http://www.lenkart.com/images/Cott_Poly_pillow_insert_16.jpg

Ha Ha! That's what I had to do in the Corolla I had, it got old quickly.

[RTexasF]

I'll be calling around next year to see if someone can modify the bottom seat cushion to suit me, I haven't given up yet. I wish a safe new year to all and thanks for all the help.

[ZyrehT]

I'm happy for you but it didn't work for me at all. When I had the driver's seat adjusted for me my 5'3" gal couldn't even sit behind me. You must be very flexible. No matter because I didn't expect the back seat in a compact car (any compact) to be of much use. The too short (once again...for ME) seat cushion killed the deal.

Sorry but you must have some funny proportions. I've had 4 adult males all over 6 ft in the car for a 5 hour ride without a problem. Not sure how she couldn't fit.

[RTexasF]

There was no leg room at all behind my seat. Had I wanted to drive cramped up to the wheel then it would have worked but that's not the point. The lack of rear leg room didn't kill the deal the driver's bottom cushion was the culprit. Folks there's no reason to defend the car, I'm sold on it! What fits/suits you may not work for the next guy, it's just that simple.

[6SpeedTA95]

Guys instead of starting a new thread, I figured i'd ask my question in this thread...

Does the speed3 or the hatchbacks for that matter come with a different AC than the regular 3 sedan?

My wife's 06 3i AC is anemic in the summertime. While thats not a top priority, I can assure you when its 105 outside, anemic AC is no fun.

Wondered if there were changes betwee 06 and 09 on the AC/blower or if the hatchbacks already had a different AC?

[GoFast]

Guys instead of starting a new thread, I figured i'd ask my question in this thread...

Does the speed3 or the hatchbacks for that matter come with a different AC than the regular 3 sedan?

My wife's 06 3i AC is anemic in the summertime. While thats not a top priority, I can assure you when its 105 outside, anemic AC is no fun.

Wondered if there were changes betwee 06 and 09 on the AC/blower or if the hatchbacks already had a different AC?

I appreciate you not wanting to start a new thread but this is pretty off topic. You may want to check out the regular 3 section (http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=315) for more info on yours.

[meicalnissyen]

IMO...the ac on this car is NOT one of it's strong points.
Since you have grown accustomed to a very cold ac system you will definitely notice the difference.
+1

[meicalnissyen]

Good Day
Up here in WI I just roll the windows down in the middle of the summer for a/c, we only had 4 days this summer over 90 and the a/c worked just fine. By the way it cost $58 at the dealer I bought my Speed from for a cabin filter replacement.

AWRIGHT........................

does it,..... or does it NOT have a flippin cabin filter

this is like CIA secret level

07 GT federal, if it matters

[6SpeedTA95]

I appreciate you not wanting to start a new thread but this is pretty off topic. You may want to check out the regular 3 section (http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=315) for more info on yours.

How is it offtopic? I know about mine, I was asking if the Speed3 has the same AC?

Since I plan on purchasing an 09speed3 this fall it was something I was curious about.

[Sphincter]

You are getting an '09 this fall? Might as well get the new fugly 2010 model.

[6SpeedTA95]

You are getting an '09 this fall? Might as well get the new fugly 2010 model.

I dont want a 2010, I want an 09, whats the problem with that? :confused:

[MikeHTally]

My A/C works very well. My commute is only about twenty minutes, but I still have to turn it up soon after I leave work.

[MSMS3]

I dont want a 2010, I want an 09, whats the problem with that? :confused:

IMHO, the '09 is a nicer looking car. The '10 sold out to styling with an unnecessary visible hood scoop in place of our very functional stealth design, and went "wingy" on the back to address the EVO, STI crowd. I'd say they went "ricer" but would get flamed. And the '10 is said to be heavier and with wider spaced gearing in the transmission.

The AC is automatic climate control on both the GT and the Sport. It works very well in our South Mississippi summer heat and humidity.

[MSMS3]

Thanks, I appreciate your assurance. Let's just hope that I can fit in it. I'm old enough to be the Dad or Grandad to many here so my car criteria is much different than most on this forum. I'm an old fart hotrodder and I just can't help it!

If it makes you feel any better or worse, I started drag racing in a new 1970 340 Duster when a freshman in college. Do the math! I've always owned and modded a "hotrod" or two at any given time since. I'm 6'0" and the seat fits me well, but each of us is different about that.