4 ms·
I have the Mazdaspeed 3. It's basically a souped up version of the Mazda 3. It's less expensive than many of the other cars mentioned (which I also looked at)
by kcy 18y ago
I have the Mazdaspeed 3. It's basically a souped up version of the Mazda 3. It's less expensive than many of the other cars mentioned (which I also looked at) but is far and away the most fun car I've ever driven. Can do a sub 6 sec 0-60, is a hatchback so doesn't catch the eye of the police (side benefit is that it will fit your friends' bags), and gas milage is good.
Never thought I'd drive a hatch, but this thing is a beast without looking super pretentious.
- icey 18y agoHmmm, this is an interesting one that I really hadn't thought about. My wife, brother, sister, and my carpool partner all drive Mazda 3s and LOVE them. I may be checking this one out. Thanks!
- kcy 18y agoGlad you'll be checking out the Mazdas! I would just mention to make sure to check out the Mazdaspeed line. Despite the similar sounding names, the Mazdaspeed 3 is far superior to the Mazda 3.
- whatusername 18y agoI was very impressed with the MPS3 (Mazdaspeed in the US). I was expecting it to be like the SP23 line - sporty looking, but the same internals. Blew me away. It is FWD though - not sure if that's going to be a concern. Surprised no-one has mentioned the BMW 135i Haven't driven one, but everyone I've talked to has been pretty impressed.
- PStamatiou 18y ago135i not mentioned because OP wants more room.. not something the 135i can offer. But it is a spectacular car. You know it has 6 piston brakes? Not even the new M3 has 6-piston brakes. And with an ECU tweak it can do 380hp.
- icey 18y agoI don't know if anyone reads the follow-ups to these, but I went out and test drove a MS3 yesterday, and I ended up buying one this morning! Thanks again for the tip to check it out, I hadn't really thought about it; and it was the perfect solution to my problem - Still fast enough to be fun, but I can also put things in it if I need to pick someone up from the airport or go buy a chair or something. I'll be out driving!
- kcy 18y agoHa! That's great! So glad to hear you found the right car for the job. Go Hacker News!
- yellowbkpk 18y agoIf you are getting a Mazda 3 of any sort in a climate where you might be driving through snow, _please_ purchase some good all-weather/snow tires. The three Mazda3's I've sat in or driven have all had extremely poor winter handling. Better tires solved the problem in at least one case.
- vaksel 18y agoyou should be buying a dedicated set of winter wheels/tires anyways. It really not that much money, all things considered. You'll recoup the cost the second you avoid sliding into a tree or rear-ending the car ahead of you.
- colonhyphenp 18y agoI'll second the MS3 - it is a very fun car to drive and has amazing handling for the price. Like kcy said, since it's a hatchback you'll have plenty of space. Comparable cars include the Volkswagen GTI, Subaru WRX, Audi A3 - Lined up against those, the MS3 is slightly quicker and is less aggressive looking (IMHO).
- axod 18y agoI have a Mazda 6 sport and love it to bits. Driven the Mazda 3 before and it was ok, but if you want the full effect I'd get the 6. Whatever car you choose though, don't get an automatic. Please!
- krschultz 18y agoMazda 6s here, love it as well