Why buy a MS3?
 

I am in the market for a new(or used) car. I want to upgrade to something sporty, quick and fun to drive. I live in Canada so my options are basically need to be AWD or FWD and be decent in the snow. My question for you guys is, why choose the MS3? What separates it from other cars? Why choose it over other cars like the WRX? I am interested to hear your opinions and advice. Thanks.

Get that wrx and hit up naisoc.

i didnt get a wrx because im not a bro, and dont want to be associated with those fucktards.

Is that genuine advice or is this some inside joke or something?

Why do you have such hate for wrx drivers?

In my case it's because they are full of themselves. Was funny when I pulled a brand new STI Sedan in my stock 2012 on the highway one day.

Granted I believe he had at least one passenger but I sort of recall more. I was by myself.

because as people, they suck. they get that car because they think its cool, and they hope it gets them bitches.

Fair enough. Putting your dislike for subaru drivers aside, do you have any advice or recommendations for me?

my last 3 cars were an 99 ls1 ta 96 cobra and 95 lt1 ta
my ms3 is faster than all 3 of them. I took them to the same 1/4 track, plus genwon sleeper
and 4 doors fer kids and junk.

I do not doubt the speed of the MS3, I am simply asking why buy it over other cars. Why buy it over a wrx, or focus ST, or lancer ralliart. What sets the MS3 apart.

drive them all and make your own choice. a lot of the people here are biased, but most of us came from fast cars, some have moved on to other brands but stay on the forum because this place is one of a kind. just buy a car that fits your needs and wants.
do you ask others what shoes to buy? I hope not.
the speeds are great cars but all cars have up and down sides.
YOU have to decide whats right for you.

Fair point, but I'm not really asking you to choose which car I should buy, but rather, what the upsides and downsides of the MS3 are. I know people will be biased, as this is the mazdaspeed forums, but I am still interested in your opinions on the MS3. As someone who doesn't know a whole lot about cars I figured it would be a good idea to the opinions of those who do.

Edit: also want to know things like: how is the reliability with the ms3? Since its fwd it should be okay in winter, anybody have experience driving one in winter?(obviously winter tires are a must)

The subaru wrx sti was my dream car back in the days. Then I got my Ms3, fell in love with it. Sold my MS3.. was debating if I wanted a subie or not..
Hate to say it, but my friends that owns subie (wrx bugeye and 2013 sti) are both full of themself. The vibe they give makes me want to stay away from subies. They think they're king of the road because they have a Sti.

But the speed3 fits my personality. I don't like to show off, it have a subtle body line(gen1) and no one knows what's under the hood. Basically a sleeper.

Full bolt on e85, it kept up/slowly pull against big turbo GTI on e85 tune, BMW m6 until 120, 335i w/ basic bolt ons, evo X with basic bolt ons. Mustang 5.0 automatic with xpipe, intake and tune. I miss my car. But I'm saving up for a speed6. Love how these car looks.

Ms3 wins for value, speed per $. Fairly easy mod path. Lots of fun to drive. If you don't NEED awd, the wrx has no real advantage over the ms3. As an earlier post stated the ms3 can keep up with the sti and evo from a roll.

Also they are less common and therefore more interesting. Wrx's are a dime a dozen. The St is nice but not necessarily better and definitely not a better value. Perhaps equal value in the lower trim levels.

I'd probably stick with my decision if I could do it over. I might wait for the 2013 with the better tech package though.

MS3 drivers take care of their own. It's not uncommon to make eye contact with another driver on the road and this happens.

I have no intention of modding whichever car I do get, but that's good if I do change my mind. I definitely like that the ms3 is less common, it's nice to have something a little different.

The local mazda dealer has a 2010 ms3 and a 2013 I wanna test drive. Problem for me is I haven't owned a manual before, and have only driven one once, so I wouldn't be comfortable doing so. I need to find a way to practice. Need to find someone who will let me borrow their car for a bit to learn. Then I can actually test drive some cars and see for myself what I like and don't like.

I'm sure the cars are overpriced though(keep in mind I live in Canada), they want 25K for the 2010 with 15,000 kilometres, and $32k for the 2013.

Ouch, those prices are pretty awful. Such high taxes up there.

This is the first manual transmission vehicle I have owned as well, although I drive them regularly for work so I'm definitely not new to them. You can pick it up pretty quickly. Don't let that dissuade you from getting one.

Yeah no kidding, and those are both before taxes, but they are both used so I think you just have to pay the one tax instead of two.

I definitely want my next car to be manual, what's the point of having a sporty automatic. I just need to find a way to get some practice in on a manual, and get more confident driving them before I can test drive some cars.

Here's why I bought my 1st gen MS3:

- Price and value
- Sleeper look versus "LOOK! LOOK HOW BIG MY WHEEL ARCHES! LOOK AT ME!!!" Particularly for the 1st gen.
- It doesn't matter what generation you choose, the interior is more comfortable, has more creature comforts, and feels better. Especially the 1st gen, the Piano Black interior is just classy.
- Pretty much every single review I've read/watched ended with the MS3 being called "fun to drive". This really sold me on it.

This is what I am seeing a lot too. Regardless of what their opinion on the car is, they seem to all say it is really fun to drive, and that is an attribute I am looking for.

Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Reviews - Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Price, Photos, and Specs - CARandDRIVER

and...

Subaru WRX / WRX STI Reviews - Subaru WRX / WRX STI Price, Photos, and Specs - CARandDRIVER

At least they're unbiased, for the most part.

I test drove the wrx the focus st and speed3 before i bought my 2013 speed3. I bought it because i enjoyed the torque steer. Driving teh wrx was like having a camry...everyone has one the focus was alright but it didnt feel like it had the same power as the speed3. Bottom line some people complain about the torque steer i think its fun to fight when you launch this car. And to answer the tires and snow I got my speed in November and i live in ohio and we get plenty of snow.. I drove the summer tires all winter and did fien just spun if taking off in first so i started off in second so with snow tires you should be fine

Try out an 04-07 Volvo S60R/V70R. Comfort and sportyness all in one. That was my previous car. Maintenance is pricey, but you can buy one for pretty cheap. Magnetic struts, so you can go from very comfy soft suspension to rock hard with a push of a button. 300hp 300ftlbs. It's a highway monster. Will take on a stock STI with no issues past 60mph. The haldex AWD system is incredible and I've never sat in any seat that's more comfortable than the Rs.

The issues with those cars is the slave cylinder on the manual and the collar sleeve on the angle gears. Also each strut costs about $400 from rock auto. Dealers will want $760 for each...

I just got my speed3 alittle over 2 months ago. I was looking at the wrx also. Talked to a few dealerships, they all have me prices I could not afford. Being a full time biology major college student, causes me to work less hours. So I would be tight for cash since I'm saving for a house, a wedding, and still need to pay my bills.
The Speed3 filled all the holes. I can have a car that puts a smile on my face every time I look at it or drive it, I have a hatch to carry all my stuff, and I can afford it. It was all around the best fit for me. Look at the numbers, drive them both, and decide for yourself.
This forum is like no other, one minute someone can be calling you all the names in the book, than the next they are helping you install the new parts you ordered, or giving you solid mechanical advice. I am not as mechanical inclined as half the people here, but I have had people offer to help install parts for me(I have no safe place to jack a car up),while teaching me as we install them. You don't get that from many car forums.
If you go with a wrx, I'll give you this advice. Be prepared for everyone to ask you, why didn't you just get the sti instead. My friend had a wrx and sold it after 6 months because people asking him that everyday pissed him off.

The lowest price point of the competing segment, solid interior, fit and finish (minus the extremely shitty clear coat that you MUST keep waxed), the nearly indestructible transmission, and the surge of boost compared to the others stock is what sold me.

Refined and comfortable until you go WOT, and then it has a more visceral power delivery.

It's also underrated on fuel economy if you're doing a lot of highway miles. I know you intend to stay stock, but you can easily get 30mpg+ with a tune, and it does better than the EPA rated 25mpg as it sits.

Any handling qualms are a cheap or inevitable fix - a fat RSB and your first tire replacement are all that is needed.

-Cheaper to buy then sti/evo
-Sleeper (most people think its a Mazda 3/6)
-Insurance (for me) was half the price then sti/evo
-Fun to drive
-Good on gas
-I like the interior far more then the sti/evo
-Room in the trunk

I would have bought a WRX over the MS3.....but it's just too damn ugly
...and I already have my fill of "ugly but fast" cars.

I would have bought another VW, but I wanted a car that runs.

Beyond that, any other car that interests me is either out of my price range, a gas pig, or too old to be considered as a reliable daily.

i was looking heavily at the WRX before i purchased by speed 3.

In fact, i had no idea that the speed3 even existed.

I found all the reviews i could for the various hot hatches. WRX, GTI, Focus ST were the big contenders.

I was getting rid of my GTI and i was absolutely not going to purchase another one. The ST looked good as farm as performance/luxury but i really did not want to purchase the first generation of ford, also i didn't like the styling at all.

Then i found the speed3 with comparable power, performance, and design. At the price point lower than a new WRX and much more amenities.

Faster Mod for Mod, Better interior and tech, lower price point, and a hatchback? Sounded like a no brainer that i was willing to give up AWD for.

My previous car was a 2012 WRX and other than the traction from a dig I like the speed3 better. Biggest thing to me was the interior, the wrx sucks. Its like they never updated it from the 90's. Power and perfomance the speed3 wins, basically it is a much better car to have fun in. Also GenWin for ultimate sleeper status.

I suggest you go out a drive them all though. I work at a Ford dealership and get to mess around in the ST's quite a bit and they are a blast as well, just not quite there performance wise.

I test drove all of those..STi, EVO, ST, GTi, Speed3.. My mind says EVO/STi because AWD (Midwest weather)..But my heart says Speed3.. you'll know when you drive it.

The WRX is a great car. I had a bugeye that I bought in 2006. Just got my 2012 Speed3 last October. The reason I went to a Speed3 was mainly that I just wanted to try something different. Looking back, I'm not sure what I would have done. I really like this car but it gets worse gas mileage than my WRX, which I find rather ridiculous. My WRX took off like a rocket in first and second gears. This thing just spins. LOL

For now, I'm glad I went with the Speed because I am still modding and getting it how I like it. I love the torque this thing has too. I think the Speed is more fun daily driver. I really had to get on my WRX to have fun with it and I found that most of the time, I was just driving it like a normal car.

One thing that sucked about it was I always had douche bags trying to race me in that fucking Rex. So annoying. I haven't had any dick bags try that shit with this car. I'll probably have this car for another 6 years or so and then I'll probably get another WRX. Unless Mazda brings something good to the table.

This. Absolutely this. It's amazing how easy it is to get rid of the understeer on this car.

Tires make a big difference. 225s are terribly undersized for a car with this kind of power, plus the stock rubber is shit anyway. With a good meaty 245 I have 0 spin unless on E85.

Also, idk how you're getting shittier gas mileage than in a WRX. Unless you constantly have the fast pedal pressed.

For me, I wanted a quick car that didn't have a shitty interior. Also, the dealer was willing to part with this particular car for 1500 less than any other 2012 (lolwhat), if he had to get one there, so he really didn't want it on the lot.

I second @JgamB; on a lot of things. This car is setup really well for someone who wants to make it a little bit faster. AWD is a lot pricer to upgrade. I just wish I had gotten better rubber earlier......AutoX season on stock tires with go fast parts was tuuuuurrible.

It's a six speed, the optional tech package has great features, the interior is hands down better then the wrx although a slight step backwards from my VW GLI. Honestly the only thing I wish my ms3 had that the wrx has is all wheel drive. That interior of the wrx just SUCKS! And if you want a nice trim on the wrx you're gonna pay around 28k for the best trim if not more. And even then bang for buck it's hands down the ms3. You can get a 2013 w/ tech right now for around 21-24k. Unfortunate for you you're up north!

No kidding. The MS3 is way more expensive here, but so is everything else I guess. The 2013 here they want $32k and i'm not sure it has tech package. but for newer wrx's they are just like 2000 cheaper than the brand new ones(which cost $34-38k here)

I've owned 2 WRX's too. Pretty true about the image of wrx drivers, most of them are ignorant kids that know nothing about cars and always want to race and think that it's the best car in the world. I still have love for the subies but the image that goes along with them just sucks (almost as bad as civics), plus the fact that everybody and their brother has a damn WRX/sti, even if they have to eat ramen all month, they'll still manage to have an sti just because they think it's the coolest thing ever, and it's their highest priority, still living at home with mommy and daddy. So lame. Rarity is a huge reason why I love the ms6 . I see another one maybe once every 1-2 months. I see at least 2 WRX's every day, which kills the appeal a lot. I don't want the same car that everyone else has. and everything has been done with the wrx. there is nothing you can do to a wrx to make it unique at this point, and every joe blow's wrx is pushing 400whp now... I will always have some love for em but I feel they're just way played out and approaching honda status, and now that i'm old, i care about quietness and comfort and the ms6 trumps an STI in that category.

if i was in the market for a fwd hatch (which i love, used to have a focus SVT) I would definitely consider an MS3, and would also check out the VW GTI with the DSG. But if I found myself living where it snows a lot again, i could never go back to a FWD. I'd probably look at an A3 quattro and go from there, maybe g35x if you never intend on modding.
my $.02

I am not necessarily in the market for a hatch or fwd hatch, just more or less am weighing my options for a sporty/quick/fun daily driver, and the MS3 seems to fit that bill pretty well.

I am not a fan of the VW's or Audi's. For the most part I don't like the way they look, and I have never heard anything good about them reliability wise.

True, I have always been leary of VW'S because every person I've known who had a newer one had very expensive issues that never should have happened. It's a shame because I think they're really nice (audi) but unless you've got the extra time and money for potential issues you might suffer...I've always liked the s4 though but the early twin turbos are far from reliable from what I've read...

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Yeah, I need to get better tires. The car came with some Enkei rims with the stock dunflops. Ultimately, I need to get a wider rim and try to get 245s on it because the 225s aren't cutting it. I really don't want to spend money on rims as I just bought DR-31s for winter a few months ago. I've been reading up on how to fit 245s. Trying to avoid fender rolling and spacers but I don't think that will happen.

I'll admit, I do have a bit heavier of a foot with the speed but I basically babied it one week to try to get better gas mileage and couldn't. I drive mostly highway to work and I was getting 26-27 MPG with my WRX. I'm getting like 24-25 with the Speed. I was hoping the speed would get in the low 30s if I babied it.

I got mine for a pretty good price too.

Upsides: Its fairly cheap, there's a very decent aftermarket for it, handles/brakes well from the factory, quick, can get close to 30mpg, insurance is reasonable, if you don't drive like an ass it's very reliable and you don't see very many of them, so you're driving something somewhat unique.

Best bang for the buck period. If you need awd for snow then that takes priority. But the speed is very well rounded in all aspects

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You sound just like me when I wanted to switch out cars. For me, there was a certainly playfulness and rawness to the MS3. The WRX understeered similar to the speed3 under most autoX situations, the focus ST scared me a little due to how new the platform is, plus the asking price was astronomical! The lancer ralliart was a no go as I feel Mitsu will most likely pullout of the states soon.

However all are great cars, find one that fits your personality. I also drive GTIs as well, great cars, but they can get a little boring.

What about the way the MS3 drives?

It's a very "raw" car. I know for some people it could be tiring, but I love it.

Awd would be nice, but it is far from necessary. I currently drive a 2002 mazda protege 5 hatchback (like the mazda 3's little brother) and with winter tires I have no problems at all driving it in the winter. So I am pretty confident driving the ms3 in the winter won't be an issue as long as I have some decent winter tires on it.

The Speed actually does very well in the snow. I bought some awesome snow tires and this thing handled great for me this winter. I was a bit worried coming from a WRX but good tires go a long way.

I 2nd the volvo s60R recommendation

those things are so comfortable and if I am not mistaken paddle shifters

Fuck paddle shifters. I hate that shit. It's getting harder and harder to find regular manual transmissions these days. I heard that Toyota is dropping the MT in everything but the Tacoma in 2015. Many other manufacturers will follow suit. Volvo does make a comfortable ride though.

I just sold my 2012 Speed3 and soon will be in the market for a 2015 WRX... I live in New England and after the winter we just had awd is a must for me...I looked at a few 2015 Wrx's and although not perfect the interior is greatly improved!


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i prefer the standard MT too but this guy has only driven a MT once in his life lol

Not sure of the laws up there in Canuckistan, but can you buy one down here and drive it home, maybe paying a tax of some sort? If possible, might be a cheaper option.

Anyway, I have had my 2013 for 7 months now with no issues (aside from a dumb ass tow truck driver who failed to set a parking brake and rear ended me). So far, it's been bulletproof.

What I like: Power and practicality. It is absolutely the most ridiculous, bonkers car I've ever owned. As far as refinement and driving dynamics, it's a muscle car. Power all day long, even bone stock. The styling is organic and aggressive, and the car is unique. Non-car people don't give it a second look, and will try to abuse you constantly (tailgating, cutting you off) until you put them in their place with your right foot. Car-people will crane their necks to look at it. Fits a lot of cargo in the back. Bose is decent...not great. Tech package is 9 kinds of awesome. In mixed city/highway, I average 23mpg. Due to the...unruliness of this car, you need to constantly be aware of what you're doing.

What I don't like so much...you need to be constantly aware of what you're doing. I came from an RX8, which was such a fantastic chassis...absolutely effortless to drive fast, and made me feel like I could run on any race track I found. This car makes me WORK at it...right on the ragged edge. While my RX or even my Miata were smooth and predictable, this thing is white-knuckle time. That's both a good and bad thing and makes for an invigorating drive, when you want it. Tooling around town, the car does fine and is a decent commuter, but at the limits it's a challenge to work it. Still learning it though, so maybe that's just me.

If you're looking for something boring, this car isn't it.


Edit: snow tires as previously stated. Stock Dunlops are absolutely treacherous in snow.

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I think manuals are a dying off because they've made automatics perform a lot better than they used to, and get just as good fuel economy now. A dual clutch paddle shifter can also out perform a traditional manual gearbox.
I actually wouldn't mind trying out the vw DSG (except i've read a million failure stories about them) 90% of my driving is city. Honestly, the stick shift kind of sucks for it, but i also really hate how most automatic transmissions hunt around constantly and feel like crap. I haven't test driven any car newer than like 5 years old, but I'm sure some of the new automatics are probably really good.

As far as Volvo goes, since they were purchased by a Chinese company 4 years ago, I won't consider them... sick of cheap chinese shit in this country and i dont like supporting that country much. which is a shame, i've always liked volvo - a friend of mine just hit 200k with his even though the turbo seized up like 50k miles ago and he doesn't care. it never threw a CEL! now it gets better mpg!

I think that used to be common, but I think they changed it so you get taxed heavily for doing that now. Don't think its worth it anymore but I'm not really sure.

For what it's worth I test drove a focus st a week ago, and the first quirk I noticed was how sensitive the brake pedal was. Also compared to the speed3, boost comes on very early with less drama, which is to be expected with its smaller turbo. If you're 110% sure you don't wanna mod your car than the focus st is a considerable purchase id say. After the test drive I like the st better than the ms3 in most categories other than potential; it has no potential compared to our mazdaspeed3s

As much as I am hearing good things about the focus st, I just hate the way it looks. You can definitely argue that the ms3 looks obnoxious or that the front end is ugly, but overall I actually like the way it looks. Although I agree the front fender could be better.

Heard a lot of good things regarding the interior, handling, and how smooth the focus st is, but I just think it looks so bland and boring. That on top of the crazy car pricing here in Canada, I wouldn't buy a ST, they are $35k+ here.

I'm from Ottawa, and with the LSD and snow tires I was laughing at people with their Awd and all season tires.

The Ms3 is a solid car in the winter. You just need to give it what it needs to be successful in it (winter tires)

Does the 2010 that you are looking at have tech package? If so, I'd jump on that for $$$ savings and the low kms. I'm at 50k kms now and 0 problems


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I hear you. If I lived in a city and had to drive in traffic all the time, I might consider an auto. I live in Vermont so most of my driving is either highway or low traffic back roads.

For what its worth, I had an 08 MS3 that I loved and would still have if it didn't get totaled. After that I moved into a 2011 WRX and it was ok at best. The suspension was much softer than the MS3, the interior blew, and overall it didn't feel as fast or fun compared to the MS3. Long story short I am picking up a '13 MS3 on Tuesday!

My previous car was a 2003 Toyota Matrix XR. Because of it, I have fondness for the hatches.

I bought my MS3 back in October. Ever since seeing the GenOne back in 2007/8 I wanted one.

When it came time to get a new car I started looking around. MS3 was not immediately on my radar(mainly cause of my budget). I looked at all kinds of cars - VW CC, Toyota Venza, VW GTI(wifes favorite at the time), Focus Titanium, even looked at Kia Optimas and Huyndai Elantra. Budget was a HUGE factor for me, but also wanted something that would be practical for the family. Then I happened upon my MS3 and started doing research, gathering info. Got in contact with the dealer that had it, threw some numbers out at them and got close to the number I wanted and went in to test drive. The joy of driving it is just amazing. I was sold on it after the test drive and actually bought it the same day.

I was VERY fortunate in finding my 2012 w/ Tech and got it for a little over $19k plus TT&L w/ 18.5k miles on it. Since purchasing it I have added about 10k miles to the car.

Oh and I was like you and initially said I would not mod the car lol, well as you can see from my sig that didn't last long. TBH if you get the MS3 factor in at the minimum the cost of internals and an AP to monitor things with. I heard so many horror stories about ZZB that I bought my internals and AP pretty quickly.

fwiw ill also chime in

my previous fast/fun car was a 2011 mustang gt stick. i LOVED that car. sold it when i enlisted. It made 415/396 with intake tune and cat deletes, had koni yellows big brakes, sways, etc. won ESP class for scca florida region in it one year, ran 11.9's-12.0's@117 with a 1.71 60ft on beat to shit old mickey et streets. and did almost 170 in the standing mile.

but it was a damn handful to track it, and it attracted a ton of attention, it was a completely blacked out mustang that revved to 7800 rpm and poped fire on shifts. not so under the radar. it was a great car though and i miss it alot.

i picked up this speed 3 a few months ago. I knew i would like it, but my enjoyment of this car continues to grow, its quick enough to have fun it, to the point i can rip it wide open 10/10ths on the big long sweeping ramps we have down here( the mustang was just too fast to drive them that hard, id be doing 140-150 at the end of them) but not attract unwanted flashy light attention.

its a nice riding car, always has passing power, trans is decently smooth, nice features(ive got tech package) like turing headlights, rain sensing wipers, nav i dont use, etc. i get 32-35mpg on the highway, and average around 22-23 daily. the car just flies under the radar, and has tons of usable room, i took everything i needed to camp in sebring for 5 days inside it with space to spare.

im quite happy with my speed 3 and wont be swapping to the 2015 mustang gt end of the year like i thought i would have

Ummmmm add me to that list of VW owners. Issue after issue with the fucken thing! Had to learn how to work on the thing just to save money, which was in the thousands.

You can tell if it has the tech package by the big nav screen or lack of right? If so neither of the speed 3's at the dealership have it. I kind of want the 2013 because its white vs, the red 2010, and because the 13' is practically brand new.

The '13 tech had a touch steroe/nav

The 2010-2012 techs have a small nav screen up next tot he radio/ a/c info. For these they way to tell if it has a push button start. If there are no pics of the inside, look at the door handles - if there is a black button that means it is the tech package(also techs have LED taillights)

Yeah I think both of the dealer ms3's are just base. The 13' doesn't have the large nav screen and the 10' it's hard to tell because there is no good pic to see if there is push to start, but i'm fairly certain its the base model.

I definitely bought the right car. Thanks for this amazing link.

I bought my 2012 speed3 with tech package in the end of November, paid 20K +Tax/tags had 20k miles on it. I bought an 08 mazda3 hatch in 09, I originally wanted a speed3 or wrx, but my wife can't drive stick and there were times I wanted to take her SUV, she would not agree to learn stick, so I bought the mazda3 hatch and loved it but always wanted the speed.

My wife drove my car abt 4 times and hated it, said it was too small and low to the ground. So I kept looking at speed3's and was finally in a position to buy one. I absolutely love the car, for most of the reasons the others have mentioned. I have 2 kids and we all fit in the car just fine.

I originally said I wasn't gonna mod either, but I will get internals, AP, SRI and probably new exhaust and that will be about it.

Every day I drive the car I love it just as much.

i've been in love with MS3s since I was in high school.

It was definitely my goal to get this car, and I was very happy to be able to get it last August. Before buying, I test drove a brz and a frs and was quite underwhelmed.

MS3s I feel are the best all around choice for any type of vehicle. Has 4 doors, tons of trunk space, and good power. You can drive it hard, or comfortably just coast on by and save the MPGs.

The new WRXs are really nice though. And I think the ST just looks really ugly.

Why choose a Speed3? because nobody knows what the F it is. WRX's, EVO's (to a lesser degree), and STi's are borderline commonplace. I used to be a strict Bimmer guy and have owned 3 BMW's. I almost resented the idea of owning a FWD hatch, and then I drove one... Once I discovered how capable the MS3 platform was, I was instantly sold. I live in the mountains of West Virginia, and my area usually averages 100+ inches (250 something cm in your case) of snow a year. While I wouldn't classify my Speed as a plow on wheels, it managed to hold it's own on snow packed road surfaces. Some Rally Armor flaps would probably serve you well. Overall, my car's potential seems to be endless and it never fails to put a gigantic smile on my face when unsuspecting Subbies want to tango. :)

:iconcur:

i also like smoking mustangs

Probably because 85 percent of them are douches? lol jk I had one

late 90s V6 models lol

Mustangs are always fun. Although, the newer 5.0's can also be monsters. speaking from experience...:frown:

Truth being the MS3 is a nice car for the money. The features that the 2nd gen offer are quality for what the car is offered for now a days. Now the only flaw that i hate, is that the car is FWD, but some people are ok with that. Overall i think the car is a really good car, as well as the market for direct parts for the specific vehicle.

Yea.. That plus I think its butt ugly from the back.. I like the front view but the back kills me. That's just an opinion though

I came from a 06 STI to the MS3 side and here is why.

This is simply my opinion and experience,

In the snow you MIGHT miss the AWD, but with proper tires and some common sense the MS3 will perform just fine. The opportunity cost of an STI/WRX over a MS3 does not out weigh buying a MS3 and getting Snows for similar performance. I live in Coloardo and with snow tires the MS3 performed great, I have no complaints. I'm not saying that FWD = AWD but with proper proactive measures you will not regret getting the MS3.

Moving on to summer/spring/fall driving the MS3 has been such a blast. It is so much more of a driving experience than my STI was. The STI always felt like the car was in control rather than me being in control. The MS3 does suffer from more torque steer, which is to be expected, but it is not overbearing in the slightest. After you drive the MS3 for a bit and begin to understand the car you will easily compensate for the TS.

I will also say that contrary to many beliefs on the forums I enjoy the interior or the MS3, much more than that of the STI. To me it flows much better and offers the same amount of desirable features for a fraction of the cost. As for interior noise the MS3 did have more harshness than the STI initially, but with 150$ worth of sound deadening and a weekend of labor it now is as much of a pleasure to drive as my C class, with twice the fun and twice the cargo space.

The MS3 is a practical, fun, relentless, and full of potential. Just get one and don't look back.

Again this is my opinion.

Yeah I am pretty sold on the MS3 but I do not have a lot of options for buying one here. The dealers has 3 of them and there is 1 other one for sale privately. The dealer has two 2013 base models, one has been in a big accident so I am not interested in that one (they still want $28k for it), the other 2013 seems really nice and has a clean title, but they want $32k for it(has 1400km on it). Dealer has one 2010 base MS3, 15000km, they want 25k for it. Only claim was for hail damage that got repaired.

The private MS3 for sale is a 2010 with tech package, 43,000 km. I contacted him for more information but hasn't responded yet, wants $20k.

I really want to get the clean 2013 but that is pretty expensive, $32k before taxes probably around $34k with taxes. Hard to justify that when for $38k you can get a brand new 2015 wrx, granted that's a lot of money too and I probably wouldn't do that. Also the MS3 is about the same price as a new Focus ST.

Everything here said about "subie" owners is so true. Makes me want to despise them.:burnout:

?????? Canada?

No way.. Kelly blue book puts a 2010 with tech at around 16k... And that's in excellent condition. Maybe the price is different up where your at. Look around you can get a 2012 or maybe even a 2013 used for around 20k easy

Yeah Canada. That's why I don't really know whats a good deal here for one, cause all cars are much more expensive than the states. What was the 2013 MS3's cost brand new in the states? I assume it was $10k more in Canada, because that's how it seems every car is.

The ones I looked at were around 25-27k online at the time. You could always pick one up here in the states and drive it back right

As far as I know it isn't worth it anymore to do that. Used to be common to buy a car in the states and drive it back, now I think you get taxed heavily and it isn't much cheaper if at all.

I did grab my 2011 MS3 Tech with 55K kms for $19K. Celestial Blue.

Canada pricing is always fun, MS3 are more rare here as well. Just keep your eyes open I have seen some decent ones come up here and there. Just that they go fast.

And yes everything costs more here.

As for importing you have to pay conversion, taxes (13%) and if it isn't built in North America then the import tax which is I believe 6% or so. So price + conversion + 19%.

Doesn't make for cheaper cars all the time.

Previously I owned a 1999 1.8 L VW GTI Turbo, (Manual) and it was easily the worst, most costly car I have ever driven and I will never own another one. Going from that to the Speed 3 has been a fucking dream. I think, for what it is, the Speed 3, (mine is a 1st-gen 2006 model) is an under-estimated drive given how engaging it is to drive.

It can be costly to run and its advised to keep revs under 3 k because otherwise, you may as well be pouring your money down the toilet.

Road-noise can be high at times but this can be lessened somewhat by choosing appropriate low-noise road tyres.

All in all I think the Speed 3 is a great car and I have to say in terms of other cars that I have driven its a fantastic sports package that can be sedate enough to drive around town with no problems while still being powerful enough to put the wind up any unsuspecting ricers even if it's still factory.

Go for it and buy a Genwon Speed 3 I reckon, you won't regret it.

lol I posted 1 minute too late. Congrats and welcome to the Speed family!!!

I believe Killface is still looking for one. I happened to find mine just outside Toronto. Not sure of the OP's location.

Well did you finally buy the ms3 2013?
I also looked around for a while before purchasing mine. Originally I wanted a sti but the price was insane $52K also and a lot of insurance companies don't insure the car neither the evo because of the many accidents with sti and evos. I ended up calling the mazda distributor in Puerto Rico there were 2 coming by ship and guess what I separated a red one 2013 tech package. These cars are not seen to much here in the island. On this shipment there were only 2 coming and both were sold before even touching the dealer. Guess what! one of them was mine(red velocity mica)
It cost me 31,260 compared to 52K sti and 48K Evo, plus I needed a hatchback car so my only 2 options were sti, focus or ms3. Sti to overpriced and insurance didn't cover it, focus st looses value to fast here in P.R. and the other option was the ms3 which was the winner!!! They were able to insurance the car with no problems and a cheap price!
The only difference is AWD my friend. If you race from a roll, with mods you can easily take on one, I mean if its the case that you want to race every subbie you find. I've had my car for a year and I'm so glad I bought it, great value for what you get. What I like is that is kind of like sleeper because people think its a mazda 3 but when I pull on them, they know what the deal is!!!! they are not common in this island! Ive had mazda all my life and they are great cars. Just give them there proper maintenance and they will give you great service. Think about this, you are going to be driving a one of a kind ride that is not common like subies and evo's and that not everybody has. MAN JUST GO AND GET THE MS3 2013 AND DON'T THINK ABOUT IT TWICE! YOU WON'T REGRET IT!:drive:

If those numbers are correct, then it could be substantially cheaper for the OP to drive down and pick up a brand new 2013 MS3 here in the U.S..

For example, mine stickered at just shy of $28k, and is a 2013 tech. My negotiated price after rebates was about $26.5k last summer, and I didn't do particularly well, partially because the dealer was a scumbag and dicked around with the numbers, which I didn't catch until a couple of weeks later. There have been many that have posted they've picked up 2013s with tech in the $23-24k range recently, apparently as they're aggressively moving old stock. Even if you figure a brand new one, with the option package the OP is looking for, at even a price of $25k, adding in the 19% you're suggesting:

$25,000 x 1.19 = $29,750.

That's more than $2k cheaper than what he's being quoted for a non-tech. Tech is a $2k+ option, so it's probably more along the lines of being $4k cheaper, even with the canadian penalties. Providing the penalty estimates are accurate of course...

OP, try this. Go to Mazdausa.com and use their inventory search function. Find something close to the border in your area and see what hits you get. I just checked Michigan and Ohio and found a black one with tech. Might be worthwhile to look.

Sent from Tapatalk 4...this app kinda sucks.

I live in alaska, its subaru this and evo that and AWD can beat anything all day...


I bought my MS3 so I can show them how well it handles during winter and how its still faster than them...so far so good...until I blew my motor.

Now that ill be fully built and BIG TURBO, none of them want to race me or even hangout with me anymore :(

All in all MS3 is better and safer if you have a family, end of story.

"Canada pricing is always fun, MS3 are more rare here as well."

I live in Saskatoon SK. Basically that is what the dealer told me when I said his prices were whack. Said that they are rare and they have most of the mazdaspeeds in western Canada. But there is a reason they aren't selling them, the prices are TOO FUCKING HIGH. When I go for a test drive I will try to drive the price down, and if they don't negotiate I will walk. I figure if I don't cave they will eventually give me a deal just to get one off the lot.

how did you blow?

I got a few questions about driving manual(been practicing on my brother's truck) that maybe you can answer for me. Keep in mind my brother's truck is old and slow, so the gears are short.

I have been getting fairly smooth shifting up, but my weaknesses right now are downshifting and starting from a stop. Is there a best way to slow down to a stop or is it just preference? Personally what feels natural to me is to hold the clutch down while lightly breaking and rowing the gears down. Is this bad to do? I have heard of people when coasting to a stop put it in neutral and coast and brake when needed. Is this a good method? What is the right way to do it.

What is the correct way of downshifting? coast-clutch-rev-shiftdown-release clutch slowly? I cannot seem to downshift smoothly and I am fearing I am putting unnecessary wear on my brothers truck. Can someone give me a better breakdown of how I should be doing this. Honestly it feels really pointless to downshift though in residential areas (50km/hr maximum). It just feels natural for me to shift up and then I stay in 4th at 50km/hr, let it coast and when I get closer to the stop I hold the clutch and slightly break as i row down and come to a complete stop. Again is this wrong to do? What should I be doing?

As for starting I think it will just take practice and getting used to where the truck's clutch starts catching.

Thanks. This is all I can think of at the moment.

You're very much correct. Although have to factor in current CAN to USD conversion.
29,750.00 USD = 32,409.78 CAD

Pick it up, other fees for getting it license. US cars re-sale for less in Canada if there is a Canadian equivalent. It isn't worth it unless you are saving $5K or more at least IMO.

As for the OP living in Western Canada, SK or AB their prices tend to be higher..for really no reason.

Good to know you're learning, the skill of driving manuals is definitely becoming a lost art (now i sound old and cliche. :hitwithrock:) Anyway, to answer your question about downshifting, you ultimately want to learn how to 'rev-match' when down shifting. This means as soon as you press in the clutch to downshift, you want to lightly blip (or aggressively blip depending on how fast you were going and how fast you're slowing down) the throttle to appropriately match engine speed to the next gear ratio. DOWNSHIFTING = clutch in + blip gas + into gear + clutch out = smooth downshift. The less your drivetrain has to compensate by matching RPM's on downshifts, the less wear and tear over all. Eventually you'll get good and we can discuss heal and toe which is essentially the same thing except that you're adding an additional step of hitting the break during more spirited downshifts. It'll become second nature and you won't even think about it, that's when manual transmission cars come into their own. Check youtube out for some video tutorials, I believe there are some good ones. Safe practicing!

^^^ I taught myself how to revmatch and heel toe in my WRX. It definitely takes some getting used to, but the feeling of getting it down is awesome. Plus having smooth downshifts is great.

Watch Ayrton Senna's NSX video on youtube. He's heel toeing in loafers....

your avatar and "loafers" comment made me think of this... http://www.tubechop.com/watch/2510703

I don't agree. For normal daily driving:
When slowing to a stop keep the car in whatever gear you were cruising in while braking/coasting, until the rev approach idle speed. In the MS3, I press the clutch just above 1k RPM. This is best for mileage and wear. For slowing to a turn, I essentially do the same thing, then shift to the right gear to accel, release, and go thru turn rolling in the throttle. I never downshift to use the engine as a means to slow the car. Brake pads cost less than engines/transmissions/clutches.

So if you are coming up to a red light you just coast in say fourth(the gear you were already in), and then brake when needed, come to a stop and switch gears to first? And I suppose if you were doing this and the lights turned green you would stop coasting/braking and then shift into an appropriate gear to get going again? Seems like an easier method then downshifting to slow and then eventually brake.

Correct.

I ruined the engine in my first car because I didn't know that my aggressive downshifting was bad. Never downshift in order to have the engine slow the car....you downshift when you are preparing to accelerate.

Hmm. That is what feels more natural/easy to me, but my brother said it was a good habit to downshift to slow the car because it helps in winter, which I suppose it would especially if you have bad tires for winter.

yea i never really understood the need to downshift in terms of slowing down/braking. like crankshaft said, break pads are way cheaper than a clutch, for example. no need to get all fancy.

unless for some reason unknown to me, it's bad to put the car in neutral and brake?

Please explain how engine braking is harmful

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I've read somewhere that it's not good to coast in neutral, but I'm not buying it. If there was an argument, the reason wasn't worth remembering.

Coasting/braking while still in gear lets the carputer cut fuel and the energy from rolling will keep the engine and accessories spinning. It's a benefit for fuel economy, but that's probably negligible.

Clutch braking is bad...

Rev-matched engine braking is ok (but not absolutely necessary).

So then what do you do to slow down and stop?