Who owns a mazda speed3, tell me ur likes and dislikes bout it and if its a good car?

Question

i own a 2003 pontiac grand am gt, its starting down the path of no return, it has lots of problems like battery, fuel pump, starter, electrical, spark plugs! so yeah its 5 years old but i dont think it will live much longer the way it has all these problems, and my parents wont keep spending thousands on gettin it fixed all the time sooo iv lookd at speed 3 and it seems like a great car, i like it bacuse its a sporty fun car like my grand am once was before all the problems, thats y i want to hear what u the owner has to say about speed 3!!!

dont hold back tell me everything about it

Answer 1

You're not going to like my answer.

The only reason your 5-year-old car is going to "die" is because of neglect.  The battery and spark plugs on your Grand Am are basic maintenance items, and replacing them would cost maybe $200.  The fuel pump and starter aren't cheap, but you're still talking under $1,000 to get your current car running in top form again.  But your parents would rather spend $24,000 on a new car?  Clearly you're spoiled.

The Speed3 is an awesome car, but it's a lousy choice for a teenager.  The insurance is going to be outrageous, and it's too much car for a beginner driver.  It's not fuel efficient and it requires premium gas, so fueling it isn't going to be cheap either.

Answer 2

Man my brother bought a 2008 speed3 about 8 months ago, and I have a 2003 Subaru WRX STi which I bought back in January 2007. They are both stock cars!!  Guess who won!!!  

I kick his a** every time, and he spent $5000 more than me geting his Speed3. When we race (dont race in traffic like an idiot) I usually kick his behind by a good 2-3 seconds on a 1 mile stretch.  

I bought my STi through an add in Autotrader by a dealership in Marietta, GA.  I think you should do the same.  Buy either a used STi or a EVO VIII, porbably 2003-2006.  

Dont take my word for it just yet... Do your own research!!! Check out the links!!!

Answer 3

I like my speed3. As far as new cars go its the best deal. It doesnt look like a boy racer car as much as the Subaru or Evo. Im not hating on those guys cars they arent bad they just arent for me. I got mine at invoice. a regular WRX off the line beats you because of its AWD, but at the quarter its all over. Only an STI or EVO is slightly faster. Mazda also sells warrantied performance parts. I have mine slightly modified. with an intake a blow off valve and a motor mount insert and its really fast. At the crank I put down 292hp/320 toque with simple mods that wont void the warranty. I can get another 30 whp outta the speed3

if i spent another 400 on a downpipe. check out autoweek.com they have a long term review on a speed3. I dont like the cheap plastic stuff but i came into it out of a mercedes c230 kompressor. overall its fast as h**l and wont break your budget.

Answer 4

I really like it.  Its very practical for me since I go mtn biking and skiing alot so it has the cargo room for that.

Its also very quick for a small hatchback, and fun to drive.  Its torque is probably too high when starting off a line....dont really get the traction you would hope...but when moving the acceleration is great!

I've added the Mazdaspeed CAI for a bit of added performance...apart from that its stock

I've had mine for over a year now, and have had no problems at all.  I've driven mine year round and it handles fine in snow (if you get snow tires)

Answer 5

I don't usually call other people out, but Hellraizer is a flat out liar since they didn't even make a 2003 WRX STI in the US.

Besides, the STI and the MS3 aren't even in the same class.  Brand new, the STI is at least $10K more.

I bought my 2008 MS3 in January and could not ask for a better car for the money.  It is comfortable, has a killer bose stereo system (in the GT) and is a total sleeper on the road.  

You get way more Horses and torque than the Civic Si and the VW GTI at about the same price.  It even beats the WRX the quarter mile at about $2K less.  

In overall performance, it is comparable to the Chevy Cobalt SS with much better resale and reliability.

Insurance is reasonable, but I am 34.  We also have a Mazda 3 i-touring and it is only $3 a month cheaper to insure than the MS3.

The only negatives are:

1) occasionally, you will feel the torque steer since it is front wheel drive. A lot of power going to the wheels.

2) Takes premium fuel - however most of the cars in this class do, as well.  Plus, I average about 24 mpg.