I had a problem with my radio (was going out) and took it into the delaership a few weeks ago. They ordered my radio and it came in yesterday, so this morning I took my 8 in for the radio to be replaced. I also told the service manager about my drivers side taillight taking in water, and she immediately said, "OK, we'll replace it under warranty" even without any water in it!! Freakin sweet man! Berge Mazda is awesome, to anyone in the phoenix/Glendale area, check out Berge Mazda (selfless plug over).
But back to the story; I was sitting in the waiting room waiting for the tech to finish installing my new radio, when the service manager comes out and tells me the face plate is cracked and they have to order one, so they're giving me a loaner in the meantime. I'm like great, I'm gonna get stuck with a freakin Tribute or B-series Ford truck. I tell her I want something nice, and she says, "OK".
She pulls up in a virtually brand-spunken new black Mazdaspeed 3 hatch! I was DAWYYYM! This thing is sweet. It's actually pretty fast, wheelspin is easy, and the turbo has a nice whirl. A lot different power delivery than the RX-8, but I would say my 8 is slightly faster, and deff handles better, but this is still sweeeet.
So yay, anyone in Phoenix/Glendale, goto Berge Mazda, they take care of ya!
But I'm still angry I don't have my 8!!!

 

At least you got a really good loaner. Most of us get Camry's or Kia Rios and crap.

 

You might be right in the handling department but you're kidding yourself if you think an RX-8 is quicker than an MS3. Nevertheless that's an awesome courtesy car for Mazda to lend out. And I thought I was lucky when Infiniti lent us the new G when our FX was in for service.

 

You suck, i got a ****** aveo as my loaner.

 

I got a Tribute, Mazda6 and Mazda3 as a loaner before.

Man, You're such a lucky bastard !

 

That's awesome. I always wind up with a Mazda 6.

edit: I feel your pain about not having your 8 to drive. Today is day 6 without mine. It's in the body shop getting repaired from the hit-and-run in a parking lot last month. I've been driving my truck all week. Fun but it's no 8.

 

CX-7 was the best for me.

-Steakboy

 

I had a Yukon and Mazda 3.

 

I got a last gen Kia crap Rio.

 

Sweet loaner! My dealership gave me a CX-7 which was nice. Too bad is was a stripped down version though.

 

u guyz are complaining?...i never get a freaking loaner man!!

 

Yeah today is day 2 with the Mazdaspeed3. I've beat the **** outta it. Big smokey burnouts. Hopefully they don't check the tires when I return it!
I had the option between this and a CX-7. Of course this is better, but a CX-7 would be fun too. Next time.
Tomorrow I get my baby back! I'm away from her on Valentines day! Of all days!!!

 

And this is why you NEVER buy a loaner car from a dealership!

 

Can you imagine that? I know they get some stripped-down entry level models and use them as loaners, then after a year or so sell them as used cars, and that they were "owned by a tech who works here" or something like that.
Just like when you see Budget or Avis is selling a rental- never touch those with a 21 1/2 foot pole.

 

Best I've had from Mazda is um... erm.. I guess a Mazda6 v6. Thing was beaten up hardcore. Tranny felt like it had a few worn gears, stereo was shot to ****, and for fun I decided to switch it to the "sport" mode, It threw a CEL the moment I shifted a gear. Yeah I feel sorry for the poor sap that buys that car.

Oh and your lucky.... guess the service manager really likes you

 

No doubt about that, MS3 is the quickest in Mazda's stable right now.

 

My loaners have been a PT Cruiser with an appearance package and some Chrysler so boring I forget what it was.


(No, not an xfire.)

 

If people got Crossfires when RX-8s went in for service I'd buy an RX-8

 

Not on launch.

But from 3rd gear on... most definitely.

 

I returned my car yesterday and was reminded how fast my 8 really is. I'm serious, the Mazdaspeed 3 isn't as fast as hyped. It's fast, but not quick.
The RX-8 has the holeshot handsdown, partly due to RWD, but the turbo is a touch laggy and doesn't really boost until after 3500 rpms, that's when you feel any power. Then engine doesn't rev nearly as fast as the 8's renny, and the trany isn't as nice as the 8's either. But it is what, like $5k less? With 5k worth of mods, I have no doubt it would school an 8 tho.


Dave

 

My best loaner was a G35 4 door--other than that I usually get Mazda 6s.

 

Lucky, I hate my dealer...

 

When I lived in VA they used to get me rentals if they had to hold my car for too long. The place I go to in Cali just loans me a stripped down 6! I'd love to get my hands on any Mazdaspeed as a loaner!

 

Your butt dyno is broken or the MS3 was. Stock for stock the MS3 is faster than the RX-8 in any straightline race.