Keep Mazdaspeed or trade in

[cr2250]

After that turbo failure and Mazda putting the blame on me using synthetic, I'm worried that any other engine problems arise they'll find a reason to blame me.

Came across a 370z (2010, 28k miles) and would equate to equal payments that I have on the Mazda.

I've always liked the styling of the Z but never test driven one.

Anyone ever drive one? Or even better, driven both a MS3 And a 370z?

Looked at the BRZ but the engine was a little too weak for me.
Ford offered me a loaded ST3 for the same price as the 370z. I don't like the ST's styling as much though.

 

[cheezmunky]

One is a turbocharged fwd sedan and the other is a naturally aspirated rwd coupe. Your best bet is to just drive it and see what you think.

It sounded like your warranty ended up covering the new turbo, so I wouldn't worry about it too much. It was likely just a manufacturing defect. I'd try to find a better dealer that isn't trying to push the blame on anyone and everyone but them (could be easier said than done).

I'm not sure if you bought your ms3 used or new but if new you know how it's been driven and taken care of. The Z is 4, going on 5 years old with fairly low miles. Who knows how it's been driven.

There's also the fact that if financing you may just now be starting to really get into the principal of the loan and a new loan means starting over and giving the bank they're cut again.

In the end it's up to you. If you really don't trust your current car and/or like the Z that much better then go for it. Only you can make that decision.

 

[SearchMaster]

In the end it's up to you. If you really don't trust your current car and/or like the Z that much better then go for it. Only you can make that decision.

This.

If you loved the car before the turbo failed, keep the car. I can understand not trusting the car or the dealer after your experience but sometimes **** happens. That single component having a mechanical flaw doesn't mean the rest of the car is junk. If you weren't really that happy with the car anyway, then it wouldn't hurt to start looking around. Just understand that EVERY car has compromises, especially in the price point you're talking about, and in time you'd come to love certain things about a replacement car and hate other things. It's just human nature.

I do still love my ST but it has things I don't like, but the reality is it does well the things I bought it for. If it were to get totaled tomorrow, I would probably look at other potential replacements but in the end I might very well end up with another ST.

 

[cr2250]

Meh, I'm also itching for a new car. Mazda has been proven to be great but would love to get into a RWD coupe.

Carmax has a couple, found a 2012 with 13k miles for 24,995.

I'll probably think about it for a bit.

 

[Midwayman]

The Z get ass for fuel mileage from what I've heard.

 

[exar333]

The Z get ass for fuel mileage from what I've heard.

I got around 19 combined city/highway with mine.

 

[cr2250]

They offered me 20,000. Paid 21,400 last year new. It's a more of if I really want a faster gas guzzling vq

 

[cr2250]

Duplicate!

 

[toronado97]

If you're dead set on trading it in, I'd look at the Hyundai Genesis Coupe personally. Put the trade-in money toward the value of the new vehicle and finance the extra 6-7k, but having driven both the Z and the Genesis Coupe, I'd take the Genesis in a heartbeat.

 

[FiLeZz]

STI

 

[michal1980]

sounds like a decent trade in offer, but is that offer only based on you buying the z?

If so then you are getting ripped off on the Z.

 

[cr2250]

No that's cash - carmax

 

[michal1980]

No that's cash - carmax

doesn't seem like a bad deal then. I dont know if i'd get the Z, but it doesn't sound like you'd be out a lot of cash for getting something else.

 

[xSkyDrAx]

Used 135i

 

[stag3]

keep the ms3, unless you never haul stuff around, i miss having a hatchback badly hahah. i almost traded in my ms3 for a 370z track also but decided against it. it is a damn good looking car tho. you'll miss boost

 

[michal1980]

Used 135i

because those dont come with their own set of built in time bombs? (ie hpfp)

 

[BlitzPuppet]

because those dont come with their own set of built in time bombs? (ie hpfp)

BMTroubleYou

 

[xSkyDrAx]

because those dont come with their own set of built in time bombs? (ie hpfp)

Well they all have their own little known issues but if you're going the used route in that price range for a performance oriented car, it's not the worst choice you can make though I do love the styling of the 370z but I heard they're a little bare for what you get.

 

[cr2250]

Well they all have their own little known issues but if you're going the used route in that price range for a performance oriented car, it's not the worst choice you can make though I do love the styling of the 370z but I heard they're a little bare for what you get.

Sports package! I got 7 days to find the exact Z I want, if not then I'll just keep the ms3.

 

[Danimal1209]

I'm not sure what oil you've been using in the MS3, but, just an fyi, rotella t6 is the best thing for these cars. Multiple people have stated smoking turbos with oils like mobil 1, but when they switch to t6, the smoke stops and the car runs better.

I've been using t6 since I got my ms3 new, like 15k miles, and have 0 issues and the car pulls hard, strong, and without any hesitation.

 

[MongGrel]

I still really like my Mazda 3 and it's not a speed but a decked out 5 door, only thing it didn't have was leather seats and they were going to add that cheap at the time if I wanted, but I prefer no leather in FL sitting in the heat.

Bought mine when they first came out, the Speed version didn't even come out till the next year.

I'd maybe give it a go more.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

Do some research on nissan v6 oil consumption issues before you jump ship. If it bothers you that mazda hassled you you'll be pissed trying to deal with nissan.

 

[z1ggy]

Does it snow where you live? If you get the Z, remember you'll either need a junker for a winter car, or to invest in a set of winter tires.

Would you consider a hyundai genesis coupe? You could get a used 2013 2.0T for <$20k probably, and with a few grand in mods, have a pretty beastly machine.

 

[Midwayman]

Would you consider a hyundai genesis coupe? You could get a used 2013 2.0T for <$20k probably, and with a few grand in mods, have a pretty beastly machine.

Pricing sure is a whole lot more attractive on the genesis. Its a good looking car car too unlike the tiburon. I've heard they drive well, but haven't had a chance to drive one. One on my buddies owns one and likes it.

 

[cr2250]

Does it snow where you live? If you get the Z, remember you'll either need a junker for a winter car, or to invest in a set of winter tires.



Would you consider a hyundai genesis coupe? You could get a used 2013 2.0T for <$20k probably, and with a few grand in mods, have a pretty beastly machine.

That's why I have this guy already!

I do like the speeds goofy smile and hoodscoop. It's just a wild car but I've always liked the Z.
Oil consumption - heard about it, I don't think I'll be dealing with it until later in its life, which then I'll probably unload it.