Why buy a MS3?

[Killface]

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.

[Pseudonym]

Get that wrx and hit up naisoc.

[snailD]

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

[Killface]

Originally Posted by Pseudonym Get that wrx and hit up naisoc.

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

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

Why do you have such hate for wrx drivers?

[doctavus]

Originally Posted by Killface 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.

[snailD]

Originally Posted by Killface Is that genuine advice or is this some inside joke or something? Why do you have such hate for wrx drivers?

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

[Killface]

Originally Posted by snailD 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?

[mxlplx71]

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.

[Killface]

Originally Posted by mxlplx71 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.

[mxlplx71]

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.

[Killface]

Originally Posted by mxlplx71 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)

[xtasy]

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.

[Littlescroll]

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.

[emag remrofni]

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

[Killface]

Originally Posted by Littlescroll 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.

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.

[Littlescroll]

Originally Posted by Killface 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.

[Killface]

Originally Posted by Littlescroll 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.

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

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.

[Killface]

Originally Posted by Say Chi Sin Lo Here's why I bought my 1st gen MS3: - 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.

[Drive By Fire]

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.

[afoley2]

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

[usgiorgi]

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...

[1nstinct]

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.

[JgamB]

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.

[speed_freak91]

-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

[crankshaft]

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.

[Bludypoo]

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.

[OverBoosted]

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.

[Trey-Z]

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.

[ABOSWORTH]

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.

[Dimenus]

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

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

Originally Posted by ABOSWORTH 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.

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.

[rdjr74]

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!

[Killface]

Originally Posted by rdjr74 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)

[ihasmazda]

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

[Killface]

Originally Posted by ihasmazda 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.

[ihasmazda]

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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[ABOSWORTH]

Originally Posted by Dimenus 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.

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.

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

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.

Originally Posted by Dimenus 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 got mine for a pretty good price too.

[Jason43]

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.

[smelvinwrong]

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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[dubtastic]

Originally Posted by Killface 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.

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.