Need some advice

[~Barn~]

The stripe I'd have to see in person to see if I reallly appreciated it or not. At a glance, it does kind of have a uniqueness to it, but to be fair, we're talking about it being on a hatchback here, and not a Ford GT.

I also agree a lot with what Shadow mentioned. Some prejudices can be well-founded and will eventually uncover the dissapointments that are expected. Other times they are just circumstantial anomalies that needn't be worried about. Point being, is that if you're dealing with a budget in any way, some digging deeper than surface level is going to be required to make sure you get a true gem and not just a shiny turd, from an articulate con-man. =)

There's an old saying about judging covers and books, and suffices to say that it can be applied to car purchases. Either way, g'luck with your search and I hope you find a winner!

EDIT: Oh yeah...! two words:
Mainenance. Records.

[kingtut]

Some prejudices can be well-founded and will eventually uncover the dissapointments that are expected. Other times they are just circumstantial anomalies that needn't be worried about. Point being, is that if you're dealing with a budget in any way, some digging deeper than surface level is going to be required to make sure you get a true gem and not just a shiny turd, from an articulate con-man. =)

EDIT: I have a feeling that I've said something very similar in the past. <previous content deleted>

As such, allow me to say: well said.

Memory fail.

[erod550]

I don't think I'll ever buy another FWD car myself, but I wouldn't discourage someone else from doing so, especially if they're not looking to mod or track the car. An S2000 isn't exactly a practical car so while you may be able to get one for about the same price as an MS3, it may not serve the intended purpose. Also, not everyone is comfortable driving a RWD performance car in the snow or has the space or funds for a 2nd car for doing so. Thankfully, I don't have to go out in the snow much since I work from home, so I can have a light RWD car for driving in the snow and be fine with it.

The blue one linked earlier does look like a better buy since it has never been modded, but like you, I was never fond of Cosmic Blue. True Red was always my favorite color (hence why I bought one) but I really like the Crystal White as well. Also, like the first one, they seem to be asking more than it is worth, at least according to KBB, but that's not uncommon on Craigslist just as a starting negotiation point.

Oh, and I don't know many people who would steer you away from an MS3 just to suggest getting a regular 3. If you're looking for a car with some utility but also some punch, a regular 3 isn't going to satisfy both requirements. If you don't hate the styling, you might check out a Dodge Caliber SRT-4. About the same power, about the same utility, and as far as I know a much more stable platform. The Neon SRT-4s before the Caliber were damn near bulletproof. I had one that I modded and beat the crap out of for 84k miles and no issues at all. But I will admit the MS3 does look a lot better than the Caliber SRT-4, and has a much nicer interior as well.

[geo2maz]

loves some cosmic blue, but i do like crystal white more, and temp monster green

[Beej336]

loves some cosmic blue, but i do like crystal white more, and temp monster green

The green is pretty badass.

Well guys, here's an update.

The white one was definitely a no-go. It was pretty dirty inside, in a way that the buttons on the dash looked worn away/coated in grime. His rear bumper that he stated had damage looked as if it had been repainted. I couldnt tell for sure, but it had that appearance. The front bumper also had a few scrapes and there was a pretty large scratch on the hood. He had maintenance records from the previous owners, but I had made my decision and didnt even bother to ask to see them. It drove well. Turbo spooled up nicely and evenly, gears all worked. No sway bar clunk, turbo smoke. I wasnt able to test for VVT rattle as it was warm when I got there. It was the sport edition so he was way over book, and with aftermarket parts on it I wasnt going to drop that kind of $$$.

Afterwards, I went to the Groove Mazda dealership on Arapahoe. Drove a 2013 MS3 for sh*ts and giggles. We were the first test drive on it (2 miles before we started FTW). Its nice, but I noticed that the second gen feels a bit bigger than the first gen, and the blindspots were more prominent.

They also had a black 2007 GT MS3 for sale there. Listed at $17,500 it was pretty high, but has low miles at 45k. 3 owners. No major problems (had 4 engine codes though), had navi system, but leather was wearing on drivers seat, has some stains in the rear seat. Had sway bar clunk, but no turbo smoke. Hail damage on weather stripping on the windows (down low, you can see little half circles torn out in the rubber, happened to my P5 in a hailstorm one day, thats where i know it comes from). Anyways, I didnt go for it. But I thought I would fill you all in on it, in case someone else is in the market.

EDIT: Oh, I also would like to thank you all for giving me advice on these cars. Its a big help and thats why I love the Mazda community. Best forums I've ever seen on the net.

[kingtut]

The white one was definitely a no-go. It was pretty dirty inside, in a way that the buttons on the dash looked worn away/coated in grime. His rear bumper that he stated had damage looked as if it had been repainted. I couldnt tell for sure, but it had that appearance. The front bumper also had a few scrapes and there was a pretty large scratch on the hood.
EDIT: Oh, I also would like to thank you all for giving me advice on these cars. Its a big help and thats why I love the Mazda community. Best forums I've ever seen on the net.

Sorry to hear the car wasn't what you were looking for. But kudos for being patient and objective in your searches. I've been known as somewhat of an impulse buyer, so this is hard for me to do. Keep it up, you'll find what you're looking for.

As for the ad itself, it is winter, i wouldn't stress about the cleanliness. In fact, if you are really interested, offer to take the car and wash it on the test drive. .... As for grammar and ad quality, I've decided passionate car guys are better at driving and turning wrenches than spelling and grammar. Don't eliminate potential vehicles because of that.

*cough*I-told-you-so*cough*:rolleyes:

[tsx_guy]

*cough*I-told-you-so*cough*:rolleyes:

You sir are such a dick!!

[geo2maz]

Take your time till the right one comes along, I waited over 6 months before buying my current (2nd) MS3, when I bought my 1st one on impulse, it ended very badly.

You should eventually find something with 40k-ish, for $15k-ish,
(i bought my current 07 with 35k for $16.5k, GT, perfect condition)

[Beej336]

Take your time till the right one comes along, I waited over 6 months before buying my current (2nd) MS3, when I bought my 1st one on impulse, it ended very badly.

I am doing exactly that. Have been avidly searching for about 6 months now.

[geo2maz]

I am doing exactly that. Have been avidly searching for about 6 months now.

Sweet, I'll keep an eye out too... I used Autotrader and CL as my main sources...

[Shadowden]

I don't think I'll ever buy another FWD car myself, but I wouldn't discourage someone else from doing so, especially if they're not looking to mod or track the car. An S2000 isn't exactly a practical car so while you may be able to get one for about the same price as an MS3, it may not serve the intended purpose. Also, not everyone is comfortable driving a RWD performance car in the snow or has the space or funds for a 2nd car for doing so.

Just to clarify, I provided the info I did because I think it is silly how expensive a used ms3 is. They start new a good bit lower than the other cars I mentioned, but people are trying to sell them as if the are hardly used even though they have highish mileage.

I think you should buy tuts 3. It's as close as you can get to buying a performance car from a grandma.

I don't think you told me anything tut, you are just reducing the opportunity for finding a potential car. I looked at tons of cars including dealerships with full detail completed on the car and found issues with them.

[AuroraAxela]

Hush, Shadow, I want tut's car!

[Beej336]

Hah, is tut's car up for sale? I don't think I'd mind an 2008.5...

[zmarko]

Reading in here and on other mazda forums, people are never happy with them, they don't handle all that well(IAutocrossed my mz 3), and the turbo although cool, isn't exactly geared for high performance(thus all the mods people do to them).

I'm extremely happy with my MS3. LOVE it. I think it handles great for what it is. Does it handle as well as a Miata? No. It's not designed to. However, it's a night and day difference between a MZ3. If you're basing the handling of the MS3 on you autocrossing your MZ3, you shouldn't...because it's apples and oranges. I traded my '10 MZ3 in on my '12 MS3. And I was blown away at how much better the Speed handles over the MZ3.

Now it seems you are looking for an enthusiasts car too. The ms3 has some of that. However, when you get into that area, you are going to be lucky to find one used that has never been modified. No one on here that I can think of is or has always been stock.

My '12 has 10k on it, and has never been modified. I don't plan on modifying it at all. It's a good enthusiasts car that can carry 4 people and also can handle larger loads if you need to run to Lowe's or something on a saturday.

[erod550]

You are definitely in the minority there with staying stock. Almost every MS3 I've ever seen has at least had an intake because it's a cheap mod that give pretty good gains.

And an increase in handling over a plain jane FWD isn't hard to get. In the end it's still a FWD and will still push like a mofo if you get on the gas too early coming out of a corner. But, if you're not caring about taking it to the track then in almost all situations on the street that isn't a problem. And if you're just looking for a fun to drive car with utility then it can still serve that purpose.