Mazdaspeed3 vs. FR-S

[iviagickiwi]

Hey all,

In the next month, I need to purchase a car for my son (who will be entering college, and needs a car for his commute). He has loved cars ever since he was a little kid, so i've looked at enthusiast-oriented cars.

I've narrowed down the choice to two cars: 2009 mazdaspeed 3 or a 2013 scion fr-s. My question to you guys is: which would be a better choice? Taking in all factors (price, mpg, reliability, fun factor, etc.) which choice will pay off in the long run?

Now i realize this is a MAZDASPEED biased forum (I myself am leaning towards the speed3), but please try to keep the responses bias-free!

Thanks in advance!




EDIT: I'm tired of the "hate" spewed on this thread: if you're going to post a recommendation that takes into account either the supposed "irresponsibility" of my son or his lack of driving skill (which i assure you he has plenty of), DON'T POST AT ALL. I didn't come here to hear advice on how or how not to raise MY son. Everyone should stick to THEIR OWN FAMILY.

[Roddiy]

Originally Posted by iviagickiwi Hey all, In the next month, I need to purchase a car for my son (who will be entering college, and needs a car for his commute). He has loved cars ever since he was a little kid, so i've looked at enthusiast-oriented cars. I've narrowed down the choice to two cars: 2009 mazdaspeed 3 or a 2013 scion fr-s. My question to you guys is: which would be a better choice? Taking in all factors (price, mpg, reliability, fun factor, etc.) which choice will pay off in the long run? Now i realize this is a MAZDASPEED biased forum (I myself am leaning towards the speed3), but please try to keep the responses bias-free! Thanks in advance!

How old is your son? I'm going to assume 18 since college. Is this his first car? Does he have any experience with fast cars? Is he responsible when it comes to these things?

I know if my MS3 had been my first car I wouldn't have lasted a week. But then again, I'm not a model of responsibility either.


If this is his first car, get him the FR-S.

[Koke382]

the 09 would be cheaper, the frs would have higer mpg, idk how reliable the frs is but the speed3 is pretty reliable, the speed3 has been known to be more fun to drive then its competitors. I guess it comes down to how much your willing to waste really, both cars are good, i love my speed and i dont think i would change platforms unless i pay it off and go to a newer speed 3 or an evo.

[mingenyx]

college kids should hit the books not cars. get him a honda civic.

i mean the mazda, hatchback, frs has no room its small. hatchback to carry books in and kids love boost. two completely different cars not sure how you got to comparing a rwd NA to a fwd fi

/endthread

[JP_Playboy]

Do not let him get a speed if he still believes he is invincible in his young age. these cars will scare the hell out of some people and people who are inexperienced will do something stupid and all it takes is one time. Just my $.02.

[omgvance]

I would vote for the FRS, great reliability, great handling, looks great, will soon have a wide range of aftermarket parts for the go fast. Though I love the MS3 to death and that would also be an awesome choice.

-I would get which ever is cheaper on insurance and gas

[BPASPEED]

Get him the speed 3, hatchback, 4 doors, reliable and NATOR will have his back when needed. He will need the hatch room while in college.

who cares how i sent it!

[shaftyella]

I believe giving a MS3 to an 18y/o kid is asking for trouble. FR-S seems like the better choice of the two, but I think a used Miata or 240sx would be a better choice.

[SRTie4k]

I wouldn't get him a turbo car. If its either-or between the MS3 and the FRS, I'd get him the FRS. It won't get him into trouble nearly as easily.

[trf5000]

Get him something old as balls, not a new car. Everyone should have a shit car while their in college so that they at least understand why they are there.

[Monotonous ONE]

FRS

Speed3 isnt worth having unless you mod it

[captain slow]

RWD in a snowy area? Nope not for an 18 yr old kid. An 18 yr old also shouldn't have a boosted car. I've lost too many friends back in the day. We were all stupid back then. I can't even count how many times I shoulda been dead in my 93 Ford Tempo. Stay away from both.

[Speeden6]

I would say go older car, civic or accord, decent gas millage, reliable and cheap to fix. the FRS is to flashy, shows a "Rich Boy" status and the MS3 is to much power. I am 30 and still get into trouble in my MS6. no tickets for 6 years +, 3 moths into my MS6 got a speeding ticket.

Also the FRS is going to have a slew of mods out and will become a tuner in time. keep him safe and studying. my first car was a 1978 Triumph spitfire. get hims something like that! lol .

[Mase]

WTF is this shit? First of all your kid should be buying his own fucking car. Isn't it bad enough you have to pay for his college? Secondly you should get him just enough to survive. Quit spoiling the little shit or he will turn out like half the yuppie fucks out there these days...

[scriccs]

Originally Posted by Mase WTF is this shit? First of all your kid should be buying his own fucking car. Isn't it bad enough you have to pay for his college? Secondly you should get him just enough to survive. Quit spoiling the little shit or he will turn out like half the yuppie fucks out there these days...

Agreed. I worked hard and earned a scholarship, took out loans, graduated college, got a job and bought my own MS3.

Honestly both cars are great but are not for an 18 year old. I'm 24 and still do stupid shit in mine. Get some something else and let him buy something else when he graduates.

[8.5MS3]

im 26, ive loved cars all my life

my parents gave me their old car, and that was good enough for me. It was my responsibility to maintain it and keep it on the road.

your son is going from driving nothing to whatever you give him. if it has 30 hp its going to be "fast" for him.

i was ecstatic to drive this hunk of shit through college



give him a down payment as a gift when he graduates with decent grades so he can get what he wants/can afford

giving a teenager a car capable of 150mph is rather dumb on your part.


not sayin, just sayin

[Oliverms3]

Originally Posted by Mase WTF is this shit? First of all your kid should be buying his own fucking car. Isn't it bad enough you have to pay for his college? Secondly you should get him just enough to survive. Quit spoiling the little shit or he will turn out like half the yuppie fucks out there these days...

I agree... this kid needs to buy his own car.

if ever... don't buy this kid the frs nor the ms3. it will be a death trap.

if he gets the frs... he'll try to drift that fucker and hit a poll or something
if he gets the ms3... torq steer that bitch to up coming traffic (not really) but the car has power and he will get a lot more trouble with it.

[Redline77]

Get the MS3 and a Cobb tuner for it. Tune it for low boost and you can set the max speed/etc so you know for a fact he/she is not abusing "A WELL EARNED GIFT".

[Roddiy]

Originally Posted by scriccs Agreed. I worked hard and earned a scholarship, took out loans, graduated college, got a job and bought my own MS3. Honestly both cars are great but are not for an 18 year old. I'm 24 and still do stupid shit in mine. Get some something else and let him buy something else when he graduates.

20 here, my first car was a crappy passed down ford focus that broke down a lot. Taught me responsibility and to respect the car.

I paid almost fully for my MS3, my dad helped out with like 3 grand as a graduation present. Plus the focus needed to go.

Either way, I've loved cars since I was a kid, do I still do stupid shit in my MS3? Hell yeah I do, but when the roads are empty, plus I've gained skill/control of the car to do so.


If my MS3 had been my first, I would have just found a road, hit 150mph and never came home.

[I<3Groceries]

Have to admit, I agree with a lot of the others here. Get him a nice gift for graduating college. That is the real achievement. Having an average car that is not worth tinkering with, but is still reliable, will have him maintain his focus on his studies while a college student.

I don't know your son. As his parent, you should be able to evaluate his capacity to stay responsible, stay out of trouble, and recognize potential hazards. That is, if you are dead set on getting a performance car. For an irresponsible or careless driver, the Mazdaspeed 3 is a car that can get you into trouble. I believe the Scion is likely a more tame vehicle. If you have the slightest distrust in his ability to maintain responsibility, get him a Huffy.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

[MS3inDC]

FR-S is direct injection like the our cars...

That car may be just as quirky to mods as our cars are... ason installs an intake... 50 miles later... boom. Vented block... just sayin'

[Scoobs]

Originally Posted by Oliverms3 I agree... this kid needs to buy his own car. if ever... don't buy this kid the frs nor the ms3. it will be a death trap. if he gets the frs... he'll try to drift that fucker and hit a poll or something if he gets the ms3... torq steer that bitch to up coming traffic (not really) but the car has power and he will get a lot more trouble with it.

He s there to learn, learning that you need to work hard to own something nice is important. Can t stand parents giving everything to their kids, they down learn respect toward others that "have not". They look down on them thinking they are better.

If you still want to buy something, nothing fast or racey. A Versa SL Hatchback with a CVT would be perfect, roomy, safe, and slow. The "Sport" option looks good enough, hell I had that for 2 years and I still think that it was a good little car for a young drive or a small family.
Canadian car but you get the idea

2009 Nissan Versa SL Sport For Sale - YouTube

2009 Nissan Versa SL Sport For Sale - YouTube

[xI Leveler Ix]

I wanted a 2006 mustang GT for my first car at 16... want to know what I got? 2000 Single Cab F150, V6 Manual w/ 145k miles.... Slow as eff and if I got hit, I wouldn't die.

Then got a Regular Mazda6 v6 at 19 (220chp). Loved that car, first car I bought on my own. Thought it was fast, then I got my first ticket 93 in a 70. Learned the hard way not to speed. Drove that for a year. learned alot from that ticket and car.

Then I sold the 6 and bought my Speed6. I'm 20 now and I feel like I drive very responsibly now. Only go WOT a midnight w nobody around on a safe road. it only takes one time to fuck everything up.

[iviagickiwi]

alright, this message is a reply to all those who believe that my son shouldn't have either of the two cars.

first of all, he was a honors student all through high school and i have never had any problems with him behaviorally-speaking. He has gotten into a great school and into a honors college-like program. He has faced a lot of adult decisions and has ALWAYS made the right choice.

He is used to high-performing cars, as I myself own a highly modified Evo IX and he has driven it regularly without any issues.

I didn't ask for your opinion on whether or not he should have either of the two cars: i simply asked which one would you chose based on the pros and cons of cars.

To those of you who have answered my question, thanks a lot!

[surebOOst]

I got you op. Get him a wrx a mid 2000s model at most. Its fun turbo and awd so good for winter. Not the fastest but he will need to learn to respect the car and how to care for it before he steps up to the next level.

My vote is 02-05 wrx

[Karmat]

Not so sure the RWD FR-S is a proper car for someone who has no driving experience. In-climate weather and inexperience in Illinois is a perfect recipe for getting wrapped around a tree. RWD needs proper attention and experience to be driven in bad weather.

[surebOOst]

Originally Posted by iviagickiwi alright, this message is a reply to all those who believe that my son shouldn't have either of the two cars. first of all, he was a honors student all through high school and i have never had any problems with him behaviorally-speaking. He has gotten into a great school and into a honors college-like program. He has faced a lot of adult decisions and has ALWAYS made the right choice. He is used to high-performing cars, as I myself own a highly modified Evo IX and he has driven it regularly without any issues. I didn't ask for your opinion on whether or not he should have either of the two cars: i simply asked which one would you chose based on the pros and cons of cars. To those of you who have answered my question, thanks a lot!

Op i had you until this post so I cant stop the hounds now...

Just because your son is an honor student and has driven you "highly" modified 9 doesnt mean he will be smart driver. If you really believe the way he acts infront of you is the way he is with his friends then your one old fool to believe it. What ever you get he will race. What you need to think about is his safety. You making a thread asked for opinions on everything you put in it. Guys here dont like it when teenagers kill themselves driving these type cars because its sad and insurance goes up.

Man up and take this criticism the way its meant to be. Dont get a 18yo car enthusiast a performance car....why?


BECAUSE RACECAR MENTALITY

[8.5MS3]

Originally Posted by iviagickiwi alright, this message is a reply to all those who believe that my son shouldn't have either of the two cars. first of all, he was a honors student all through high school and i have never had any problems with him behaviorally-speaking. He has gotten into a great school and into a honors college-like program. He has faced a lot of adult decisions and has ALWAYS made the right choice. He is used to high-performing cars, as I myself own a highly modified Evo IX and he has driven it regularly without any issues. I didn't ask for your opinion on whether or not he should have either of the two cars: i simply asked which one would you chose based on the pros and cons of cars. To those of you who have answered my question, thanks a lot!

ill let you in on a little secret

how i act with my parents is completely different when im with my friends

im more prone to asshattery and douchbaggery when surrounded by fellow douchebags and dingbats

your son is no exception.

you did whatever you did to get to where you are, your son needs to learn some responsibility.

otherwise you are just one of the same dumbass parents that buys their kids an M3 or the like, then he wrecks it, probably killing someone in the process,and you buy him another one

ive seen it quite often

[Mase]

Originally Posted by iviagickiwi alright, this message is a reply to all those who believe that my son shouldn't have either of the two cars. first of all, he was a honors student all through high school and i have never had any problems with him behaviorally-speaking. He has gotten into a great school and into a honors college-like program. He has faced a lot of adult decisions and has ALWAYS made the right choice. He is used to high-performing cars, as I myself own a highly modified Evo IX and he has driven it regularly without any issues. I didn't ask for your opinion on whether or not he should have either of the two cars: i simply asked which one would you chose based on the pros and cons of cars. To those of you who have answered my question, thanks a lot!

Good job kid! Here's a brand new FR-S for you to wrap around a pole the first chance you get. Seriously though...sounds like a great kid. Have you lavished him with expensive toys his whole life? Any reason you are considering a brand new FR-S vs. a used 2009 Speed3? I love the Speed3 for its power, handling, and its styling. The FR-S is sweet because its rear wheel drive and has great styling. Between the two I would go with the FR-S but only because its brandy new....

[Midnitehours]

either car can get him in trouble, as long as the traction off button exists. light weight rwd car with 200 hp is still alot to handle when there's no driver's aids.

speed3 would be more usefull in trips back home as he'll be able to carry more things. Plus you have the ability of getting a AP and putting that sucker into Valet mode should the tickets start adding up.

[iviagickiwi]

Done with this thread and forum, not what i came here for.

[Worbit]

Hey OP, welcome to MSF

[Scoobs]

Originally Posted by iviagickiwi Done with this thread and forum, not what i came here for.

Smartest thing you've said so far...goodbye.

[public enemy #1]

Hey I'm not gonna jump in to judge whether he's a good driver or not; these guys are going based of the average stats of an 18 y/o driver. Need go fast, safety belt no-go, I R best driver in da wurld.

If you think he can handle a turbo FWD car then hell go for it. Just make sure he understands what torque steer and understeer are before you let him go from your Evo to the MS3.

I think if he's that responsible then he should be fine; I did alright in school and joined the military. I deployed and came back with some money then I bought my first car. Money hard earned and well spent - until I took that RX-8 into a switchback at 80 mph and hit a brick wall. I miscounted the turns but that's all it takes for it to be luck of the draw on your son's life. I know I wouldn't even let my own sister get in a turbo vehicle or anything exceeding 220 ahp (anything horsepower ) because she would get tempted; I'm not saying your son would do the same... Just remember with the power and torque available the temptation constantly increases.

For anyone who cares: I walked away with no injuries uh-thank-ya. Then I bought another 8 and sprayed it


Aww lame, he left. I guess I was too late on putting in my $.02

[8.5MS3]

Originally Posted by iviagickiwi Done with this thread and forum, not what i came here for.

one of the few times MSF is getting bitched at for acting like responsible adults

sorry we did not just blindly tell you what you wanted to hear op, but we have opinions of our own and will not hesitate to voice them, even if they offend you

[Neverlift]

4 doors as necessary in college... to fuck bitches in.

BTW... Evo does all the skill-related BS for you so its hard to compare it with a drivers car (rwd) and a turbo station wagon.

[Oliverms3]

OP..

[Worbit]

Why doesn't OP just get his kid a Evo IX since he seems to drive it with responsibility?

[06Speed6]

Damn you guys made him quit the forum in less than a hour! That has to be a record of some kind.

I think he should give him his Evo9 and name me the beneficiary of his life insurance policy.

In all honesty though, I know all of you guys were driving your Geo Prisms and Ford Pintos at 110mph back in the day and thats way more dangerous than a MS3/6 at the speed limiter because at least our cars are halfway made for it.

[anavrinIV]

when I was 16 I got a '99 sonoma to drive (was driving my dad's f150 until I got t-boned in it and it was totaled). it had about 200hp and was rwd. I'm convinced it was a much more dangerous than an fr-s due to how light it was over the rear end. at 1800 rpm in the rain it would take off sideways with 245 tires. it was quick for a truck but had sub-par brakes. it generally handled well but when the back end let go the whole thing went around fast.

you've made your mind up that it's between these 2 cars so I'll give my opinion on the options.

the ms3 is much more powerful. critics rage on the torque steer but it's not really an issue once you know what you're dealing with. since it's fwd it will be better in bad weather, and if he's in the school in the north or in the mountains that will be beneficial. since you're getting it used it will be cheaper, and since it's a hatchback insurance will be cheaper. it's more practical for moving him to and from school with the 5 doors.

the fr-s will be new so you know it won't be thrashed. it's less powerful, but can still be driven hard around turns and will go fast, just not accelerate as hard. being naturally aspirated there are less parts that can go bad and just less to go wrong in general. being a sports coupe insurance will be more expensive (especially on an 18 year old driver) and the car will cost much more being new.

all that said, I would go with the ms3 because it will be a safer and cheaper vehicle all around. yes, they are both powerful cars but the drive wheels are different and bad weather driving effects will be very different. If there are options of other cars, I agree with the above 2005-2007 wrx as an all around good option.

I will say this about the responsibility though...

I graduated high school in the top 5% of my class, got into every school that I applied to, and went to college on a scholarship in an honors program. I graduated with an engineering degree in 4 years with a 3.86/4.00 GPA. I got accepted out of college into a doctorate program with a fellowship stipend. I've made plenty of adult decisions and have been generally successful so far. My dad used to let me drive his marauder around and I never had a problem with it. But I drove that car 85 in a 35 down residential streets just to see how fast I could get it in a stretch. I slid that sonoma all over the place. I drive my speed like I stole it, I take it to the race track, and I take off ramps like i'm running from the cops.

Just because there have "never been any problems" doesn't mean he's not being an idiot.

As for all the guys here bitching about it, come the fuck on. 20 year olds acting like they're all grown up and talking about responsibility vs. an 18 year old....take a step back and really look at it from this guy's perspective because there's not much difference between 18 and 20. I'm 22 and know that I'm not any better. Stangcobra is 17 and had a...surprise! a cobra before his speed (neither of which he wrecked). This guy asked a question and deserves a response, not a bunch of bitching complaints because your dad never bought you the car you wanted.