I haven't posted in a while...but I thought I'd share a pic
 

of my MINI's new stablemate. I got it about 2 months ago and absolutley love it. It's fast, quiet, handles great (not as good as the MINI though), has lots of room, a decent stereo, and lots of bells and whistles. All for $26.5K. If anyone here is in the "practical but very sporty car" market, you should check it out. You might like it. I'm getting around 24 in town and 32 on the highway. The only things I don't like about it are the stupid looking exhaust tip (the exhaust tip needs to be that big...the piping is huge!) and no heated seats are available...Grrr. Manual tranny only...and no sunroofs allowed!...and that's OK by me. BTW...these stablemates get along just fine.

Mazda Mazdaspeed3https://www.northamericanmotoring.co.../IMG_00138.jpg
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co.../IMG_00146.jpg

I wouldn't consider the exhaust to be that bad. Good choice on color, too. So tired of seeing that damn shade of red on all of them. That roof mounted spoiler would bug me, though. Just my $.02.

Can't say as I disagree about the spoiler...I don't mind having
 

one back there...but I do wish it were a little smaller. I think the one on the regular hatchback is a little more subdued. At least it's not a WING!

I dig 'em. Wish they came in AWD. That much power deserves the rear wheels, or all four.

- Matt

Nice :thumbsup:. I test drove one, but couldn't give up my Mini.

hottness - nice kill!

Looks great! Perfect alternative to a suv or worse.... a minivan(no pun). Any plans for mods? Black wheels and lower it then call it a day.:thumbsup:

Congrats on the awesome ride:thumbsup:

If I end up needing some more room (more additions to the family), that would be tops on my list to replace the Mini. I've had a WRX and while AWD is great, I would appreciate the efficiency and better MPG with the MS3. Nice choice... :)

What's so wrong with a MINI(van)?!:mad::mad::grin:

I think mine looks just like the mazdaspeed3... only... slightly larger... which can only mean that I have more room for "awesome".:lol::)

http://www.geekshocker.com/family/im...s/MPVFront.jpg

(it's not a minivan... it's an MPV)

Back on topic: congrats on the purchase of the MINI garage buddy!:thumbsup:

that was my other option before i got the Mini. Nice choice.

But does it travel at the speed of awesome?:razz:

Only when the seats are down...:eek::lol:

In that case,..some Bonnet stripes and your set:lol:

If you gotta have a MiniVan...an MPV is a good'un!

TY...I've been thinking about mods since I bought it
 

[quote=Any plans for mods?[/quote]
I have considered the mspeed3 intake and exhaust. Those items are reasonably priced and carry the full factory warranty as long as they are installed by a Mazda dealer. Just those two mods get the hp and torque up around 300/300. Those are Mazda's claims IIRC. I'm not crazy about all those spokes on the wheels either. A quality set of 5 spoke wheels would clean up a lot quicker and might shed some unsprung weight, too. If it were lacking power I'd be much more inclined to do something sooner :nod:.

I've driven the new Toyota Matrix AWD on a dirt course and it was a kick to drive!!! A little under powered but fun.

:nod:

i think this is a nice ride. i've considered it for my next car. i couldn't agree more that the Mazda red is getting a little jaded. the spoiler is ehh but you're right at least it is not a wing. 300hp/300ft.lbs. is a great number good luck with the mods. you need to make this your very own. happy motoring!