New member, MPG opinions...
 

Hey Mazda peoples,

New guy here looking for some advice, insight, opinions.

A little background on me:

I'm a 31 y/o Hyundai Tiburon enthusiast. I've only owned 4 cars in my life and the last three were Tibs (97, 03 GTV6, and my current car is an 04 SE).

Generally a car enthusiast so all my cars are modded, though I do believe in practicality (so I don't get too crazy). I do most my own work, so I do turn wrenches and am generally a do-it-yourselfer/jack of all trades.

I have two degrees and work in technology, recently married, no kids (but will do so down the road in a few years).

So with that said, I'm looking to expand my vehicle profile and the 2nd Gen MS3 has kept my eye for quite some time.

My Tib is a DD, returns upper 20's MPG with mixed city/highway driving. Low 20's straight city, and bested 32 mpg's straight highway. Not bad for a V6, but thats in it's current tune and mods (closed loop tune is still stock but open loop has revised fuel trims and ignition timing).

Anyhow, my first big question is, how good is the "real world" MPGs on the 2nd gen MS3?

The EPA rated my Tib stock @ 18mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Even when it was stock, it never got that horrible of gas mileage, so I don't necessarily trust the EPA ratings these days.

I understand that stock, the EPA rates the MS3 very similarly, so hence the question.

Otherwise, the MS3 really checks all the boxes for me as far as performance and versatility goes.

I really love my current Tib even after nearly 9 years and 130K+ miles. In it's current setup, it handles very well with good turn-in and steering feed-back, returns good MPGs (when my foot isn't in it), pulls well (runs mid 14s with a good 2 sec 60 foot launch) and is reliable. Also being a hatch, has a lot of cargo space.

It just doesn't do well as a family vehicle. lol.

I'm hoping the MS3 can be all the above. If I can match the MPG's in this car with that of my Tib, then I may pull the trigger on a used one I found.

I found a previously owned (single owner) 2012 MazdaSpeed 3 with the Tech package and 13k miles for $20k, certified used at a local dealership.

MPG is really similar to what your looking for im getting 20/city and average about 31/32 on the highway. Test drive the MS3 and im sure youll fall in love

20-26. 14-16 if you beat on it, 28-32 if you do the speed limit and short-shift.

If it's the money you're spending on gas, a.) Don't buy a car because the money you put into a new car will take YEARS to recoup in gas saved. b.) Wait to see if the Skyactiv Mazda2 will get the CVT here in the states (85 mpg with Japan's testing cycle.)

OK, I'll save you from the flamage.

Read the links in my sig, and do some searching. There is a Google option, use that, as this has been beaten to death.

FWIW, 23 or so is ok, but some guys top 30+ tuning.

In after teh lock!










Sorry.... Heh, always wanted to do that. :D