What's the average age of MS3 Owners...

[2eatV8everyday]

Was 22 last October when I bought it, now 23. I wanted a speed3 when I was 18, but I needed a co-signer, and when I test drove the car with my grandpa in it, he said he wouldn't co-sign for it because it was too squirrely and I would kill myself in it. Ended up with a 2007 Mazda3 grand touring 2.3L.

So I just waited for a few years, then got it when I didn't need a co-signer

[Rakkar]

I am 25. Fits all the needs I have for now

[Dralphy]

Originally Posted by bvbull200 I don't know if you are arguing for my point or against it. Of course I'd want them to be financially responsible. That is the point. If my kid falls on hard times and needs some help, I'll be the first to open my home. Buying a car that is in the "want" category, rather then "need" category isn't what I'd call "financially responsible", though. Need a car? Get something cheap, clean, and reliable, then save your pennies until you are back on your feet and able to move out. Afterwards, if you find yourself in a position to get what you really want, then go for it.

I'm not arguing for either side. I'm just trying to make sense of both sides.

I understand your side. You don't think your kids deserve a new vehicle, whether they do what they need to do around the house, at school or at work. They just need something to get them from point A to point B, and that's fine.

But some parents decide to either A) Give their kids new cars, based on whatever reasons they have whether it just be the kid is completely spoiled, or maybe they are very responsible, get good grades in school etc. or B) Help their kids out on a new car loan, whether it be giving them the down payment, helping with co-signing, maybe even gas once in a while. Why is that so bad?

I know 'back in the day', younger people never drove around new cars. I'm sure when people see a younger individual driving a newer car, they automatically think "that kid is a brat, I can't believe his parents bought him/her that car", and just maybe, they don't want people to look at their kids in newer cars and think the same thing? As far as I'm concerned, when my children are old enough to drive, I'll be there to make the ultimate decision whether or not to help them with a vehicle, based on a certain criteria.

(I know, i'm getting too far into this, but it's a Tuesday night, I'm at home bored and felt like elaborating myself on the subject.)

The bottom line is, whatever you decide to do with your kids and their vehicles is your decision, and whatever someone else decides to do with their kids is their thing. There's always certain reasons why parents do what they do, and I'm sure you can agree on that.

[M_Mathis_MS3]

24 and I just got my 2012 cwp speed 3 last week!

[dead-zone]

Got mine when I was 21. Now 25.

[mac_dre]

bought a 9000 dollar civic at 17 years old.. paid it off before i graduated high school.. sold it two years later for 8000 cash and got my speed at 19. and i still helped my poor ass parents pay bills. im now 20 and i will have my mazda paid for April of 2013

[zmarko]

I was 40 when I picked up my Speed 3.

[bluemarker]

Got my speed when I was 20, 22 now.

[bvbull200]

Originally Posted by Dralphy I'm not arguing for either side. I'm just trying to make sense of both sides. I understand your side. You don't think your kids deserve a new vehicle, whether they do what they need to do around the house, at school or at work. They just need something to get them from point A to point B, and that's fine. But some parents decide to either A) Give their kids new cars, based on whatever reasons they have whether it just be the kid is completely spoiled, or maybe they are very responsible, get good grades in school etc. or B) Help their kids out on a new car loan, whether it be giving them the down payment, helping with co-signing, maybe even gas once in a while. Why is that so bad? I know 'back in the day', younger people never drove around new cars. I'm sure when people see a younger individual driving a newer car, they automatically think "that kid is a brat, I can't believe his parents bought him/her that car", and just maybe, they don't want people to look at their kids in newer cars and think the same thing? As far as I'm concerned, when my children are old enough to drive, I'll be there to make the ultimate decision whether or not to help them with a vehicle, based on a certain criteria. (I know, i'm getting too far into this, but it's a Tuesday night, I'm at home bored and felt like elaborating myself on the subject.) The bottom line is, whatever you decide to do with your kids and their vehicles is your decision, and whatever someone else decides to do with their kids is their thing. There's always certain reasons why parents do what they do, and I'm sure you can agree on that.

I never said anything was "wrong". None of the examples you mention are necessarily bad, I just don't happen to agree with them and certainly don't think they encourage financial responsibility. Doesn't mean the kid can't learn it elsewhere. I just happen to think that certain actions foster certain behaviors. It is a sign of the times and, hell, I'm only 30, so that "back in the day" for me isn't that long ago. Plenty of my peers needed cars to get good grades, not that the concept makes sense to me.

But as I was saying, I'm not suggesting anything is "wrong", I'm just saying that "I worked hard for this" and "I live with my parents" don't make sense when uttered in the same breath.

You know what would be refreshing? Someone being honest with something like, "I moved back in with my parents because I needed to. Once I started making some money, I decided to buy this car I've been wanting instead of saving my money for a down payment on my own place. It is more than I needed and I certainly couldn't have bought it without my folks providing me a place to live, but I wanted it more than living on my own." At least that'd show an ability to acknowledge the truth.

[Big_Burd]

^ I understand what you're saying, however I don't think you got the point I could've lived on my own but chose not to, and you're trying to say "I'm whats wrong with America" I had my speed3 for over a year and a half before I moved home. If thats not what your saying my bad, but it's sure as fuck coming off that way. What do you want? me to post up my W2's lol

[cbspd3flip]

I bought my 08 when I was 20. This is my second car I've purchased and paid for on my own.

[Dumyz]

Well, I'm sure how this is gonna turn out... 17 when I got it, now almost 19.

[shifter48]

I'm 64 and bought my '12 last Nov.

[Zimmo]

I purchased a few rentals in my 20's as spending money on a car when you are young is in my opinion retar.... spending your parents money is fine!

30 years old for me, tested 2004 e46M3, 2010 e92 335i, 2011 STI, and MPS3.

[Dr. Speed]

How 'bout we keep this thread away from the ethics of whether or not any given financial decision is wise and let people live their lives and do what makes them happy. Last time I checked, MSF was for people to share their enthusiasm for Mazdaspeeds!

[3Gee Tee]

64 YOA and still modding, awesome; that will be me too.

[Zimmo]

Originally Posted by Dr. Speed How 'bout we keep this thread away from the ethics of whether or not any given financial decision is wise and let people live their lives and do what makes them happy. Last time I checked, MSF was for people to share their enthusiasm for Mazdaspeeds!

No insult meant at all from my post but yes you are right, as long as you love your Mazda and mods then all is good.

[Pointless]

Bought my '08 when I was 28.
Changed it for a PU this year.

[Spec]

^32^ assuming he bought it new.

Maff skillz

[leomagnus]

42 when I bought my 2011 LSM MS3

[morgans22]

21 when I got mine last year

[Pointless]

Originally Posted by Spec ^32^ assuming he bought it new. Maff skillz

yessir ; brand new, both of them.

I like my cars just the way I like my ladies.
Driven really hard by someone else for the first miles but no one will ever admit it happened.

[Yatta]

42 with a 12 pu, replaced a 98 VR6 (bought that new as well) and this is the first car I've owned since my first that is as fun and practical and unpractical at the same time, first car? 1984 colt turbo, both cats gutted, intercooler added and the td03 replaced by late spooling Td04.... The MS3 is my daily driver, my project car is a 90 vw cabriolet, with a 16v fed by a lysholm...

[Dirty Paki]

19 years old with a white 2012

[Fromtheearth]

24 going on 25, bought my 12 CWP in May

[ms3rick]

why isnt this a fucking poll thread... 16-20, 21-25, 26-35, 35-old, 60-Fucking Gthug

[Geo13]

Originally Posted by JP Patterson I'm replacing my 2004 3s hatch with a 2012 Speed3 this week and I just hit the 39 mark... I feel 25 though if that counts! JP

Same story!! Have a 2005 Mazda 3 and picked up my 2010 Speed3 2 years and some months ago......happened younger than you, but I hit 39 this month. I wish my parents wood have spoiled me....starting to hate kids these days!

And I've received more tickets in this car over any other car I've owned or driven?!?

[jmichzx6r]

22 and just picked up my speed about a month ago. my gti just wasnt cutting it and had to stay boosted. more practical but not quite as fast as my vr4, but still an amazing ride

[kerseyms3]

19 when i got it, 20 now. was obsessed with MS3's ever since i found out about them and nobody i talked to even knew what they were. it did take some convincing of the parents once i took them for a test drive in one.

[lobitoPU]

19.. im almost 21 now. and the car is under my parents name cz i got no creditt lol...

anyways i worked my ass off for it.

[jseams]

Originally Posted by Dralphy When you're living at home, having a full time job with no bills can make it possible. Her may have paid for the car, but I'm sure parents helped him in some way. I'd say in situations like this it's okay for parents to help out, as long as it's not a free ride. Sent from my smart box

When I was living at home (lol, many many years ago) and worked... I had to give my parents half of my paycheck... turns out I learned later in life, between rent (or mortgage) and bills, about half of my paychecks aren't mine anyhow. lol

[ANGST1974]

38 here . I gave up my Mustang GT for a Mazda Tribute when my wife got pregnant in 2004. Traded that in for the speed in July. Like being in a fast car, but probably would be in my 3rd Mustang if I did not have to have a 4 door

[RD4E]

40 and just picked up the beast yesterday

[BlueImpact]

19 - flame suit on.

[CamSpeed360]

Originally Posted by BlueImpact 19 - flame suit on.

STFU pussy.






lol I kid I kid.

[Tillerman]

I got my '11 Black MS3 this July at age 57. Replaced my '02 SVT Focus with 154K.

[Speed3in215]

Bought mine when I was 27 , now 28 .

[Ms3_Miami]

bought mine when I was 19 last year. And No mommy and daddy didnt buy me my car I did.

[Tacheny]

27. Got her 1 month before my 28th birthday, so happy birthday present to me!

[Dr. Speed]

I'll be 26 when I buy mine next April