In other news, I took the 2010 Mazdaspeed 3 for a test drive this weekend. They've done a good job with that little hatch. It's very, very quick to 100, and has a good fit/feel. Grippy seats, great standard options.

 

when I was looking a month ago, I liked the mazdaspeed 3 a lot. However, I though the WRX was nicer to drive (especially as a daily driver), and ended up with the WRX. After using Tim's VIP pricing and with 2.9 (vs 5.9 for the mazda) the WRX was just a little bit more

 

Most of the issues ended with the 04.5 models. One easy way to distinguish between the two is to see if there are knee pads on the sides of the center console. Another way is on the manual, if it came with the car. It will say "July and later models" or something to that effect.

If it is an 04.5, which is what I have, then I'd say it's worth it if the price is right. I have had zero issues with mine (knock on wood).

 

Getting rid of the GS-T? :naughty:

 

I'm strongly considering it. I expect, especially if I get this promotion at work, that I'll have a new car within a month or two. At one point in my life, a stiff suspension, ridiculous power and a turbo-sucking noise of epic proportions was great. Now I want something a bit more...comfortable. This 350z idea is unlikely. I'm strongly considering the MS3 or VW GTI.

 

MS3 is nice, Jemery. I had one crawl up my trumpet on I-70 Saturday while I was in the GTO. Driver was very cool; gave me the thumbs-up when I ran away from him.

Bright red little bastard.

 

Was he smiling?

 

His car certainly was. :lol:

 

That's definitely an 04.5.

I was thrilled to get my 350 5 years ago, but after owning it for 4 years I can say that "I liked it". It was an upgrade from the 3G of course, but it really isn't that fast/fun to drive as I think it's made out to be. I've said it in other threads, but I am many times more happy with my TT Z32 than I ever was with the 350. The interior is chintzy, and the transmission problems are a mess. I think they look good though. I guess in summary I liked it, but I would not buy another 350Z.

I wouldn't worry about the tire feathering issue much; it's easily corrected with new control arms if it bothers you enough, and you would have to buy those anyway if you decided to lower it. The big issue to watch for is the transmission, and considering it's out of warranty by now, Nissan probably wouldn't do much for you.

I am a big fan of the MS3, but considering the obvious price difference, that's an odd comparison no?

 

Yeah, the 3 has about seven grand on what I'd pay for the 350. I don't know. I'm really looking for a $300 payment, which depending on financing deals, could be any number of cars. For example, I checked out the new GTI which they're having a 1.9%/60 deal on right now. The savings in interest would put it in the low $300s for me. And it performs nearly as well as the MS3 and feels like a fucking luxury car.

*shrug* I'm trying to resist. And failing.

 

Yeah, but even the new VWs' reliability record is for shit. While that worry is lessened by buying brand new and having a warranty but you'll have to factor in the downtime for repairs as they come up. Also, maintenance issues can be a PITA due to extra complicated access to common parts in the engine bay and elsewhere.

 

I really don't know why all you people talk about problems with Audi/VW cars. I know almost a dozen people with one or the other and none of them has had a single problem with them.

J - I know you had talked about the R32 a long time ago. They don't make it anymore but since you seem to be ok with buying used, have you thought about one of those? Or even a left over? The guy I work with bought one about 8 months ago and found it as a leftover in Mississippi. I think he paiud around $27K for it and honestly it looks and sounds great. He put a magnaflow cat back on it and some new rims and suspension.

Also, being that this is already June, have you thought about waiting a couple more months? Come Sept there could either be something new out that you may like more, or even better yet, get one hell of a deal on whatever 2010 you want when they still have it taking up space on the lot.

As for the MS3, I like them. The MS cars seem to be pretty good performers. I had a MS6 messing with me up on the PA turnpike when I still lived up there. I walked away from him but it wasn't as quickly as I thought it would be.

 

Honestly, it's very unlikely that my budget will allow a car purchase right now — and every month I keep the 2G, it's another month I continue to save money (by not having a payment).

 

 

I second that! :bigthumb:

 

Thirded.

I paid cash for the Z and the Wrangler, paid off the Navigator about two months ago too. It's a great feeling, and I am going to be hard-pressed to go back in to debt ever again. You have one of the best looking 2Gs I've ever seen, AFAIK it runs as well as it looks, and you own it outright...keep that 2G dude.

 

:agreed: I haven't had a payment since 2006. I am looking to buy at the end of the year so I'm going to try to save everything I can and pay cash for whatever I get next.

 

No payments here either. I'll never get a car payment again. Now I'm just working on this pesky mortgage.

 

+1 :lol:

 

Thanks for the words. It does run well, mostly. There is something to be said for having a paid off car. I think I need to just treat it to a detailing so it "feels" new.

 

Or get a beater car :lol: I've been driving a 91' Civic DX for the past three months. When I switched it out last weekend for the 3G, it felt wonderful :lol: :lmfao: I even missed driving a manual in traffic :lol:

 

I think we should guilt Jeremy into bringing the 2G to Track Day this coming Friday so he can run 11s while I run 13s.

 

2G didn't start at lunch today. Same random, sporatic (undiagnosed) fuel issue that left me stranded in Santa Monica while visiting California. Urge to kill car rising.

 

Aw :hug3:

You get it started not long after tho? Diagnosing and resolving that issue would still most likely cost much less than a new car. And with new parts in, it won't be an issue again for another 10 years either, right?

 

Buddy had a similarish problem with his 3KGT; it ended up being a loose fuse. Not a blown one; just a loose one.

 

Turned out to be a loose ground.