Happy that I got a 2008.5 (2010 drive)

LostViper · 09-15-2009, 07:27 PM

So I drove a 2010 MS3 on Saturday. (I'm sad to say the car's looks are starting to grow on me.)
The seats are not as comfortable as the 2007-2009 and I felt like I was sitting like I was in a school bus (really high up). Then, as I was looking around, I felt somewhat like I was in a Prius with that information panel in the middle of the dashboard. On the drive, it just didn't seem to have the punch as the previous generation. I floored it in 2nd on an on-ramp and waited for that slam-you-to-your-seat feeling, and it wasn't there. Don't get me wrong, it's still a quick car, just not the same. Also, all the electronics they put in to help you shift/keep you from damaging the engine really hold you back.
I still think it's a great car, but to me Mazda took something away from the rawness and power of the previous MS3. I really think they did some thing that makes you feel disconnected from the road. I'm sure it handles well, but there just isn't the connected to the road feeling. If I didn't own a 2008.5, it would probably still seem worth the price to me, but having the older generation, the new one just doesn't stack up.
Anyone on here that has the 2010, I think you got a great car (don't take my review as I didn't like it --- and it doesn't really matter what I think, if you like it then that's awesome).

Just wanted to put in a new review even though there were some reviews on here of the 2010 already.

...that hot hatch just went lukewarm.

kvndoom · 09-15-2009, 07:35 PM

I value the opinions of current owners who actually test drive the gen 2's and don't just post how ugly it is. 4 or 5 years from now, I have no clue what I might want. I mean, it could be a GTI, R20, or even another MS3.

Of course I'll be in my 40's by then so a G37 coupe may well fit the bill too. Us old guys gotta have some luxury.

GSXkiller · 09-15-2009, 07:38 PM

I would have to agree with you. Last time I was getting my service I spent a great deal of time looking over the 2010 and from the pictures I saw before it was out, I thought it looked absolutly ugly. Now I have seen it in person, I don't think it looks that bad. I really like the hood and wish I could swap it over. Soon as I sat in the car I did not like it any more. It feels like Mazda tried to make it more "high class" all the leather and buttons. What ever happened to a nice sparco wheel and some bucket seats.

stageup · 09-15-2009, 07:48 PM

yea i want one in white, looks are growing on me also
but i'm not gonna replace an 08 with a 10, it's the same car
i'd upgrade to a diff car entirely if i was going to get rid of
my ms3

MikeHTally · 09-15-2009, 07:52 PM

My "upgrade" will to a Nissan 400Z or an Infiniti G40R, I think.

Stoßtrupp · 09-15-2009, 09:41 PM

I have to agree with the OP's review of the 10' MS3 because I test drove it and felt the same way. Defiantely wouldn't really consider it a "upgrade" if you already have a 07-09 but still a great car none the less. Oh and it does look a lot better in person.

Doc-1 · 09-15-2009, 11:02 PM

I am sorry........ it is FUCKING UGLY end of story

SubieKiller3 · 09-16-2009, 12:55 AM

I took a look at one the other day while I was at the dealership. have to agree that it does look a little bit better in person but still fugly. the only improvement really imo is the fact that they "tried" to add a cool looking boost gauge for the 2010.

MSMS3 · 09-16-2009, 11:19 AM

Here's what it looks like. It appears that it only goes to +1.0 bar (kilopascal to bar conversion), which is 14.7 pounds of pressure (approximately). Actually that should be 2.0 bar absolute, since normal atmospheric pressure is 14.7.

So, anyone wanting to run boost above 14.7 pounds will need something else to monitor pressure, IMHO. Maybe this is Mazda's way to discourage mods?

08cosmic3 · 09-16-2009, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSMS3

Here's what it looks like. It appears that it only goes to +1.0 bar (kilopascal to bar conversion), which is 14.7 pounds of pressure (approximately). Actually that should be 2.0 bar absolute, since normal atmospheric pressure is 14.7.

So, anyone wanting to run boost above 14.7 pounds will need something else to monitor pressure, IMHO. Maybe this is Mazda's way to discourage mods?

Totally lame.

Design · 09-17-2009, 12:50 PM

One thing I REALLY like about the new MS3 is that the engineers got the suspension right. The Gen 1 rear shocks are horribly underdampened.

Stoßtrupp · 09-18-2009, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Design

One thing I REALLY like about the new MS3 is that the engineers got the suspension right. The Gen 1 rear shocks are horribly underdampened.

True but at least this can be fixed relatively easy and for not much $$

MrDouble · 09-21-2009, 10:26 PM

Agree w most comments here. I would get a 09 WRX before a 10 ms3.

coololddude · 09-22-2009, 11:42 AM

If someone has a 07-09 MS3 getting a 2010 would be a waste of money. At least Mazda did not go backwards like Subaru did a couple of years ago. The 2010 MS3 is a great choice for people getting their first MS3.

SomnoSpeed3 · 09-22-2009, 12:58 PM

I wonder if same motor = same smoke issues and same BOOM issues? I'm actually considering a 2010 even though I once thought it ugly. An in person peek changed my mind.
Also considering a new WRX though.

09-15-2009, 07:27 PM	#1
LostViper Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 49	Happy that I got a 2008.5 (2010 drive) So I drove a 2010 MS3 on Saturday. (I'm sad to say the car's looks are starting to grow on me.) The seats are not as comfortable as the 2007-2009 and I felt like I was sitting like I was in a school bus (really high up). Then, as I was looking around, I felt somewhat like I was in a Prius with that information panel in the middle of the dashboard. On the drive, it just didn't seem to have the punch as the previous generation. I floored it in 2nd on an on-ramp and waited for that slam-you-to-your-seat feeling, and it wasn't there. Don't get me wrong, it's still a quick car, just not the same. Also, all the electronics they put in to help you shift/keep you from damaging the engine really hold you back. I still think it's a great car, but to me Mazda took something away from the rawness and power of the previous MS3. I really think they did some thing that makes you feel disconnected from the road. I'm sure it handles well, but there just isn't the connected to the road feeling. If I didn't own a 2008.5, it would probably still seem worth the price to me, but having the older generation, the new one just doesn't stack up. Anyone on here that has the 2010, I think you got a great car (don't take my review as I didn't like it --- and it doesn't really matter what I think, if you like it then that's awesome). Just wanted to put in a new review even though there were some reviews on here of the 2010 already. ...that hot hatch just went lukewarm. __________________ 2008.5 True Red Mazdaspeed3 GT -soon to be without resonators! The Dude Abides. Last edited by LostViper; 09-15-2009 at 07:29 PM.

09-15-2009, 07:35 PM	#2
kvndoom Verbosity 2009 MazdaSpeed3 GT Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: VA Posts: 280	I value the opinions of current owners who actually test drive the gen 2's and don't just post how ugly it is. 4 or 5 years from now, I have no clue what I might want. I mean, it could be a GTI, R20, or even another MS3. Of course I'll be in my 40's by then so a G37 coupe may well fit the bill too. Us old guys gotta have some luxury. __________________ "Sneaky"- 2009 MazdaSpeed3 GT, Metro Grey Cobb SRI, JBarone Short Shift plate, PG shifter bushings, CPE 60-duro MM, E4 Shift Knob, Hi/Lo Freeway Blaster Horns Face it folks- you HAVE to spend money on mods to make this car what it should have been from the factory. That is reality; accept it and mod it!

09-15-2009, 07:38 PM	#3
GSXkiller 200mph?? MS3 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tampa Posts: 66	I would have to agree with you. Last time I was getting my service I spent a great deal of time looking over the 2010 and from the pictures I saw before it was out, I thought it looked absolutly ugly. Now I have seen it in person, I don't think it looks that bad. I really like the hood and wish I could swap it over. Soon as I sat in the car I did not like it any more. It feels like Mazda tried to make it more "high class" all the leather and buttons. What ever happened to a nice sparco wheel and some bucket seats. __________________ 08.5 MS3 Black Mica Cobb SRI HKS SSQV Limited Black Edition Memphis Audio Mojo amp 2 12" Kicker CVR Comps

09-15-2009, 07:48 PM	#4
stageup Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: socal Posts: 583	yea i want one in white, looks are growing on me also but i'm not gonna replace an 08 with a 10, it's the same car i'd upgrade to a diff car entirely if i was going to get rid of my ms3 __________________ 2008 mazdaspeed3 gt (sold) 2010 Evo X 2009 cx-7 sport

09-15-2009, 07:52 PM	#5
MikeHTally Speed3 & TWO Hemis 2008.5 Speed3, 2006 Chrysler 300C, 2003 Ram 1500 Join Date: May 2008 Location: N. Florida Posts: 1,670	My "upgrade" will to a Nissan 400Z or an Infiniti G40R, I think. __________________ 2008 1/2 CWP GT ______________ Wolo Air Horn Cobb SRI/Forge BPV 15% tint/Vent Shades Center Brake Light Flasher Redline Tuning Hood Springs Cobb RSB/CorkSport MM inserts Spin-on filter conversion/Quick Oil Drain Valve RX-8 wheels/Painted Calipers/Yokohama YK 520s

09-15-2009, 09:41 PM	#6
Stoßtrupp Banned Mazdaspeed3 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Winter springs, Fl Posts: 130	I have to agree with the OP's review of the 10' MS3 because I test drove it and felt the same way. Defiantely wouldn't really consider it a "upgrade" if you already have a 07-09 but still a great car none the less. Oh and it does look a lot better in person.

09-15-2009, 11:02 PM	#7
Doc-1 Doc-1 2009 Mazdaspeed 3 Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 27	I am sorry........ it is FUCKING UGLY end of story

09-16-2009, 12:55 AM	#8
SubieKiller3 Registered Abuser 2008 black mica mazdaspeed mazda 3 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Orlando, FL. Posts: 285	I took a look at one the other day while I was at the dealership. have to agree that it does look a little bit better in person but still fugly. the only improvement really imo is the fact that they "tried" to add a cool looking boost gauge for the 2010. __________________ 08' black mica speed3 SU edition COBB SF intake twm shifter bushings dashawk turbosmart dual port bov trz rear mm COBB shifter weight

09-16-2009, 11:19 AM	#9
MSMS3 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Gulfport, Mississippi Posts: 1,241	Here's what it looks like. It appears that it only goes to +1.0 bar (kilopascal to bar conversion), which is 14.7 pounds of pressure (approximately). Actually that should be 2.0 bar absolute, since normal atmospheric pressure is 14.7. So, anyone wanting to run boost above 14.7 pounds will need something else to monitor pressure, IMHO. Maybe this is Mazda's way to discourage mods? Attached Thumbnails __________________ Sunlight Silver '08 MS3 GT Mods:TurboXS DP/RP "Stealthback" Stage 1 Package (stock CBE) Vibrant 3 inch Ultra Quiet Resonator in RP section, Magnaflow 3 1/2 unrolled stealthy exhaust tip, second generation Mazdaspeed CAI w/45 degree positioned air straightener, NGK Iridium IX LTR7IX-11 one step colder plugs. New tires at 27,000 miles - Pirelli P Zero Nero A/S. Stock BPV, Stock RMM. Last edited by MSMS3; 09-16-2009 at 11:23 AM.

09-17-2009, 12:50 PM	#11
Design Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 362	One thing I REALLY like about the new MS3 is that the engineers got the suspension right. The Gen 1 rear shocks are horribly underdampened.

09-21-2009, 10:26 PM	#13
MrDouble Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 45	Agree w most comments here. I would get a 09 WRX before a 10 ms3. __________________ 09 MGM MS3 GT MS CAI H&R Coils

09-22-2009, 11:42 AM	#14
coololddude Registered Maniac Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: MS3 Nirvana Posts: 800	If someone has a 07-09 MS3 getting a 2010 would be a waste of money. At least Mazda did not go backwards like Subaru did a couple of years ago. The 2010 MS3 is a great choice for people getting their first MS3. __________________

09-22-2009, 12:58 PM	#15
SomnoSpeed3 Registered User 2007 Mazdaspeed3 G/T Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: A little to the left. Posts: 205	I wonder if same motor = same smoke issues and same BOOM issues? I'm actually considering a 2010 even though I once thought it ugly. An in person peek changed my mind. Also considering a new WRX though. __________________

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