Your new ride

[KenYork]

Now I've noticed many have had their first Mz3 come and go. Just wondering what you new ride is and if there's a reason for the change. (I'm looking for a vehicle, not sure which direction I'm heading).

[ottoyu34]

Maybe try out the new gen Mazda 3. I bought a 2010 model recently.

[bluntman]

This is my new ride:


I wanted to sit higher up again and be able to hold more stuff...the turbo is also nice to have.

[jonjon72]

This is my new ride:


I wanted to sit higher up again and be able to hold more stuff...the turbo is also nice to have.

Love the ride! Drool. Can you post up a review?

[bluntman]

Love the ride! Drool. Can you post up a review?

Pros:
- responsive turbo engine that uses regular gas
- quiet, roomy interior
- driver seat heater and cooler, dual zone AC that works
- panoramic roof with large front tilt/slide moonroof
- lots of room
- gets lots of looks (partly because I changed the badges from the customary "KIA" badge to the "broken K" badge)
- Bluetooth, reverse camera, satellite radio, navigation, voice recognition (not UVO) all included
- surprisingly good SQ from stock sound system

Cons:
- rearward visibility
- small gas tank (45L)
- ECO mode doesn't really do much
- where to go for service?
- 2012 SX model will include power outside mirrors and heated steering wheel
- more expensive than the Optima SX

[iconicrocket]

Good Choice Bluntman!

I was thinking of trading up to that model too. I wasn't aware they have the turbo engine here in Canada already, thought they were bringing it out next year.

Hows the interior and did u really get the Panoramic roof option?

[Slade]

Needed more space for the dog for camping/going away, fitting the dog crate was an adventure in the car, was 99% of the reason for the change.

Want something RWD/4x4

Wanted something that seem better quality then my Mazda was. (cheap exterior and interior I found)

Mazda3 was way overpriced I found.

[bluntman]

Good Choice Bluntman!

I was thinking of trading up to that model too. I wasn't aware they have the turbo engine here in Canada already, thought they were bringing it out next year.

Hows the interior and did u really get the Panoramic roof option?

The panoramic roof was standard on the SX (the only option I had was colour) and it's quite nice, even though I only pull back the shade I wouldn't buy a vehicle without moonroof, being panoramic is just a bonus.

[PCLoadLetter]

- gets lots of looks (partly because I changed the badges from the customary "KIA" badge to the "broken K" badge)

Another name for the King Long logo right? Looks good!

[bluntman]

No, but it's similar.



King Long

[SSmoked]

Cause Mazda has crappy relability/quality IMHO, and its only a matter of time before mazda3 owners realize it.
i wanted a fun car that has great looks, mod friendly while still being reliable, makes power for cheap, cheap to maintain, and excellent on gas(wheter in boost or not).

[coriolis]

I still have the car but work gave me one, and I rarely drive my 3. Might end up selling it soon, no point paying for insurance when I use it once a week, if at all.

[CFX]

Cause Mazda has crappy relability/quality IMHO...

...and since when were Cobalts, or GM for that matter, reliable with better quality?

[Slade]

...and since when were Cobalts, or GM for that matter, reliable with better quality?

IMO I find the outside finish and inside finish of my truck are better than my Mazda3, I was not happy with the wear of the material at all.

I still liked my 3, and it was mechanically sound for 4 years.

[TheMaterial]

I went the SUV route...I didn't really need the extra space but it was nice...I needed something that would pull around some toys...I've got a sea doo and plan on getting a snowmobile in the near future and the 3 just wasn't capable of moving them around to well.

I went with an 08 Escape, 3ltr v6 4WD.

[Default User]

I got a Mitsu Lancer for my wifey simply because the gas mileage (way better than our previous 4Runner), the safety features (cheaper insurance), 10 year warranty, and 0% financing. Also, the fact it was made in Japan, made the in-laws feel better about the durability and reliability compared to the other options we were considering.

But still got mad love for the 3.

[Unoriginalusername]

2009 Acura CSX Type S


Pro's (vs. 07 MS3 previous ride)
- Excellent MPG (6.8L best tank) given rising gas prices, and KM driven to work thats a big bonus
- Built in Bluetooth for con-calls on the road
- Built in Navigation for finding those odd appointments (travel for work a lot)
- Built in iPod integration (great for the road as well, podcasts, itunes library etc. and charges the phone)
- Leather, seat warmers and quieter exhaust good for customers vs. boomy exhaust of the ms3
- Great 6 speed transmission
- Split personality engine fun to rev out when you haven't ventured up there in a while it feels like a different car.
- Great engine noise (especially with the K&N sri) with peak hp where it should be; at redline ... video link of the sound here - a really addictive noise
- No blown engine problems to worry about
- No lag, or temperamental performance based on the outside temp
- Not sure, but it feels like build quality may be slightly better/last longer overall with fewer repairs
- resale value doesn't have the same death spiral as the ms3

Cons
- Not enough headroom, i didn't notice in the test drive but i find it uncomfortable on longer trips
- Electric steering is a far cry from the almost telepathic steering of the ms3 (especially after springs, sways, tires)
- Brakes are laughable in comparison, ABS too easy to engage
- I am not sure if this is a pro or a con... but the Type S/SI makes you think you are actually in a pretty quick car (which is good for overall enjoyment) until some day you try and merge in front of a fairly normal car and find yourself barely able to pull ahead; in a nutshell its slow
- Lack of tq. down low. good for tire wear, and good for keeping the speed a special occasion ordeal but bad for wanting to scoot out of somewhere to something else. ms3 third gear pulls in the right weather conditions were magical (especially with all the mods). I miss having enough tq. to do this - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RlhpTFq6ec
- No SRI and HKS BPV sounds like this - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nB1wnKdIT10
- No backfire or burbles like this which used to just make my day when you start up and get this noise - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sb9fwiWacBI
- The pro list seems to greatly outweigh the cons, so maybe i should just enter this next one several times... on it's best day, the ms3 is 10x more fun to drive all things considered. if it didn't have moody days or engine reliability problems, i would find a way to trade for one again and suffer with the mpg loss
- A year and bit longer after selling the 3 and driving something else i am still on this website daydreaming about modding up an ms3 despite all the things i hated about it when i had it

[MajesticBlueNTO]

- A year and bit longer after selling the 3 and driving something else i am still on this website daydreaming about modding up an ms3 despite all the things i hated about it when i had

Cobb has long since broken through the "load cap" barrier that was one of the issues behind blown engines...they have also given the option of Boost-based tuning that makes the car hit a boost target in all weather conditions.

There are stock engine MS3's and MS6's making near and upwards of 400whp with the Cobb AP.

You have no more excuses not to get back into an MS3.