Looking to Upgrade from Protege to MS3

[erik84]

Hey guys,

I've had a Protege since 2001 and it's been good to me, minus a replaced transmission. I wanted to get the Protege Speed years back, but I was a poor college student. Now i've got my sights on the Speed 3, and i've got a few questions.

I was over at the local dealership and the salesman told me there was some minor issue they fixed on the 08's from the 07's, do you know what it was? I've been hearing about people getting good deals on their MS3s, maybe just some good haggling?

Any rumors of an 09' model? I don't want to wait too long and miss my chance to own the wild child, lol.

And one last question, i'm wondering what my insurance company will say about this upgrade. I'm 24 in March, anyone mind sharing their monthly insurance bills? And which company. Thanks everyone!

[Betelgeuse]

There won't be an '09 afaik. The insurance for me is almost the same as a regular mazda3. Anyway your premium will also depend on your age, location and driving history.

[iBoost]

1. motor mount issue for some 07s
2. there will be no '09
3. there will be 08.5 with 2 new colors, white and dark grey.
silver and blue will be discontinued.

[USAF_TRobertson]

I am 24 and pay $94/month for full coverage through Progressive w/ $500 deductable. No accidents/tickets.

[erik84]

Interesting. I haven't had an accident, but I did have one speeding ticket back in 2004. I was just worried that insurance rates would be close to EVOs and STIs, i've got a co-worker paying $400+/mo in insurance for his evo. But then again, I live in South Florida.

And now I see there's a half year version, maybe that will be out in time for a nice b-day present for myself.

Oh, Betelgeuse.....where did you get your Speed from? I'm in Fort Lauderdale.

Thanks Guys!

[Savate]

erik84, I puchased my '07 MS3 sport for $25k otd and not a penny more at Gunther Mazda. I checked tri-county area for lowest price and dealer fees.

[ChopstickHero]

1. motor mount issue for some 07s
2. there will be no '09
3. there will be 08.5 with 2 new colors, white and dark grey.
silver and blue will be discontinued.

white MS3 looks awesome. i saw one when i was in Toronto for the holidays.

[Powerslave]

man no 09 our cars will be collectors!

[ChopstickHero]

man no 09 our cars will be collectors!

yeah, in like 20 years... :)

[iBoost]

yeah, in like 20 years... :)

i kinda highly doubt even then.

[Betelgeuse]

Oh, Betelgeuse.....where did you get your Speed from? I'm in Fort Lauderdale.

Thanks Guys!

Gunther. It's a great dealer.

[erik84]

Yeah, we've bought 3 cars from Gunther, but they don't have a Silver MS3 in stock :(. What did you pay for your 2007 Sport Betelgeuse?

And my insurance co. said i'll be paying approx. $126/mo, not too bad. I need to decide to wait around for the 2008.5 or not.

[redspeed]

I need to decide to wait around for the 2008.5 or not.

If you want one of the new colors(crystal white mica or metropolitan gray) or if you like the slightly different interior, then wait. If not, run to your local mazdaspeed dealer. Speed models run for two years only.

Check this thread. (http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123687977)

[erik84]

I wish I could see the 2008.5 Gray in person, not sure if it's too dark for my liking. Also, not sure about the black/black interior.

What's the deal with the 2008.5 gauges? White w/ black numbers during the day, and black with red numbers during the night? I'd like to hear something official, like everyone else.

Also, you think there is more leverage on price if there were a 2008 or two still sitting around when the 2008.5's come in.

[Betelgeuse]

Yeah, we've bought 3 cars from Gunther, but they don't have a Silver MS3 in stock :(. What did you pay for your 2007 Sport Betelgeuse?

And my insurance co. said i'll be paying approx. $126/mo, not too bad. I need to decide to wait around for the 2008.5 or not.

If you don't need a car right now, wait and get the one you want. At least you'll have the mp3 capability and 2 unique colors to choose from.

I bought mine pretty early and paid msrp (~ $22,805). The dealer didn't want to budge but even at that, it was still a good deal imo.

126/mo ain't bad. Down here even with an excellent driving record, insurance is expensive. I pay around $900 every 6 months (Allstate) and I'm over 30.

[MS3077]

I pay $240.00 a month with Progressive. I have an 1 accident and 1 speeding ticket. (five-0)

[rc50cal]

My insurance nearly doubled when I moved from a 1994 BMW 325is to the 2008 Mazdaspeed 3 GT. Coverage is exactly the same as before. I have high very high liability coverages because of all of the Bentleys and Ferraris that live around here. I also have State Farm which tends to be a bit more expensive, but I have never switched because all other companies have required me to provide a deposit.

[erik84]

I went into the local dealership last weekend to ask about an issue with my Protege, and I was grabbed by a sales associate while going through the lobby. Talked about the Speed with him for a sec, and he offered to bring one around for me to check out a little more.

Unfortunately they didn't have a Sunlight Silver in stock, but I wasn't looking to buy at that moment anyways. But I got a call yesterday at work which I didn't answer and a message wasn't left. I Reversed the number and it was the dealership. Then today I looked up on their inventory and they've got a Silver in stock.

So I'm wondering if they were just being curtious by giving me a call (and not leaving a message?), or if they really need to sell cars? Any thoughts?

[washmo66]

Great upgrade, you will love the MS3

[Engineer420]

Im really not big on white cars..but white modded 3's actually are of the few that actually look good. The ms3 in white would look awesome

[pidass15]

Do it, I went from a 2001 Protege Lx 1.6L to this and I was like Dammmmn.

[erik84]

Nice, yeah i've got an 01' LX 2.0. My finances are pretty much in order, looking to put down about $10k plus whatever I get for my car. Only time will tell...I hope those 2008.5's come around soon.

[pidass15]

I thought the only engine sizes in 01 was 1.6L for the DX/LX and 1.8L for the ES. How'd you end up with a 2.0L?

[erik84]

My Protege is the 2001 2.0LX....other 2001 LX's that did not have the 2.0 distinction were 1.6L.

[pidass15]

sweet, i would always get pissed off that companies would only make parts for the 1.8L and 2.0L and left us 1.6ers out to dry

[erik84]

Ah, that does suck. Was your Protege a manual? Because I have a little issue....I've only driven a manual once or twice, so I'm kinda weary about going for the MS3 test drive when the 2008.5's come in. :P

[mikeski]

do you know anyone with a manual so u can practice?

[erik84]

All my friends seem to have manuals....but only one will let me use his car, he's just never home. My other friends don't trust me with their G35, Z06, and Sti. I've only driven manual when friends have had a little too much to drink. And since it was in a college town...the drive was only a mile or so. But no stalls for the few number of times. Just nice, slow, and steady.

[mikeski]

you'll get the hang of it. my first new car was a 2001 protege es which was manual, it was five speed and i barely knew how to drive stick. I went to pick it up with my friend. I didnt even drive the car yet because i didnt want to embarrass myself, then the sales guy told me i had to drive it to buy it so i went for the roughest ride ever and grinded every gear. I was sweating and ended up buying the car and basically just tought myself. its not so bad and you learn quick when your by yourself stalling at a redlight and everyone is beepin at you! haha

[erik84]

I'm looking forward to such embarrassment. Ha ha

[pidass15]

Ah, that does suck. Was your Protege a manual? Because I have a little issue....I've only driven a manual once or twice, so I'm kinda weary about going for the MS3 test drive when the 2008.5's come in. :P

Yes it was a manual, not my first manual but basically my first decent car. Everyone that drove it was impressed with the 'peppyness' of the engine. You'll be ok with the ms3, it's a good bit different than my ole protege but in a good way, just spend some time getting used to the tranny and not launching it at every light and you'll be fine.

[Young Roids]

Slow down, take your time the ms3s aren't going anywhere. Most dealers have an abundance of them at the dealerships so wait awhile before buying to get the best price. You should be getting a good price like invoice or less on them right now.