I have been thinking about trading in my '04 Ralliart. After trying to trade it in on a EVO IX, and being very disapointed at where my payments would be, (around $600 a month with the money I would roll over from my Ralliart), I am starting to look at other cars that will fit my price range. I also need something with a little bit more room for hauling my musical equipment, and my wife is starting in with the "what about when we have kids?" stuff.

So I ran across the Mazdaspeed 3. With it being a 4 door hatchback with 263hp 6 speed it seems like a perfect blend of space and speed. I know this car in no way touches the EVO or STI, but I just wanted to see others think about this car. Opinions appreciated.


http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/disp...er=upcomingMS3

 

Go for it as it looks like it will provide a good bang for the buck much like the SRT4 did back in 2003.

 

Hate to say it but it will move from a roll lol...maybe even keep up with stock 8s,srts, and stis

 

I think I will go look at it today after work. Maybe go for a test drive if they have one on the lot. This may turn out to be exactly what I was looking for.

 

I've actually been strongly considering dumping one of my cars and picking one of those up. Are they even out yet? I didnt know they reached dealer lots already, let me know!

 

If you can find one. Reports are these will sell out quickly. If you test it post your thoughts here. Curious about the severity of the torque steer.

 

Sounds like a great car for hauling shiet...... lift gate and fold down seats.

You should grab one if you can.

 

Went to the lot last night. They don't have them on the lot yet. Guy said that they have to build atleast one car for each dealership in the area, and then they will send them out to the dealership. The dealership by me will have the first one next Tursday. It will be Red with the grand touring package. I've already talked to the salesman, and If I like the car, I can put down $1000 on the Grey one I want and they will hold it for me. The car wont actualy be build untill December and will not be delivered until mid-January. Which will give me plenty of time to save a little money so Im not so upside down on the Ralliart, and I got my Christmas bonus coming that will be around 2-3gs. He also told me they only build 2000 of these cars a quarter, so they are going to go fast!

Bottom line, I test drove and sat in the regular 2.3, and I love the car. The space is great, and it turned out to be exactly what I needed. Plus the 264hp will be a great bonus!!! This will be a great Christmas present to myself!!

 

Are they selling for MSRP or is there a mark up?

 

The guys is saying 22gs for the base, and 24 for the Grand Touring. No screwing around with mark ups. He said that Mazda is not allowed to do mark ups, but I've seen them do it on the on the Miatas.

 

The MazdaSpeed 3 sounds like a great all-around car. You can haul things and people around, and still break it loose on the weekends.

Just be careful of the torque steer.

 

i have been looking at that car for a little while now. one of my friends is thinking about getting one next spring.

from everything i have seen and read, it is going to be a very capable, powerful little car.

i'm not real crazy about the hatch, personal preference, but it is a very nice hatch end on it.

i would say go for it.

 

I've read the torque steer is a little better than anticipated. I think I read that 1st and 2nd gear are regulated, and the LSD to control it. And like you said, this is a total hooligan car. Im pretty excited.

 

i read an article the other day that compared it to a wrx. it peformed better and had a lot nicer interior with options like leather and navi. the only thing it didn't have versus the wrx was AWD. if i was in the market for a car in that price range i would definately look into the mazdaspeed 3.

 

Go for it!

MS3 > Ralliart.

100mph+ trap speeds, exterior and interior to die for... this lil hatch will give alot of cars on the road a headache; they have hit dealers in socal too. I also have the Motor Trend mag were the MS3 rape the WRX in every category (including track) except for the launch, other than that it was smooth sailing for the MS3. Honestly, I would rather get one over a WRX, as it's dated. Wait to parts start rolling out, IE: MBC, TBE, Filter, FP, Reflash, FMIC.... watch out!