THSCC Forums

I actually got to test drive an '08 as well WITHOUT the salesman in it (and it had ~2300 miles on it, so I didn't feel bad about beating on it). It WAS fun, I had the car out for about 45 minutes!

I agree with a lot of the impressions here. The throttle response I hear gets a LOT better simply by adding an intake (similar to my regular 3 actually, the throttle response SUCKS and is very non-linear on stock 3's IMO). The '08 from what I hear is better in almost every way than the '10. The new car is uglier and heavier, with basically the same drivetrain and suspension. It does die a bit up top, but as others have said, the aftermarket can help this a LOT (from what I read). Intake and exhaust alone can add a TON of HP to the speed3. Even stock though, they have a lot of issues with the passenger side motor mount going out (as do all 3's). Its actually the same part on the speed as it is on my car, despite the extra 100 hp and TONS more torque. Add MORE power, and you should just keep a spare mount in your trunk. The aftermarket has solved this as well, albeit it with a little extra NVH.

I'm pretty sure that they don't come with sunroofs, and never did.

It is a great car for sure, but to me, if you want a sportscar, buy a sportscar. I'm not a huge believer in the idea of an "all purpose car" though (I've got quite a few single purpose vehicles in my garage).

Mini=fun car. Mazda3=economy car. Element=utility car.

_________________
2012 MX-5 Sport SUV

i had a 08 ms3, the power was great (but done by 5500 rpm, short shifting was the order of the day) but the ropy shifter and abrupt clutch really ruined the driving experience for me. it was damn near impossible to street drive it without lurching on the first two or three upshifts, and this is from a guy who has never owned a car with an automatic (except for the truck) his entire life. and spirited driving would frequently result in the shifter balking during the 3-4 shift, you'd have to bring it back to neutral then try again. wasn't just my car, other folks reported the same issues.

Interesting info, thanks Jason. I see the word "had", so I assume the MS3 is gone. What did you replace it w/?

_________________
Rodney

'08 Bullitt mustang, CAM 7
Autox VP '09-'10, President '11-'12, interim President 2nd half of ‘14
proud recipient of the Bowie Grey service award '12
Now just a guy driving a mustang....

the list is long but distinguished. here's a list of my rides from the past three years (c&p from my wiki):

1997 bmw m3 (2005) - best car i ever owned by a mile, did everything beautifully

2007 mazdaspeed 3 (2007) - good power but awful clutch, never really clicked with it

1987 bmw 325i (2008) - e30 track car, amazingly good in its natural setting

1994 honda accord (2008) - 240k miles and 35 mpg, almost magical

1992 acura/honda nsx (2008) - dream car #2

2001 ford excursion 7.3 diesel (2009) - huge ass tow vehicle

1987 toyota corolla fx-16 gts (2009) - so nice i got it twice

1991 miata mx-5 (2009) - frankenstein car with 95 drivetrain and brakes, fancy suspension

1989 bmw 325is - spec e30 race car

How did you find the FX16? They look like a hoot to drive.

they're great cars, i've had two. decent power, very smooth engine, fat torque curve for a motor that spins to 7500 rpm, solid gearbox, hydraulic clutch, four wheel discs, the always awesome hot hatchback utility. not many decent ones left, i just happened to stumble across one in charlotte earlier this year and grabbed it on the same day i picked up my new trailer. there's a guy who helps run nasa-ma events with one, he tracks it from time to time. i've seen it at vir, i think it's sometimes used as the pace or safety car for races.

I talked with Bowie today. He said that, cost aside, given the choice between a 2010 MS3 and a previous one, he'd get the 2010. His reasons were as follows:

- He likes the interior in the '10 better, particularly the gauge package
- Wider wheels
- Revised suspension tuning
- Slight gear ratio changes

I've also asked him about the shifter. He says it's not as bad as folks make it out to be. It's certainly not an S2000 shifter, but we know that already. He's had no trouble with either it or the clutch.

The '10's real win over the older cars is that it's new. If you're a Mazda Motorsports member, you get "S Plan" pricing. S Plan is available to friends and family. Between the great pricing, and the fact that it would be a brand new car that you KNOW hasn't been abused or modified, the '10 was an easy choice for him to make.

If you're going to be autocrossing this car, and intend to do so on R-compound tires, be aware that it's going to be EXPENSIVE. I think he said the "right" size for his '10 is likely 245-35-18. They're $300 each. On a car with 270hp, front wheel drive, and a strut front suspension. Rodney, if one of your goals is to reduce your tire budget, I'd suggest looking at something else. Unless you want to run it in STX.

_________________
Karl S.
2014 Baby, 2014 House, 2013 Ford Focus ST, 2013 BMW 328i, 1994 Mercedes E320
(Insert passive aggressive signature line here)

maybe he should get a nsx - same power, rwd, no struts, and cheaper 15" tires. winner!