First Gen to Second Gen?
 

Well, to give a bit of background, I just sold my 2005 GTO and I'm looking at a Speed3. I didn't like the look of the second gen so I was sold on the first gen. Found a clean 2008.5 unmodified 34,000 mile first gen and drove 2 hours to go see it. A guy from the forums came with me (owns a 2010 Speed3) and well, the make a long story short, I didn't end up buying the first gen (bunch of exterior scratches) and now I'm actually starting to lean to the second gen.

My question to you guys is, why did you choose the second gen over the first gen and other than exterior styling, what are the major differences between the first and second gen and then the differences between the years of the second gen?

Gen2 for me. I like the looks in black but also because it was my only option. Getting a clean gen1 is like finding the tightest whore in the whore house....its not going to happen unless she is new and your her first or second.

I've had both. I like the second gen better.
The gear ratios and clutch in the second gen are much improved.
The only thing I miss about my first gen is the power steering pump.

I was able to drive both today.

Why do you miss the power steering pump in the first gen?

From the research I've done on the generations, my understanding is that from the 1st to 2nd gen, the power is more linear on the second gen and the gears are longer. Power is easier to control on the second gen.

The only differences in the years of the second gen, is that the tech package is better on the 11's over the 10's

It has to do with the SWAS. In the first gen you can disconnect it with little downside. On the second gen you lose power steering if you disconnect it.
It's an autocross thing for me.

I'm finding it quite hard to find a 2011/tech package Speed3

You don't need to.. You can find a new 12' base or tech for cheap (21K and 23.5k) pretty easy.. and the 12' has one of the biggest advantage..white..

I actually like Gen 1 better. It has a deeper, throatier exhaust sound from the factory even though it has a single exit exhaust. And it has slightly different gearing in 1st and 2nd. Gen 1 is quicker to 60- 5.9 versus Gen 2- 6.1 or 6.2. Gen 2 is supposed to be slightly more fuel efficient.

When I decided to purchase an MS3 I looked as hard as I could for a Gen 1 used. The few good ones I found- unmodified, very low miles, etc. where sold immediately before I could even take a look at them. Carmax would get them in and they would sell same day. And the prices were the same and sometimes higher than I could get a brand new Gen 2 for. So I bought a new Gen 2 for 22K.

I notice a LOT better mileage in my Gentwo.
I like the gearing for autocross, the Genone ran out of second gear on faster courses. If you don't autocross, the gearing wouldn't matter.

The first gen definitely gets the stealth award.

I absolutley hated the gen2 so I searched and searched for about 6 months and found a gen1 with 15,xxx miles on it. Now that i've been on here awhile, the pu is growing on me. Especially in black or white or red, ah shit i like it now. so unless you luck out and find a super low mileage gen1, go for new and get a 2012!

Personally, I like the Gen2 looks over the gen 1 minus the stupid fucking smile. It's a sportier looking car whereas gen1 is more sleeper. It also has the longer gears, and the engine internals are slightly better/stronger.

I was initially interested in the Gen1, but I couldn't afford it at the time when I was looking. I ended up having to wait about 6 months, and all the new Gen1 cars were gone by then. After reading up on the forums, I decided there was no way I was buying a used one that's probably been modded, stocked out, warrantied, and everything else. That left me with the option of a new Gen2. I'm definitely not unhappy with it. I didn't test drive the Gen1 enough to be able to definitively compare the differences between the two.

+1

I didn't now about the internals.
I know the Gentwo is more sensitive to tuning and needs a HPFP more than Genone.

We all know these cars around going to hold a candle to my previous cars as far as HP goes, but that isn't the reason why I'm looking into the Mazdaspeed3.

I'm wanting a Mazdaspeed3 because I no longer care about having 400+ wheel HP on demand when realistically, I have no where in California I can use that legally.

As such, I'm looking for a car that is comfortable, fun to drive and will still get good MPG when I want to (by staying out of boost).

Will dealerships still have 2012's in their inventory or do I need to wait until a 3rd party is selling it? Also, how much are you usually able to talk dealerships down?

I am located in OC, California and I was able to pick up a 2012 MS3 new w/ tech just last week.

I was pretty particular about the MS3 I wanted (CWP w/ tech), and that took a little bit of looking. I only found about 3 in a 100 mile radius where the dealerships weren't jacking up the price. There are a comfortable amount of non-techs in white, black, and silver if you are looking for those.

I was able to talk down my dealership in Cerritos to 23.7k before TTL. I think I could have talked it down a bit more (and wish I would have now) but I didn't want to push my luck considering the bitch of a time I had tracking down this specific model.

Good luck on your search.

You should easily be able to get a MS3 at invoice price, maybe better on a 12 they are trying to get rid of.

They are a tough to find car where most often the dealers won't budge on the price, since they know someone sooner or later will pay the asking price. You have to really shop around. It took me 3 months of shopping and I had to go almost 100 miles away to get a good deal. And mine was not in stock- it was in transit- I had to wait 3 weeks. Well worth the wait and I saved over 2K by not buying local.

GenPu improvements over GenJuan:

1. Revised pistons design that provides a more efficient burn.

2. Revised k04 (in later models) that's slightly more efficient.

3. Stiffer chassis.

4. Wider stock wheels/tires (7.5" wheels, 225mm wide tires).

5. Slightly faster ECU processing speed.

6. BlueTooth connectivity.

7. Taller gears.

That's all I can think of off the top of my head (and bottom of my ass).

Changes that may or may not be improvements:

1. Electric power steering instead of hydraulic.

2. Spin-on oil filter instead of cartridge.

3. Hood scoop.

4. Revised valve cover vent system in an attempt to limit oil blowby on the turbo seals.

Tapadatass

Yet Gen Wons are still faster 0-60. :tongue:

Not without over-revving the engine. The GenJuan has to shift into 3rd to hit 60 MPH with stock redline, gears, and wheels/tires. The GenPu barely makes it over 60 MPH in second before hitting the stock 6700 RPM redline.


Tapadatass

Thanks a lot guys.

It's strange how looks can build on you and I think I'm going with the GenPu (I guess I have to get used to the lingo :))

Will probably trying to find a 2012 at a local dealer. Based on some research they are averaging around $23K before license & tax but don't know if those are ones with the tech package.

If you inquire threw truecar,costco,aaa,usaa you can get the car 500 below invoice + w.e rebates and incentives are out. I work in the internet sales department and deal with that pricing all day long. GOOD LUCK!

Though I was considering a 1st gen as well, I have always preferred the look of the 2nd gen. The smile doesn't bother me and I happen to prefer the hood scoop and split exit exhaust (ironic, considering I came from a 2004 GTO). Reasonably low mileage, relatively stock, and in good shape are extremely hard to find on the 1st gen market (at least they were for me).

Found a stock 2010, though, with only 13k miles and in immaculate condition for a great price and have been pleased.

Of course, HardHitter, I think you've already heard this story ;)

All gen 2 have Bluetooth.

Fixed.


Tapadatass

They even made a special color commemorating it.

The 2013s are out with even more improvements

I has genwon. Kills me inside that genpu has a 40% stiffer chassis.

But.

If I didn't have genwon, I would be throwing a CEL for being catless right now.

I'm in Portland Oregon, they just check DEQ by hooking up to your ODB.

I already have a CEL for EGR delete, so it would be bad if I had another.

So going catless? Genwon no CEL.

even though the genpu is growing on people im still not a fan of the looks. The mazdaspeed seats in the won are classic. Sleeper styling of the exterior on the won is very sleeper...fuck hood scoops get a fmic.

I'd rather have a pu honestly, nicer cars inside and out imo, the first gens are understated and simple/sleeper but the second gens are a lot more "sporty" plus the interior shits on the genwon interior.

HAHAHAHA! You have to be the only person EVER to say that. The GenPu interior looks worse than @predapio's prolapsed anus. And those seats...


Tapadatass

Really? I drove a pu before finding my gen1 and I fell in love with the interior/radio controls/cluster etc...I like it a LOT more than my 1

The cloth inside the older GenPu's has more red spots than a ginger with herpes.


Tapadatass

I drove a 2012 so it didnt have the spots I don't think, could be wrong though, personal opinion

Even genpu owners I know hate their own interior lol.

I also feel like the first gen feels more fun to drive. The nickname wild child dosnt suit the pu.

first has somewhat (too good to be true?) better numbers than second..

Mazda 3 MPS 2009 vs Mazda 3 MPS : The Duel 30801388

but second looks much nicer :) simply beautiful...

but first look much more incognito.. second is somewhat more extravagant i guess.. but still a bit incognito (except the hole in the hood, that is eye catcher as hell)

i dont know as never sat in ms3 gen1 but sat in two ms6 gen1.. (as there would be gon2 ... oh well), have no idea if that helps, but i kinda didnt like the interior (i think it was designed in 2004? car was made 2007 and 2008) - kinda old fashioned. of course, someone mya like this a LOT more..

but i dont think the gen2 interior is any win either.. it looks like airplane and it lacks good screen (for example instead of CD player). but not bad... everyone has different taste (for example i never felt that i love some car interior, even ferrari of lambo, they are all rubbish... even tho i never sat in lambo, i need to find some guy who likes to brag and will show it to me (and give me free test drive :P ))

maybe this
http://image.mustangmonthly.com/f/92...o+interior.jpg
or this
http://image.mustangandfords.com/f/9...g+interior.jpg

at least the radio looks fancier..

but i think, in gen

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edit:
but the guy who sold the genpu to me, he told me that gen1 was much much more torquesteerer.. and that gen1 loves ditches..
i dunno, but would like to drive gen1 but there is noone i know who has it or would risk letting me drive it..

comments:

1. Electric power steering. Maybe so, but its still hydraulic and that's what matters (in keeping it from feeling "artificial"). Why do people say its not hydraulic when there is clearly a power steering "reservoir" filled with a fluid under the engine? Steering is superb in these cars regardless.

2. Of course the spin on filter is better especially that now you can fill the filer before installing it.

3. The hood scoop on the genpu is surely better at keeping BATs down under adverse conditions.

4. Smoking turbo, while still a problem on some Gen2s, has been improved by moving the PCV pickup from the block to the head,

So I'm not sure how any of those "may or may not be improvements" could be considered non-improvements.


ALSO: Gen2s have pickier ECU logic that restricts the amount of upgrades you can make before having to install an aftermarket CDFP.

ALSO: Gen2s weight a little more but you do get more creature and safety comforts.

ALSO: Gen2s harder to convert to front mount intercooler due to bigger bumper beam,


Oh, and Gen2 is Black Mica or White Pearl are the way to go. ahem.:hmmm:

It's funny... I only ever see the dash in my 2012, I never notice the seat.. maybe cause i'm sitting in it.

:fest30:congratulation for all your work:fest30: will be in contact i need to introduce.
can you explain wath is for in the cobb Abs. Press. (PSI)