CTC Review: 2010 Mazdaspeed3

[johngenx]

Probably because with AWD they didn't figure out how to not blow something up on clutch dumps

Zing!!!

[Flinter]

Probably because with AWD they didn't figure out how to not blow something up on clutch dumps

Zing!!!

You're not kidding... I just read the used vehicle review on the Speed6 by Chris. Seems like for some owners, the drivetrain was not the most "robust" in that car.

http://www.canadiandriver.com/2007/08/09/used-vehicle-review-mazdaspeed6-2006-2007.htm

Maybe an AWD option in the Speed3 would not be such a good idea.

[nsmyhte]

Why can't Mazda make the navi optional. I would much rather buy an aftermarket unit as opposed to that cheap, small, wannabe navi which is probably still more expensive than a decent aftermarket one.

[Zombie]

Why can't Mazda make the navi optional. I would much rather buy an aftermarket unit as opposed to that cheap, small, wannabe navi which is probably still more expensive than a decent aftermarket one.

What should be an option is to have the smiley face painted body color. If it was a $700 option they would make $700 more on ever one.
Other wise I like this car.

[MK2]

They look kinda ugly at the front.  Too many gaps in the front

[JamesTS]

I have had two M3's, both GT's, my current being an '08 GT Sport.  The new look is growing on me, but yeah, that front.  It's not much the look as the fact that I don't think you can even lean on it without breaking something.  And I am sure a Speed3 will cost more money.

I thought these things were called bumpers; this is becoming a common trait with a lot of cars, but this is one of the worse examples. Living in Toronto, this has to be factored into the cost of ownership, regularly replacing broken plastic pieces.

[greengs]

This is probably a better driving car than the WRX and I’m pretty sure that on the track, it would be a faster overall car. However, the absence of AWD is a bitter pill that I would not be able to swallow.

With 265hp now standard in the WRX, I wouldn't be too sure of the Speed3 having a performance edge.  The WRX is shockingly fast with many testers feeling the HP ratings are sandbagged.  In fact, the WRX gives almost nothing up to the STi.

The Mazda's interior is nicer, the exterior, well, other than the front, I think is a little better proportioned than the Subaru, but I like the hatch-body Impreza quite a bit.

FWD vs. AWD is the deal breaker, fer shure!  Subaru's AWD just adds so much in terms of high-traction driving dynamics and poor-traction control that I just could not take a Speed3 over the WRX.

Really looking forward to test driving the newer 265hp version of the WRX.  I’ve also read many reports of it being frighteningly fast. A local Subie sales guy also indicated to me that there is not much reason to pony up for the STI unless you must have the top of the line car. When a salesman tells you not to bother with the more expensive car, there is usually something to it.  I’m also interested in the suspension and tire upgrades that have been made since I leased mine in 2008. In one of my uncommon strokes of wisdom I leased my 08 for only 2 years. 

I agree that the WRX hatch looks much better than the sedan version.

I’ve often wondered why Mazda didn’t at least offer the AWD drive train from the Speed6 as an option on the Speed3? I’m sure it would have made the car more expensive but it also would have made the car a lot more attractive to folks that desire AWD. There are not many options available in affordable AWD performance cars with a manual tranny.

I just picked up a 2010 WRX.  They added leather to the option list so now they have 2 models.  The WRX and WRX limited.  The WRX price dropped $1600 over 2009.  I picked up the base model without leather and s/r.  I think it's a bargain especially because Subaru dealers are willing to negotiate prices...

Anyways I drove the STI and the WRX is actually faster in the straight line.  The car is fast!  However it is still very soft.  I had a 2008 GTI and that car handled better.  The WRX leans too much in corners.  I can't imagine how the 2008 model has softer suspension??  Overall I am very happy with everything else.  AWD is good to have again and with a lease payment of just under $300/month before tax it's an unbeatable value in the segment!

[initial_D]

AWD is good to have again and with a lease payment of just under $300/month before tax it's an unbeatable value in the segment!

That is low! What is your down payment?

[Flinter]

I just picked up a 2010 WRX.  They added leather to the option list so now they have 2 models.  The WRX and WRX limited.  The WRX price dropped $1600 over 2009.  I picked up the base model without leather and s/r.  I think it's a bargain especially because Subaru dealers are willing to negotiate prices...

Anyways I drove the STI and the WRX is actually faster in the straight line.  The car is fast!  However it is still very soft.  I had a 2008 GTI and that car handled better.  The WRX leans too much in corners.  I can't imagine how the 2008 model has softer suspension??  Overall I am very happy with everything else.  AWD is good to have again and with a lease payment of just under $300/month before tax it's an unbeatable value in the segment!

Congrats on the new purchase. 

You should put some pics up on a new thread in Show 'n Shine and we can discuss further. I'd like to hear your thoughts on the WRX vs WRX limited as I have not yet seen the 2010 models. I certainly agree that the WRX is an excellent value especially for leasing. I also assume that you must have put a significant downpayment on your lease as I would expect something in the $450-$500 range with 0 down??

[greengs]

AWD is good to have again and with a lease payment of just under $300/month before tax it's an unbeatable value in the segment!

That is low! What is your down payment?

Downpayment covered the up front fees: Freight, PDI, admin fee, air tax, tire tax and 3M.  So about $2,500.

edit: posted in http://www.canadiandriver.com/forum/index.php/topic,64165.0.html

[initial_D]

$2500 down, $300+tax a month, still darn good deal for a WRX265.

[Blueprint]

Reports of premature rust in 3... 2... 1... ? Or has Mazda finally improved their paint quality? The answer in 3 years...!

Indeed, this has kept me away from Mazda with my latest purchase.  My '04 MPV, a great-looking van in Titanium with the GFX pkg, had its front doors replaced (rust perforation) after 3 years, the hatch was repaired / repainted after two years (rusting bottom edge) and while it was in for the doors, the rear rusted fenders were repaired, all under warranty.  Sold it right after that as rust stains were showing on my new pavers and confidence had run out.  Loaner Mz3's also showed signs of rapid aging.

[Giant Dwarf]

The 265's suspension is quite soft... in the real world though, this proves to be a surprisingly good trait.  It soaks up the hideous pot-holes around the GTA really well, and despite rolling around a bit, the grip is still quite impressive.

I'd like to experience the new MS3 if the handling is improved over the old one.  The previous generation already handled really, really well (among the very best I've experienced in FWD) -- and I agree that on a track, it would likely stand to do pretty well against a WRX (with its lesser rubber). 

A couple of other notes from Wing's report: 
For at least the first year, the price jump from an '09 to a '10 MS3 is likely to be considerably greater than simply comparing MSRPs.  For the past few years Mazda has offered HEAVY discounts ($3500) from late summer into the autumn.
Also, the "luxury" items like rain-sensing wipers are only truly a luxury if they work properly.  The rain-sensing wipers in my wife's Mazda3 are annoying as all hell.  They're never at the right speed, either wiping like mad during minor drizzle, or not often enough in proper downpours.  I'd happily give up some of the weight for unnecessary frivolity for a simpler, but more enjoyable car. 

[Jaeger]

Also, the "luxury" items like rain-sensing wipers are only truly a luxury if they work properly.  The rain-sensing wipers in my wife's Mazda3 are annoying as all hell.  They're never at the right speed, either wiping like mad during minor drizzle, or not often enough in proper downpours.  I'd happily give up some of the weight for unnecessary frivolity for a simpler, but more enjoyable car. 

Aint THAT the freakin' truth.

Jaeger

[carsncars]

The rust thing totally turns me off Mazda, no matter how good their cars are (when new). My friend's five-year-old Mazda 3 looks like it's 15 years old, from all the paint bubbling and rust (especially on its rear door and fender). Mazda won't cover the rust until there's a "perforation", though.

[Giant Dwarf]

Huh.  My wife's Mazda3 is up to 80,000 kms + and on the rare occasion it gets washed, I'm always impressed with how well the paint is holding up. 

[carcrazy]

Mine is 4 1/2 years old and I don't have rust (knock on the wood). I had some superficial rust inside the wheel wells, but the dealer cleaned it up under 5 year corrosion warranty. The body shop put some tape on the lip around the rear wheels.
I'd buy another Mazda3 without hesitation. It's just that I'm not warming up to the exterior design. The interior on the other hand is great (design, quality, features, etc.)

[Turbo Bob]

I really like the MS3, but with the WRX 265 around and the ridiculous discounts they had on the last of the 09's I'd find it very difficult to shell out for the smiley faced version.  They had thousands of dollars off and it's essentially the same car underneath.

[Angry Chicken]

You mentioned in your review that the road noise seems somewhat less than another Mazda3 you had reviewed.  I'm hoping that it's a LOT less than my 2007 Mazda3 Sport GT.  I love just about everything about the car but the road noise irks me.  Mazda's (now former) bedfellow, Ford, has made great strides with sound deadening technology.  It would be nice to see Mazda follow suit.  I wonder if the Mazda6 is similarly afflicted?

[Shnak]

Mine is 4 1/2 years old and I don't have rust (knock on the wood). I had some superficial rust inside the wheel wells, but the dealer cleaned it up under 5 year corrosion warranty. The body shop put some tape on the lip around the rear wheels.
I'd buy another Mazda3 without hesitation. It's just that I'm not warming up to the exterior design. The interior on the other hand is great (design, quality, features, etc.)

So if I understand correctly, your Mazda3 doesn't have rust after the dealer removed some rust and the body shop protected all the vulnerable spots with tape? Wow... that's insightful!

Maybe Mazda should put clear tape on all their cars! There, rust problem solved!