dynamho

Right!

VikingDJ

Right on. The MS3 is just a superb performance car for the money. The MS6 is an insanely superb luxury performance car for the money. You can get one for as much or cheaper then an MS3 right now. It comes with a lot more goodies, IMO looks nicer, and has AWD. The MS6 is very well balanced, and very under the radar in all aspects. Although the MS3 is much more suited for my personality, I just can't imagine paying anywhere near MSRP for a car no matter what the circumstances, and unless there are leftover MS3s selling for well below invoice in 2008, I'll be sticking with my Speed 6 which I only paid $23500 for back in July. People are currently picking them up for $21-$22k for the Sport, $23-24k for the GT, and $25-$26k for the GT with Navigation/Moonroof. Now that's not just bang for the buck, it's an overall great car for the buck.

snizzle

I knew you could get some money off of them but that's incredibly cheap for the MS6.

VikingDJ

I might have a hard time believing the people on the Mazda forums for the prices they claim they are paying for the leftover 06s had I not paid $23500 6 months ago for mine, before the 07s came out. It makes perfect sense, and the entire forum can't be lying. The car is technically no longer new from a market standpoint, and the market failed for this car due to over production not meeting the demand, just like what has happened/ is happening with the RX8. Some guys claim to have gotten the Speed 6 Sport for less then $21k, and I believe it.

It never had a demand really, and with the anticipation, and then the release of the MS3, it's been ignored. It simply would never sell for invoice as it was, so there's $2500-$3500 cash back incentives depending on your area for lease or purchase. However, once the prices dropped to the range they have now, I'm sure they are going pretty quickly. 2007 will have much less produced, so I'm sure you will find a super deal on them in a few months, but probably nothing like the 06 model.

RotaryP7

Not bad. I always wanted an 8 but was leading toward the MS3 because of the price. Decided just to get the RX-8 and spend the few extra bucks.. Good luck.

kwescott

I'm very intrigued by the MS3. I am considering trading our 2nd 8 in for one.

Japan8

I picked up my VR sport MS6 in late December for $22k.

Bang for the buck? Oh yeah!

Handling? Yeah.. it's not as nimble as the RX-8. So what? It has plenty more space and that is something that I needed/wanted. And just because it doesn't have RX-8 handling doesn't mean that the car is going to handle like 4 cylinder Camry. I've pushed it in some corners... even up here on stock tires (not very cold weather friendly) and found it to stick pretty damn well. Felt better than the MkV GTI... handling and power.

Ike

I finally drove one and it didn't do much for me. But,for the price people are getting them for it's a good car. For the MSRP I can think of many cars I'd chose over the MS6. Then again, I guess that's why you can get them for so cheap

Back to the original topic... I don't understand why some people are so gaga over the MS3, yes it's a nice car and deserves some praise, but people are going a little too far. The MS3 is just a better appointed slower SRT-4, with a less stout engine, not exactly groundbreaking.

1stgen8

iTrader: (1)

I test drove a MS3 a few hours ago and I was impressed but at the same time I had the "We've been cheated by Mazda" feeling. Meaning the 8 should have the power/torque of the MS3. I know the 8 is supposed to be Mazda's bread and butter but they definately left out the power/torque part of the total package. The MS3 was fun to drive but does not come close to the handling of the 8 in curves....in my opinion. I took a curve going about 60mph and it felt a bit top heavy compared to the 8. I know both have a different setup but I thought the top of the line MS3 would be close...handling wise. I would have to think long and hard before trading in my 8 for the MS3.....hhhmmmmm. I think I'll keep the 8. Here's the funny part........I did a walk around prior to the test drive and noticed a very heavy buildup of ash/soot all over the tailpipe. The saleman told me he had to move the car from it's parking spot before I could drive. When he started it up black smoke poured out the exhaust for about 15 seconds....I was like damn. I wonder if the MS3 will have issues like the 8 did when it first came out...I guess only time will tell.

dynamho

MS6 is nice but didn't really speak to me either. It's a fantastic deal though.

Betelgeuse

Umm, the difference between the ms3 and Neon SRT-4 is all driver. The times are very close. And how do you know the engine is less stout? I guess you did some secret tuning in your secret shop and busted some pistons. I know you're biased against the car and that's fine, but at least try to sound like you know what you're talking about. The DISI has forged internals and hasn't been pushed to its limit yet, so its stoutness is unknown. If you know someone that has blown an engine, please post the info.

Betelgeuse

The DISI runs very rich, hence the soot and the reason why the aftermarket tuning solutions are able to coax another 50 or so hp by leaning the mixture. The richness, according to what I've read, helps to keep the engine cool and possibly increase overall reliability.

Ike

I've seen stock SRT-4s trap 103mph and trap speeds are not all about driver.
Until I hear of or see a stock MS3 trapping 103 mph the SRT-4 is faster.

I don't know the engine is less stout for a fact but all signs point to it. That aluminum bottom end of yours had better one hell of an engineering marvel to hold up to the kind of abuse the dodge 2.4L iron block can. Dodge didn't even bother with R&D on that engine, they just stuck parts in there that would be far stronger than they would ever need them to be.

I don't have a biased. If I had to choose between the two cars I'd pick the MS3. But I still don't see what all the hoopla is over the MS3 (refer to my last post).

VikingDJ

I can see from a pure enthusiast standpoint why people make these comments. It's really not an enthusiast car in my book. It's a heavy midsize AWD luxury sports sedan with good performance, which simply does not speak to enthusiasts looking for their one and only daily driver/fun car. This is why the car failed in the market, because the enthusiast market wants light and nimble, not heavy and luxurious,and this car is an all arounder, being that it's not great in any one thing, but good in all aspects of a vehicle.

I realize that if I didn't have my 06 Honda S2000 sitting in my garage that the Speed 6 wouldn't speak to me either, and I couldn't own one as my only car that's for sure. However, as a commuter vehicle, and looking at it through winter beater/ daily mentality, to me it's the best car for the money PERIOD, and I absolutely love this machine.

Betelgeuse

While trap speed is indicative of a car's potential, it is also up to the driver to attain the highest number, so yes it's very dependent on the driver.

Wow, that's about the only thing you said that's believable and I agree.

MP3Guy

Carlos:
<<While the MS3 is a nice car, the fact that it's FWD takes ALL the fun away from the driver's point of view. Call me "old school" but the whole reason to have the cars I have had in the past (Alfa GTV, Fiat 124, Miata, RX8) was because they were RWD >>

I've owned both a SPICA injected GTV, and the 124 Spider. I know EXACTLY what you're talking about. The other thing is the RX-8 is a more, if you'll forgive the term, "adult" car. I owned the MP3 Protege prior to this, and while that was a phenomenal car, (you never needed the brakes-it just WENT) I wanted something a little more appropriate. In the meantime, we are lucky to have all of these great choices available in the market.

dynamho

You mirrored my sentiments.

Ike

It's really cute that you came over here to defend your little car and all but you're starting to bore me. Maybe you could round up a few other MS3 fanbois to spice things up a bit?

Betelgeuse

Japan8

A poor man's A4/S4. And with the discounts it's an amazing amount of bang and car for the money.