Yeah, wasn't a fan of the SI, and I drove it before I drove the Speed 3. It was nice and comfy - I could see myself driving one, but it felt more like a squishy regular Civic with a fancy interior more than an actual high performance model. I drove the 8 up and the SI seemed WAY slower, and I'm pretty sure the handling was quite a bit squishier than the MS3. Just didn't impress me for the money.

 

I got my Speed 6 in 2006, when the Speed 3 was just about ready to comeout. There was only MSRP pricing when it came out about 99% of the time, and many places were marking it over sticker, and people were buying. No one was getting deals in the very beginning, as the demand exceeded the supply initially.

Now of course yes, invoice pricing is common because the car has been out for quite some time now, and the hype has worn down a lot. I could easily get a Speed 3 for invoice.

I paid $2000 below invoice for my Speed 6, and at the time it was WAYYY more car for the money.

Now, if the Speed 3s start selling for $2000 below invoice, well, then I'm 1000% trading my car in for one. However, ain't gonna happen.

 

The car is poorly built and feels very cheap on the inside. the transmission grinds in third gear will drive you crazy. I know because I have one.

 

I doubt the Speed 3 is ever going to be selling below invoice. I feel like I'm steeling something as it is getting that much performance for $21,500. I can't imagine a dealer ever giving one up for below $20K.

 

^Yup, when my GF picked up her MS3 hot and fresh out of the factory, she got it for $600 over invoice, not bad I think.

If you ever get the modding bug with your speed, check this out...

 

^Nice!

 

(Look away rotorphiles. You have been warned.)

I've heard of people putting V-8s in RX-7s. Would the MS3 or MS6 engine fit in an RX-8? You would lose the low CoG, but gain in torque and MPG...

 

I wouldn't mind a car that looks like the RX8 with this engine. With the MS3/MS6/CX7 engine in it, the car would not only sell very well, but would also compete with the 350z in straight line performance.

However, it wouldn't be an RX8. I can't wait to see the Mazdaspeed Miata with this engine. LOOK OUT!!!!!

 

^The MS Mx5 can't come to market any sooner...

 

those look nice man.

what spoiler is on your 8? what wheels? looks damn good.

i always thought ms3 would look better w/ a body kit, that's the first pic i've seen of one though, looks very nice. now if only i could talk MY gf into the ms3.......

 

^Thanks man, I got my GF into Mazdas and into modding her car. The autoexe bumper I think, is what the MS3 should've been from the factory.

The spoiler is the prestige edition or euro version, like some people like to call it. The wheels are volks GT-V's.

Sorry for the threadjack, check out Hers / Mine

 

i checked out your pics. i'll check out hers now too.

it's just the euro spoiler? that's what i want, yours looks like it sticks our further than the euro lip spoiler. either way i like it a lot. hows the trunk fitment? i need a new trunk too.

i'll have to show her those pics, see if it sparks some ms3 interest. she loves my car, but she can't get into a "hatch". i frickin' love that car though. don't dislike, but don't really like the ms3 front-end from the factory, so it's nice to see it with an aftermarket kit.

 

amazing car...nuff said

 

If i were on the verge of marriage and starting a family the MS3 would be very practical and my first choice. Ive seen MS3's with only tint and lowered a lil and they look pretty damn sweet...of course not nearly as sexy as the 8, but for a start up family car is sexy as hell.

 

They could call it the MX-8... maybe with a li'l slash through the R?