Author Topic: Mazda3 now sold..Update..Pics now in show and Shine section (Read 3447 times)

Careener · « **on:** November 12, 2011, 08:31:41 am »

A good friend suddenly needed a cheap second car so I sold him my 3.

I'm going out car shopping today (used).
I'm looking for a car that can be tracked but also shoehorn in two kids on an occasional basis.

Criteria:
Used - under $30k
Fast
Good handling
Prefer manual transmission
Needs decent front legroom

I'm looking at the following today:
2007 335i - I'm fully aware of the hpfp issue - I would tune it
2009 G8 GT - not manual, fast in a straight line..kids might retain some circulation when sitting in back seat
2011 Mazdaspeed 3 - Not sure if I could stand the grin on the car unless it gave me a equally goofy grin when driving it hard
2009 Lancer Ralliart - a bit too boy racer and slightly underpowered in my opinion but I love the seats and who knows..it might be the dark horse.

Any other suggestions?

I may end up changing course on this as I originally thought I would buy a 2011 Grand Cherokee until I realized how pathetic the front legroom is (40.4" what's up with that???)
If none of these cars do it for me I might pick up a car for my SO instead then look at replacing the 6 wagon in the Spring. She has always loved the PT Cruiser (not my cup of tea) and they are dirt cheap used (for a reason).

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Edit: Pics of the new car are in show and shine http://www.autos.ca/forum/index.php/topic,77118.msg760945.html

2latecrew · « **Reply #1 on:** November 12, 2011, 08:38:09 am »

http://novascotia.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-NEW-PRICE-2010-Hyundai-Genesis-Coupe-3-8-GT-Coupe-W0QQAdIdZ302887167

I see quite a few ads (I just picked the one above because its close to me) for 2010 3.8 coupes under 30K.

Would make a much better track car than most FWD or AWD cars IMO. That lancer is known to be be hea vy and a pig on understeer.

A G35/37 coupe would also work but you'll pay more.

Careener · « **Reply #2 on:** November 12, 2011, 08:50:35 am »

Thanks
Not sure the Gen Coupe does it for me..I had looked at a 2.0t when they being blown out and decided against it.

Just to clarify, when I say tracked I mean purely for fun and to blow off steam..not compete in races.

I would look at Mustangs but there are few 2011 manuals available used and the transmission issue is a turn-off.

2latecrew · « **Reply #3 on:** November 12, 2011, 08:57:16 am »

http://novascotia.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-2009-Subaru-WRX-STI-Hatchback-W0QQAdIdZ325633405

2009 or so STI?

Mike · « **Reply #4 on:** November 12, 2011, 09:03:25 am »

WRX or STI?
Legacy GT Spec B
RX-8 (well....maybe not)
Cobalt SS turbo sedan
Hemi chrysler (charger, 300)

Careener · « **Reply #5 on:** November 12, 2011, 09:08:14 am »

I might as well try a WRX especially since I'm going to try out a Speed3. Do they have the same issue as the Legacy where the front passenger seat is way too low?

Cobalt SS would be fun..I would see that as less of a daily driver though.

mmorriso · « **Reply #6 on:** November 12, 2011, 09:58:53 am »

07+ gti

airbalancer · « **Reply #7 on:** November 12, 2011, 10:33:42 am »

prius you can track and get great mileage in the city http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii-2010-prius-fuel-economy/86558-prius-out-race-track-15mpg.html#post1209656

mmret · « **Reply #8 on:** November 12, 2011, 10:59:21 am »

Second the GTI. Chip?

Jaeger · « **Reply #9 on:** November 12, 2011, 11:38:38 am »

GTI sprang to mind for me as well.

Previous gen TSX isn't fast, but is fun to drive and a really good handler. VERY nice shifter / clutch. Maybe Julie wants to get rid of hers?

G35 definitely worth a look as well.

CSX / Civic Si

Jaeger

Weexy · « **Reply #10 on:** November 12, 2011, 12:14:10 pm »

+1 on the TSX. As Jaeger said, not the fastest car out there, but a great driver - would be fun to toss around on a track. Solid & pretty much bullet proof too.
You mentioned the 335, would you look at 328's as well??

Careener · « **Reply #11 on:** November 12, 2011, 12:27:17 pm »

Thanks for the suggestions
I've got the 335 right now (no I'm not driving and texting). It's pretty nice. Not my first preference in colour but it has the sport package and is manual. It's a kind of beige/gold.
I might see if I can work a deal on it.

aaronk · « **Reply #12 on:** November 12, 2011, 01:49:05 pm »

Any of the Infiniti/Nissan VQ cars. 350Z/G35/370Z/G37. Also Acura offers a 6-speed manual on the top of the line SH-AWD model, but it may be hard to find and personally I can't stand the looks of the 2010's with the massive silver beeks. Cadillac paired a few of their CTS sedans with the 3.6L DI V6 and 6-speed manual, but again it will be hard to find. Both the Acura and Cadillac offer high levels of luxury and comfort but with the stick they can be fun too.

I wish Nissan still offered the Maxima with a manual, that would have been a great car.

One car many people don't consider is Volvo. They had the S60R which has 300 hp, AWD and 6-speed manual with relatively low resale prices. I don't know what the reliability is like, but you know it'd be safe! You could also get the S40/V50 T5 with a turbo and 6-speed manual but they are smaller.

Mazdaspeed6 is in there as an option too, but again reliability isn't top notch.

Julie · « **Reply #13 on:** November 12, 2011, 02:34:34 pm »

2007 335i's are more iffy. First year of 335i.

328i have been reliable, manuals are less in demand, might be able to get a good price for sport package 328i with 6mt and minimal options.

However, I would not discourage you from getting a 335i - I think it's worth the HPFP problem, especially since it seems to have quieted down since the recall. Check to see the recall has been done.

Jaegar, unfortunately my TSX is an auto. Yeah, yeah, I know. Possibly my only regret. It's still fun and my non-enthusiast friends think it's peppy, but it wouldn't be the type of car for an enthusiast here. I have a friend who wants it. If I sell, I'll be rejoining the 6mt club with its replacement (as the replacement we're looking at needs to be a manual). I recently drove manual again, and I realized....... I can doooo iiiiit!

.

Careener, get a color you want though?

Careener · « **Reply #14 on:** November 12, 2011, 02:52:57 pm »

Exactly Julie..I just walked from the 335 deal not more than 5min ago even though they hit my price point and it was a CPO.
At the end of my 1hr + test drive I went past a beige Corolla..colour was too similar. On to the next one.

Careener · « **Reply #15 on:** November 12, 2011, 03:43:26 pm »

G8 is out. Was a QC car with obvious issues. Was also a bit too heavy..no smiles unfortunately.

tortoise · « **Reply #16 on:** November 12, 2011, 05:14:30 pm »

Can you import a Lancer EVO for that price? If so, case closed.

Careener · « **Reply #17 on:** November 12, 2011, 05:27:26 pm »

@Tortoise ..not sure on pricing but would have to pay the 6.1% duty as well. I'll look on cars.com.

The 335i felt more powerful (seat of pants dyno) than I expected. The G8 was a total letdown compared to it. I know they aren't directly comparable and I'm sure the G8 would make a nice family cruiser.
I would consider a 328. To those who have tried both it and the 335, does it still have decent punch or would it be closer to my V6 Mazda6?

I stopped by to look at the Speed3. Traffic was too nasty to bother with a test drive.
I'm hopeful a few dealerships will be open tomorrow or I suppose I'll take some time on Monday.

airbalancer · « **Reply #18 on:** November 12, 2011, 06:06:19 pm »

I did not think there any dealership open on Sunday in the GTA area

Careener · « **Reply #19 on:** November 12, 2011, 06:15:25 pm »

Quote from: airbalancer on November 12, 2011, 10:33:42 am

prius you can track and get great mileage in the city http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii-2010-prius-fuel-economy/86558-prius-out-race-track-15mpg.html#post1209656

Great idea AB...Does Dinan have a tune for them?