is the mazdaspeed tech package really worth it?

[JrTekSilverP5]

$1,800 for 10 speakers and a mini nav screen? just asking cause im thinkin of getting it on my new mspd3

[rodslinger]

My personal opinion is no. But we have it. It also comes with the keyless start/fob and security system. My wife wanted it so we got it. We haven't even used the NAV, the Bose system sounds like garbage, the six months of free Sirius isn't worth it anyway as I wouldn't listen to Sirius if they paid me. It's not a programming bias. The sound quality of XM and Sirius are both awful. So all that's left is the alarm and the keyless start.

I could have put in a factory mazda remote start kit for the price of the kit which is about $200 I think. So I don't think the package is worth it. But hopefully it will only help the resale and I can recoup some of the loss later.

[JrTekSilverP5]

just the answer i was lookin for... thanx a lot man...

[jeebusm3]

Not for me. The factory stereo sounds ok, not great, but I didn't think the Bose sounded great either. Push button start I don't care for. Nav is nice but the mini nav was nothing special...my phone works just as well

[Dubcnea]

i've had the normal radio (in my '06) compared to the Bose in the '10 and the Bose is loads better. is it as good as some high dollar aftermarket? probably not...but i would not classify as 'garbage'. personally i think that's a bit much.

AC Delco radios...now that's garbage.

[coyfish]

As far as the speakers go the Bose is "decent." Works good enough for me but for the tech package price you could have some nice aftermarket speakers put in. The mazda nav system is pretty crappy. The nav is handy at times but those are pretty rare for me. I bought a little handheld garmin which works great.

[JrTekSilverP5]

anyone else have any input?

[ZoomZooMee]

Nav is not so great but good enough. It certainly looks much better and more convenient than a Garmin sitiing on the dashboard.
I haven't witnessed my alarm working yet but I want to have at least something to protect MS3.
If Bose is garbage, then the regular one should be garbage-er.
I throw my keys (including 6 smaill keys and my wife's BMW key which is not that small)
into the cupholder. I do not want my other keys hanging on the ignition.
I often use the button on the hatch to lock my MS3 after unloading heavy stuff.
With Push-button start, it's all possible. And it looks much better than a regular key fob too.
All of these for less than $1800, I think it's money-well-spent.

[NathanR]

I think the Bose stereo is of decent quality. If you want the guy nine cars ahead of you to hear your "thump" at the stop-light, then this stereo system is not for you. I've found it to be refined and crystal-clear at higher volumes.

I've used the nav system on a few trips just to see how it works and it does a fine job. I've never used another nav system so I can't really give you any comparisons. For me, it's the perfect size. Besides I don't want something stuck to my windshield so I like it in that regard as well. My only complaint is that my neighborhood is too new to be in the database, but that is easily remedied in next years update.

The push button start has good "wow-factor". The lock/unlock buttons on the handles are pretty nifty as are the ones on the back hatch.

I'm glad I got it.

[CheoMSP3-C3]

I am very happy with my tech package.
Love my radio and very happy with the nav. system. Could use a bigger screen.
Start up push button love it. Just hang my key on my pants and forget about it the whole day. I usually leave them everywhere and forget where.
No regrets.

[mbanshchikov]

The BOSE system sounds a lot better than on my previous MS3
The NAV screen is a decent size but the system itself is not as good as some of the aftermarket ones
As CHeo mentioned, the pushbutton start is awesome because I too leave my keys everywhere

[CorkSport]

I like the tech package and the features. The stereo sounds decent, the nav works well enough. I didnt bother subscribing to the sat tunes. Using the blue tooth for getting music from an iphone is nice, no cords required.

-Derrick

[JrTekSilverP5]

Thanx everyone... I think the positives out weigh the negatives... so yeah i guess i know what im gonna be doin at trigger time...

[nadim]

me too i love the BOSE sound i wanted to have it cause i didnt want to upgrade my stereo and wiring and changing speakers so i went with it about the nav i barely use it and keyless entry is indeed a very confortable mode to open and close the car , and the pushbutton start also is great

[cudaman]

TigerDirect can give you a Navigon 2100Max with lifetime traffic for around $79. Shove that either onto your dash, or clip it to the AC vents with commonly used adapters. Very nice GPS, shows exit signs and lanes to be in, and you get lifetime traffic. And you can use the touch screen on it from where you sit. Save the $ and then buy a good sub woofer and amp if you want more bump. You will still come out $1000 ahead and have better GPS and sound.

[Aetherfury]

Once you get used to push button start (which is on almost all highline cars coming out now) you will never be able to go back.

Tech package 100% worth it to me. I didn't think it was when I bought it, but the nav has bailed me out multiple times from getting lost and the small screen is not a big deal.

The MS3 is meant for you to feel the road and go fast, not to stare at a giant touchscreen =)

[JrTekSilverP5]

if u dont get the tech package are the spaces for the 10 speakers still there? cause i think thats whats really winning me over...

[CheoMSP3-C3]

me too i love the BOSE sound i wanted to have it cause i didnt want to upgrade my stereo and wiring and changing speakers so i went with it about the nav i barely use it and keyless entry is indeed a very confortable mode to open and close the car , and the pushbutton start also is great

Hey Nadim the navigation system works in the DR.??

[nadim]

hey well it works but not so specific it only has main street thats the problem iam trying to find a solution for it but still wainting to see what can be done althought i barely use it i bought the car with the tech package more because of the bose and keyles entry and the siruis satelite radio is working great i alove it

Hey Nadim the navigation system works in the DR.??

[Derrick_B]

if u dont get the tech package are the spaces for the 10 speakers still there? cause i think thats whats really winning me over...
Why? Are you thinking about putting speakers there? There isn't much point, really. The main things to be concerned with are the front door speakers/components and maybe a sub. Bose is just playing the numbers game. The average person has no clue about stereo systems. They see more speakers and think better. They see more watts and think better. That's not necessarily the case. The Bose system is mostly junk. I suggest you listen to it for a while first. To me, the biggest benefit of the tech package is keyless ignition, followed by nav, perimeter alarm, and Sirius.

[coololddude]

No.

[JrTekSilverP5]

Why? Are you thinking about putting speakers there? There isn't much point, really. The main things to be concerned with are the front door speakers/components and maybe a sub. Bose is just playing the numbers game. The average person has no clue about stereo systems. They see more speakers and think better. They see more watts and think better. That's not necessarily the case. The Bose system is mostly junk. I suggest you listen to it for a while first. To me, the biggest benefit of the tech package is keyless ignition, followed by nav, perimeter alarm, and Sirius.I know more isnt always better... speakers or wattage... i would like to just have the optional spots... and yeah i really like the keyless ignition too...

[Derrick_B]

I know more isnt always better... speakers or wattage... i would like to just have the optional spots... and yeah i really like the keyless ignition too...
I know that there are tweeters in the non-Bose (tweeters, front woofers, rear woofers for a total of 6 speakers). The Bose system adds two small (3", I think) C-pillar speakers that you'll never hear in the front seats, a center channel that I don't even think is active unless you're using Centerpoint (which sounds aweful), and a 5" "subwoofer" in the spare tire. I don't know if the non-Bose has mounts for the C-piller speakers or center channel, but that's all you'd be gaining. I'm not saying the tech package isn't worth it, but its value has little to do with the Bose system. Lol.

[kushp777]

i love my tech package/ The bose is ok...id agree it there are better things out there, but i would not say its garbage by any means. Nav may be small, but it has been useful for me. Visiting cities i dont know much about, it is nice to be able to look up where the nearest park, mall, hotel, golf course, atm, and gas statiosn are...as well as many other things. the key system is great. the key never leaves my pocket wheather its unlocking/locking the doors, starting the car, or opening the trunk. call it lazy but its convient and quick!

[Stavesacre21]

Sounds like i'm gonna be goin against the grain here, but with it being the ONLY option you can check off on the car, i've been happy with it.

Those slamming the Bose system haven't obviously had many other FACTORY bose systems before. I owned an RX-8 AND MS6 that both had one, and neither of them sounded as good. MUCH more power down low (which alone is impressive for Bose). It's not gonna rattle any neighborhood windows, but it's one of the best factory systems i've heard (Second to maybe the Mach460). Could have to do with the Sub in floor of the back, but I like the sound.

As for the Nav...err....it's ok in a jam. I'd still prefer to use my Garmin if given the chance, but having it there just incase you need is has come in handy almost a 1/2 dozen times already. It's not too high on the "bling" factor like the pop-up screens on the RX8 and MS6, but it gets the job done. When it goes into "night" mode to take a lot of the glare off, it gets very difficult to read road names. I'm only 27, so it's not like i need bi-focals either.

The keyless is nice, although IMO they shoulda did the credit-card sized deal (such as the MS6 GT did). It's MUCH nicer to not have any keys at all then carry the one around and not have to actually use it. IMO, it kinda defeats the purpose. It has to come with you and you have to carry it, so why again is it even keyless?

I've used the bluetooth a good number of times too, it's been pretty nice. Playing music through your phone to the stereo is really nice if you've got nothing with you to play.

All said and done, if you're looking at buying a car for $24K anyway, I think the addition of the only option offered is worth it IMO.

$24K VS. $25.8K - you're looking at a 6% difference in price on a $24K car. To me, having everything it offers for that price is more then worth it.

Now when you get to most cars and there is a 15-30% difference, that's when you should be tightening it up.

Biggest application that was ommitted from the car (beit tech package or not) - HIDs! Easily remedied with some DDMs that took all of 10 minutes to install, but still...SHOULD HAVE BEEN FACTORY or at least had the option!

Yea, I got it, and I'd do it again.

[NathanR]

I stated my reasons already, but here is one VERY important one from a different angle:

Keyless entry / start
When the zombies attack, you'll be thankful that you didn't have to hunt around your pockets for the keys. THEN run the risk of dropping them on the ground when you finally go to unlock/start your car. Just leave them puppies right in yer pocket...push two buttons and your away!

[nadim]

i just noticed yesterday in my nav screen that there is a small dot like of vapor inside the screen dunno where it should from what could be...

[JrTekSilverP5]

i stated my reasons already, but here is one very important one from a different angle:

keyless entry / start
when the zombies attack, you'll be thankful that you didn't have to hunt around your pockets for the keys. Then run the risk of dropping them on the ground when you finally go to unlock/start your car. Just leave them puppies right in yer pocket...push two buttons and your away!
great point!!! Its final!!! Push button start for me!!!

[MSP1524]

I like mine! The navi works good and I like the fact that it's integrated in the interior. Don't like the look of an aftermarket navi stuck to the dashboard or window. The keyless entry is sweet. It's especially nice to see on a car at this price point(thumb). And the Bose system sounds fine. I've given up trying to get great sound in a car. It's just too hostile an environment for high fidelity.Just my 2cents.(cheers2). Love the push-button start!

[Stavesacre21]

i just noticed yesterday in my nav screen that there is a small dot like of vapor inside the screen dunno where it should from what could be...

At times like these, ya just gotta love factory warranties (drinks)

[CorkSport]

I stated my reasons already, but here is one VERY important one from a different angle:

Keyless entry / start
When the zombies attack, you'll be thankful that you didn't have to hunt around your pockets for the keys. THEN run the risk of dropping them on the ground when you finally go to unlock/start your car. Just leave them puppies right in yer pocket...push two buttons and your away!


I forgot about the zombie attack benefit of the keyless starting.

[mazdame3]

I've got the 10 speaker bose in my 3 and I think its awesome for factory sound, my Jetta monsoon system dose'nt come close and all the other factory sound packages that I have heard in this class are lame...just listen and let your own ears be the judge...everybodys sound palet is different.

[slashsnake]

If they had just the keyless push button, as an option I would have thought about it. So not needed, but so cool. Didn't need the nav at all and I'll put in the stereo I want if I am going to pay for it. Just me though...

[ASmitty]

I love the tech package. The keyless fob being the best part. Is the stereo the best thing ever? no. But its clear, and can get loud without vibrating the entire car. The nav system is better than nothing, its useful at times, not so useful at others.

[Circle9]

I think its worth it, but then again, I got mine for free :D The Bose system can get very loud, but stays clear.

[JTMS3]

Worth it!

[LOPEZ]

I like it, I also have a 2008 CX-9 GT but this 2010 MS3 GT Tech package is a lot better.
(hi)

[Shoota]

I don't think you get a choice in Canada - pretty sure they all have the tech package and it costs $33k before tax.

I really like the keyless, the sat nav is handy (although it can't even find its way out of my neighbourhood) and the audio is alright. I would still go for it though.

[coololddude]

Three possible answers: NO, No, and no.

[Stavesacre21]

I don't think you get a choice in Canada - pretty sure they all have the tech package and it costs $33k before tax.

I really like the keyless, the sat nav is handy (although it can't even find its way out of my neighbourhood) and the audio is alright. I would still go for it though.

And most unfair of all...stock HIDs and Pearl white paint. Go Canada.

[Slow*Jim]

I test drove one with the tech package and one without - couldn't tell a difference between the two stereos. Nav screen sucks. Push button start is cool but not worth $1800 - so IMO, save your money.

[badfish2]

I bought without tech...

I think the push button start would be really cool. Everything else doesn't seem worth it.

I've heard that the nav screen, while small, is surprisingly usable.

The stereo in the standard model is in my opinion GREAT (for factory). I will not be replacing anything in it, and for what it's worth am selling all of my car audio stuff that was in my last car...that had a 4 channel amp driving internal speakers, and a nice 2 channel driving a sub.

I am not a big boomer, but prefer a full sound that a subwoofer delivers.

I am fine with this stereo...so for me... Bose is not worth it. Besides, you know the saying right ?? "No Highs, No Lows, Gotta be Bose"

[nastynogales]

congrats!