Mazdaspeed 3

[dcgolfdr]

First, let me say that my M3 is not going anywhere. I am looking for a cheaper, small and relatively quick car that I can use as my daily and something I can beat up without feeling bad. Others I am checking out are the GTI and the WRX. I used to have a Protege back in college and I destroyed that thing but it never let me down, so I would assume that Mazda still makes quality cars. If anyone has any insight I would love to hear it.
Thanks.

[Artmasterx]

First, are you looking new or used or both?

I can't say much about long-term reliability, and really anything with a turbo has the potential for issues down the road. Back in 08 I looked at a Mazdaspeed3, Legacy GT, and briefly at the WRX.

I thought the MS3 was a lot of fun, but the interior quality is about what you'd expect... decent but not great in terms of fit and finish. All that torque makes it really fun and it actually sounds pretty good for what it is. If you are looking used and want the older body style, definitely look for a 08.5-09 grand touring which has the alcantara seat inserts. It's definitely worth a test drive.

If I was to move back to the US today, I would also seriously consider the '11 WRX, since the new body style is significantly better looking than 08-10, and it is fast and relatively cheap if you get the base model. It would also be good for the occasional snow you get in NoVa.

The GTI will probably get the best all-around tag. My brother has an 06 or 07 that he has really liked. It has a nice interior and a good all-around build but won't be near as fast as the other two. It will also win the MPG fight rather easily. The new Golf R that is coming out should be excellent though if you want AWD, but it would be getting a bit pricy.

Some others you could consider may be the coming-soon Focus ST, Mini Cooper S, Audi A3...

[TSM330i]

You could get a used 128i with a 6-speed manual for the same price.

[Artmasterx]

Originally Posted by AW325xi

You could get a used 128i with a 6-speed manual for the same price.

+1, I really enjoyed my 128i manual with sports package.

[abisson]

I looked at the MS3 and WRX before buying my GTI.

Overall, the WRX has the best performance, but the interior is "meh", same for the MS3. I like getting in my car and be comfortable in it, with a lot of electronics ( my GTI is fully loaded). Didn't like the ride of the MS3. Too stiff and the gaz mileage is soooo bad. The GTI power is more than enough, and just chipping it you get back at where the MS3 is. So good bargain.

Google "MS3 vs GTI". They are always compared and like 95% of the time, the GTI wins. Take a look at the reads, they are good!

[mtla4]

Let let me chime in had an 2010 2.5 GT Mazda3 it was a good car. As I type my GTI is in the shop for engine replacement my brother has a GLI no problem with his (he doesnt do oil changes nor maintenance go figure.....my GTI has been a nightmare ever since I got it. I might get a speed3 as my daily pretty shortly. I'm tired blown radio, blown engine, chipping paint, this that this F that. Again my GTI HAS been the best car that I had value/performance fun to drive factor to date. I love it but my (current) GTI is a goner (I might get an other one or a Golf R). Im a big VW/Audi fan hell the A4 in my name was in reference of my ex ex ex ex ex ex car A4 BUT my GTI has been terrible mind you it's stock. I always say it's my last vw/audi but when I go back to test drive one at the dealer I always end up getting back to the roots...you wouldn't understand it's a vw thing

[asian010]

golf r when it comes out

[abisson]

Originally Posted by asian010

golf r when it comes out

Too expensive for the value imo. Better get a 135i at the price...

[Year's_End]

+10^

[TwinTurboXI]

Look into used e90 330's... They can be had for a decent price. 255 hp, good mpg's and pretty reliable.

[mtla4]

Originally Posted by abisson

Too expensive for the value imo. Better get a 135i at the price...

Golf R will be 39K canadian I paid 49K+tx for my 135 M-Sport sunroof (No-Ipod,no comfort access, HAD leatherette) 6 mt in 2008 there is a 10K difference. In that case I find the Golf R is better.

Go check the civic si it's cheaper then all those cars way more reliableI had an RSX-S(same engine as the SI)back in the days man it was fun but no torque. You could also check out the genesis.

[Eric@e2design]

Older subbie impreza NON TURBO.. you can pick one up for sub 10k it's manual.. it makes a great daily.. does excellent gas mileage and is great.. rocks in the rain.. wont break on you and if it does parts are easy and any subbie tech can work on it (assuming you duno) aside from that its a very simple car to work on.

[mmm def]

The Mazdaspeed is a fun car, just make sure you are OK with fwd with all that power. I had a '10 GTI with APR and really couldn't stand the FWD feel. The Mazda has much worse torque steer than the APR chipped GTI. If I had to do it all over, I would have gone with a WRX instead due to AWD, and then the Mazdaspeed3 over a GTI. It's more fun and raw, the GTI is polished smooth, but just a bit boring.

I sold my GTI for an E46 M3 and haven't looked back.

[CAPSGOD]

Had 3 Subarus.. if you can live with the interior they are very fun and reliable.


The Volvo C30 R-Design also looks great and has the 5-cylinder turbo from the Focus RS

[jaco]

My friend had 70k on his 07 MS3 before it started to give him issues. He would get 29 to 33 mpg on the highway. It was a very fun little car, but the ride wasnt that great. A GTI can hit 30k pretty easily which is a lot of money for that car. You could almost look at a v6 mustang for a cheaper price with similar performance.

I drove the current MS3 before I got the 335. It is a fun and fast little car. It's a great value.

[py0413]

It is very difficult to convince me on buying any vw after working at vw dealership. That's all I have to say.

[powertrip]

I was in a similar situation with my M. It was too loud and inefficient to use for work. I looked at the GTI, Speed 3, and C30.

The C30 was an instant no go because I didn't like the automatic. The Speed 3 was too ricer for me, and the Bose stereo and mini nav are worthless.

I ended up buying an '11 GTI last night. It as a more grown up feel to it, and the DSG is perfectly calibrated. As for VW reliability goes, my childhood friend has worked at the VW test track in AZ since he left college. He gave me the thumbs up for GTI reliability.

[Schn3ll]

^ I am in the same boat. I picked up my '11 GTI a couple months ago. Great car, no issues. Definitely one of the best bang for the buck cars out there. Mine is loaded with Autobahn and DSG.

I already have APR stg. 1, sways, intake, and coils... It's a sickness.

[powertrip]

Not to thread jack, but how do you like the APR stage 1? I'm having a tough time deciding between APR and Revo.

Originally Posted by Schn3ll

^ I am in the same boat. I picked up my '11 GTI a couple months ago. Great car, no issues. Definitely one of the best bang for the buck cars out there. Mine is loaded with Autobahn and DSG.

I already have APR stg. 1, sways, intake, and coils... It's a sickness.

[CAPSGOD]

Originally Posted by powertrip

I was in a similar situation with my M. It was too loud and inefficient to use for work. I looked at the GTI, Speed 3, and C30.

The C30 was an instant no go because I didn't like the automatic. The Speed 3 was too ricer for me, and the Bose stereo and mini nav are worthless.

there is a manual transmission C30. unless you needed an auto

[krnnerdboy]

civic si....or tdi anything