Howdy all,

This car (Mazdaspeed 3) is really intriguing me (for the money) as a great power sport compact car.......

Anyone drive one and have an honest review????????

Thanks........

 

Test drove one, torque steer not as bad as expected due to engine management, gobs of power but quite noisy with a drone, shifts nicely fun car to drive but it's all about the power and I just felt that would wear off quickly once I got used to it. Then I'd be looking for other things to like about it and one thing it doesn't have that is a must for me is a sunroof. The Mini just has sooo much more character and IMO is better on so many fronts that the power of the speed3 just isn't enoughto keep me interested long term.

 

I test drove one a MazdaSpeed3, based on all the great reviews (Consumer Reports, auto mags, etc.) and was *very* disappointed. Ok, it's not a nice looking car, and the colors are bad, I knew that going in to it - but I was expecting a great ride. It was uncomfortable (I'm not slender - maybe it would be comfortable for others), it was *very* hard to engage 1st (stalled once, very rough the other times) and just was not enjoyable. I went to the mini dealer just to "get it out of my system", figuring it would be even less comfortable - what a great surprise! I drove a MC first, which was great, both comfortable and fun to drive; then I drove an MCS which was even better. MA was completely no pressure, and when I mentioned that I was concerned that the combination of options I would like was not likely to be on the lot, she told me that I could custom order the exact configuration I wanted. That did it. I went home, configured the mini online, and called her back to make the appointment; the next day, I placed the order. Now if I can just make it through the next two months (or so) until it arrives!

 

the ms3 is a fantastic car. Really it's tough to beat in the price range that it sits in. It puts down around 230-240 hp to the wheels with gobs of tq. It's a genuine 4 door 4 seat car instead of a 2+2 which is what the mini is. You can find them gently used for 18-21 and new for 23-25... Really you get a crapload more out of that car then you do a mini.

I have a few complaints yes... pedals are wayyyy too far apart. It's some very cheap plastic in the interior pieces dash and what have you. But overall a very strong practical 5 door grocery getter. I'm not sure what people are doing as far as modding community. My hope is that people will be doing quite a bit with the ecu as there is a lot of tq to unlock down low that is being held back to make the tq steer more livable for the common driver.

Overall very positive experience. Rides firm but comfortably, a crapload of room in the back seat and trunk and great value for the performance and build quality you're getting.

I'm hoping that the wife will pick either the ms3 or the 135i for her next car so i can beat on them accordingly. However, the ms3 does not have lease terms available. That's the only reason there isn't one resting quietly next to the mini in our family currently.