To start off I want to say that my Dad and I are going to be in the market for a new car soon, the speed3 is definitely my dream car so just thinking about it gets me fucking (can I say that?) excited. Definitely better than my 96' Honda Accord, haha. We wont be able to buy one for a few months, so it gives us time to think over it. What year do you guys think is the best? What trim? and is there any way to get better gas mileage (I heard you can shift at low rpms at 1st & 2nd)? How cheap do you think I can bargain one for?
I will be driving the car for the most part, since my Dad is unable to drive in his current state (personal matters). I read some previous posts about the speed3 saying that it draws teen ricers and punks, which I am not, I'm just a regular teen. Ha. I'm drawn to it because it's versatile and usually overlooked (kind of a sleeper I think), plus I think it's sexy. Anyways just rambling here. Thanks.
I'm new and I need advice
First off, welcome to the club!!
I personally don't own a speed3, in fact, I'm one of the few remaining members without a Speed, LOL. However, I can tell you a few things. First of all, it actually doesn't attract the ricers - it's a very under-rated car. The car attracts tuners, the people that are more interested in more HP and a clean car vs. how loud they can make it sound and look.
You'll hear most of us tell you the '08 or '09 models are the best, over the '10 model because of the style. None of us are too fond of the '10 model because of how it looks and the cheesy "grin" the grill appears to have. Personally - if I could throw the '10 hood onto the '09 model, I'd be sold in a heartbeat. The only thing holding me back is that I still have some time left on my current loan.
The rest of the guys (and gals) can tell you more on the technical stuff. When you get to finally have your chance to drive off the lot with your new Speed - you will have the biggest grin on your face from ear to ear. It won't go away for a while...
Good luck!!!!
I personally don't own a speed3, in fact, I'm one of the few remaining members without a Speed, LOL. However, I can tell you a few things. First of all, it actually doesn't attract the ricers - it's a very under-rated car. The car attracts tuners, the people that are more interested in more HP and a clean car vs. how loud they can make it sound and look.
You'll hear most of us tell you the '08 or '09 models are the best, over the '10 model because of the style. None of us are too fond of the '10 model because of how it looks and the cheesy "grin" the grill appears to have. Personally - if I could throw the '10 hood onto the '09 model, I'd be sold in a heartbeat. The only thing holding me back is that I still have some time left on my current loan.
The rest of the guys (and gals) can tell you more on the technical stuff. When you get to finally have your chance to drive off the lot with your new Speed - you will have the biggest grin on your face from ear to ear. It won't go away for a while...
Good luck!!!!
It's not what you drive, it's how you drive it.
Greek8: I swear Angie has some sort of freak car.
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D-Nick
Like this?
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3203/401/33005200028_large.jpg
I'm assuming if we get a MS3 hot chicks will start posing in front of it, which is a definite bonus. Hahaha, yeah the 2008-2009 models was the ones I was looking at, but I have a few months before it's final. Thanks!
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3203/401/33005200028_large.jpg
I'm assuming if we get a MS3 hot chicks will start posing in front of it, which is a definite bonus. Hahaha, yeah the 2008-2009 models was the ones I was looking at, but I have a few months before it's final. Thanks!
- chickenwafer
- Posts: 2515
- Joined: Wed Mar 11, 2009 9:14
- Location: Greeley
That's a nice photo, haha, i think it deserves a re-post:

I think the MS3 is a great car. It's fun, handles well, has gobs of power, etc. Just be
careful not to get speeding tickets! Restraint is the name of the game.
The sleeper aspect of the car is great. It doesn't attract too much attention from other ricers and local law enforcement due to that which keeps you out of trouble.
As far as MPG the MS3 is no Civic but I've heard of some people averaging anywhere from 24-28mpg on the highway which for the type of car it is that's amazing. I'd kill for that mileage in my 8, haha!
I would say to get an 08-09 since they are cheaper and you can a used one for a good price with low miles. I like the 2010 model, the bumper does leave a little to be desired but the overall car looks better, IMO, especially the interior which is a HUGE step up over the previous model year.
I'm not sure of all the trim the only ones I know of are the Base and GT. The GT package adds I believe leather, Bose sound system with 6-disc CD changer, sunroof, not sure what else? I honestly think the base package is the best for performance but if you're not too hung up an extra hundred pounds or so then spring for the GT.

I think the MS3 is a great car. It's fun, handles well, has gobs of power, etc. Just be
careful not to get speeding tickets! Restraint is the name of the game.
The sleeper aspect of the car is great. It doesn't attract too much attention from other ricers and local law enforcement due to that which keeps you out of trouble.
As far as MPG the MS3 is no Civic but I've heard of some people averaging anywhere from 24-28mpg on the highway which for the type of car it is that's amazing. I'd kill for that mileage in my 8, haha!
I would say to get an 08-09 since they are cheaper and you can a used one for a good price with low miles. I like the 2010 model, the bumper does leave a little to be desired but the overall car looks better, IMO, especially the interior which is a HUGE step up over the previous model year.
I'm not sure of all the trim the only ones I know of are the Base and GT. The GT package adds I believe leather, Bose sound system with 6-disc CD changer, sunroof, not sure what else? I honestly think the base package is the best for performance but if you're not too hung up an extra hundred pounds or so then spring for the GT.

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bmwzoom
Just a few things to add... I get 28 mpg on my 2008 Speed3 GT. And anyone who knows me knows that I drive aggressively. However, when I am not on a cruise and not in a hurry I drive very well IMO. No MS3 has a sunroof. Mazda believes that a true sports car doesn't come with a sunroof. I had a hard time losing my sunroof from my 6 to my Speed, but it is a minor detail that I am quick to overlook knowing what my car is and can do. I am in LOVE with my HID's (only on the GT) on my car. I don't think I will be able to have anything different from here on out. They provide such a clear and wide range of light.
My love of the Speed3's stays only in the 07-09 models. I am not a fan of the 2010 due to the fact that it looks like an alien. I think Angie and I agree that they tried to make the taillights look too much like the Lancers, and we didn't like that. The hood scoop is the only benefit that I see with the exterior. The seats in the 2010 are not as sporty as those in the 07-09 years. I know they have improved a lot on the 2010 MS3's and I can't say anything about the performance because I haven't driven one however, I am a girl who mainly is after the looks of the car and the performance and the 2010 doesn't do it for me. But.... all of that was my opinion, so you have to go after what YOU want!
My love of the Speed3's stays only in the 07-09 models. I am not a fan of the 2010 due to the fact that it looks like an alien. I think Angie and I agree that they tried to make the taillights look too much like the Lancers, and we didn't like that. The hood scoop is the only benefit that I see with the exterior. The seats in the 2010 are not as sporty as those in the 07-09 years. I know they have improved a lot on the 2010 MS3's and I can't say anything about the performance because I haven't driven one however, I am a girl who mainly is after the looks of the car and the performance and the 2010 doesn't do it for me. But.... all of that was my opinion, so you have to go after what YOU want!
- chickenwafer
- Posts: 2515
- Joined: Wed Mar 11, 2009 9:14
- Location: Greeley
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bmwzoom
When I was looking at the '09 and the '10 models side by side, I was shocked to see the '10 Sport model is CHEAPER than the '09 GT model. That blew me away. The '10 Sport runs about $23K while the '09 GT is about the same or a little higher.
It's not what you drive, it's how you drive it.
Greek8: I swear Angie has some sort of freak car.
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D-Nick
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bmwzoom
D-Nick wrote:http://www.mazdaoflakewood.com/index.php?content=inventory
*drool* Haha, I just gotta be patient.
IMO that 2009 Black MS3 is way over priced... especially since the 2010's are on the lot. MOL's pricing is very confusing... just as Angie (MazdaGurl) touched on a bit earlier.
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Wifey2Speed3lvr
- Posts: 15
- Joined: Fri Sep 18, 2009 9:14
- Location: Falcon, CO
- Contact:
I agree the 10 is way cheesy...Plus the upholstery is horrible...I love the black with red threading in our 08...I don't think the gas is to bad though...Of course we went from a dodge to our MS3..That was 90 a week and now we are 30 every week and half. Bree how is the Sedans gas?? lol I am thinking about getting one in the next year or soo..Need something to drag my kid around in for soccer and not look to soccer momish. Nice photo on top!!! I thought they were going to have some girls getting pictures taken with our cars yesterday Jeff was sad lol So I was his little model..
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bmwzoom
Wifey2Speed3lvr wrote:I agree the 10 is way cheesy...Plus the upholstery is horrible...I love the black with red threading in our 08...I don't think the gas is to bad though...Of course we went from a dodge to our MS3..That was 90 a week and now we are 30 every week and half. Bree how is the Sedans gas?? lol I am thinking about getting one in the next year or soo..Need something to drag my kid around in for soccer and not look to soccer momish. Nice photo on top!!! I thought they were going to have some girls getting pictures taken with our cars yesterday Jeff was sad lol So I was his little model..
Hey, nothing wrong with the wife being the model!!!!! That's the way it should be! No models at yesterday's show.... we try to keep it a bit more family oriented. And, Angie (MazdaGurl) is the one with the sedan, but she drives more like a badass than I do, soooo.... I am gunna guess about 24 mpg?? Not to sure, plus taking out deer on cruises can't improve gas mileage much either
I love you Angie!In my Mazda6 GT, on a GOOD tank I would get 23mpg. It was an automatic and heavy as hell....
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D-Nick
bmwzoom wrote:IMO that 2009 Black MS3 is way over priced... especially since the 2010's are on the lot. MOL's pricing is very confusing... just as Angie (MazdaGurl) touched on a bit earlier.
Yeah it definitely is. I maybe could haggle down to 20k cause my Dad is kind of old and tells good sob stories, then I'll after that I'll them I have a trade-in, suckers.
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