My 2008.5 CWP MS3gt is going to be three years old July 8th, 2011. It has 18,550 miles on it. It's stock with addition of Cobb short shift kit, K&N filter, weather guards and clear bra from Eclipse. I have had zero problems with it. It runs great and is now getting really good mileage 26/34. No dings, stock tires/wheels with snow set tires/wheels.

So what's this thread about?

I have a desire to trade-in due to it's current trade-in value of 19,950. I'm sitting on a deal with Audi with that value but I'm in the 38k range. I'm leary about a private sale because all interested are young, inexperienced kids and the 3's torque steer is a concern and, to be honest, nobody has ever driven it besides me. I sold all of my SCCA cars and replaced them with this car. I cannot find any car, under $30K, that matches this cars performance with all of the options this Speed has. It didn't come with Bluetooth but that was about it. It is a well thought out car for 2008 and that was apparent by it's trade-in value.

So is there a nice car out there that is better than a Speed3 for under $30k?

bmw 135i
<30K

Are you talking brand new? If so, 2011/2012 Mustang GT. You can get a base model for 29k sticker, and they will go well below sticker. If you want the creature comforts like leather, Sync, bluetooth, etc., those start at 32k, but again, you can get them to come down to around 30k easily with rebates and negotiating. Nothing in this price range for a new car will touch it performance-wise. A new STi can be had for ~33k. Not sure on a new EvoX

If you're not specifically looking for new, there are several cars that can be had for under 30k that are better than a Speed3 if you're willing to get a car that's a year or two old.

2008+ STi
2008+ Evo X
C6 Corvettes are starting to get down under 30k
C5 Z06
2009+ 135i
Some used 2011 Mustang GTs are starting to show up and are under 30k

The Vettes, Mustang, and 135i are RWD though and way smaller interiors so they won't be as good in the snow and you won't be able to haul stuff in them like you can in an MS3. So it really depends on what type of car you're looking for - if you're looking for just performance, or a combination of performance and utility.

Why is everyone dumping their MS3's?

CMZC: Colorado Mazdaless Club.

Why would you want to get an Audi? Their styling has been going down hill. If you buy new, you just bought yourself an overpriced car. If you buy used, you just bought yourself overpriced/excessive maintenance:rolleyes:

I got rid of my MS3 and I'm not Mazdaless.

Touche Sir...touche.

erod550 wrote:I got rid of my MS3 and I'm not Mazdaless.

Whatever you decide, you better hurry. Your trade-in value won't be that high for long. It may have dropped by a grand just since you typed this.

I wouldn't mind getting the new Subie WRX. I like the wide fenders on the new 2011 model.

Why not a 2011 MS3?

Mikedubs wrote:Why not a 2011 MS3?

He might as well just keep the car he has. No point buying the same car again. Only differences are external styling, and not in a good way, hehe. Well and I guess the interior is different too, and you can get bluetooth and proximity key, which is cool. Still, I wouldn't want to trade in my car on a newer model of the same car, especially when there haven't been any improvements in the power plant.

Thanks for all of your input. I'm in Boulder County and I watch the dealer lots for Speed3's. There have been 4 so far that have been sold, each in less than one week.
I played the "I'm interested in a used car" trick and learned that all sold for a minimum of 22K. Times ticking on trade in values, this is true, and I have to either keep my car or cash out for another 20K to buy new. 20k is a lot of money for Bluetooth.