Want
 

http://images.autobytel.com/cyber/156917/iM8444_1.jpg

I think I should sell the SVX and get one of these.... 2008 Mazdaspeed3 GT in white. They go for like $25k with every option but Nav... plus they rock a 260hp/280ftlbs 2.3L direct injection turbo motor. No AWD, but it's got a LSD and a boost limiter in 1st and 2nd when the steeringwheel's turned to prevent torque steer.

If I can get past the last of AWD, it seems like a hell of a daily driver, plus it's a pretty capable DS autocross car. And hopefully it's cheap enough to afford without having to sell the track car.

Hey Debbie... got an "in" with the Mazda dealership? I wonder if they'll take a '94 SVX on trade in, or is that too old a car for them to bother giving me decent money for?

Not likely to get "decent" money for the SVX from a dealer. It's such an old car most dealers are immediately gonna wholesale it, and they're not going to give you much for it. Even as clean as it is, that's typically how it goes.

Pshaw, the salesmen at Lithia Subaru 11k

Yeah, I'm not holding my breath for much on trading in the SVX. But I also don't want to hassle with selling it myself. I should probably take off the wheels, and take out the stereo equipment, then get the dealer to give me $3-4000 for it. Though, that'll be a stretch since Edmunds puts the trade in value at $500. :lol:

I think I should be able to sell it for like $6000 to an enthusiast... it's got the 4.44 swap, the wheels, the slotted brake rotors... and a bunch of maintenance work done like the new radiator, new windshield, new MAF, new alternator, etc. Stuff that normally ends up needing to be done if you buy an SVX these days.

Did you test drive the mazda Scott?

edit: and you are looking at these because you like the looks?

Cause you might as well just get a new wrx hatch for the same money or less....:huh:

Haven't driven one yet.

I will not buy a new WRX hatch unless it's an STI. They're too ugly, and too slow for the money... for the same money as a WRX the MS3 is tons faster, looks better, handles better, and has a much nicer interior.

I'd like a new STI, but $10k more for the AWD and just 40hp/10ftlbs over the MS3 doesn't seem worth it either.

Wait, that's not a WRX?!

Yeah, whenever the GF and I see a new WRX on the road, we holler "There goes a Mazda!"

Kind of like the new slug-bug...

But doesn't the STi give more than just the power increase? Brakes/sport ABS/suspension/tranny/DCCD/water sprayer/ESP or whatever they call it on a new scoob/familiarish tuning tools/pink stuff.

Granted, the AWD is more than just power to all four wheels... it's a terrific and dynamic system. But I'm not sure that's worth $10k unless you're racing the car, or live on permanent tundra.

As far as the brakes, the MS3 has some massive brakes... they may not be mono-block Brembos, but the brakes are usually the highest rated performance item on the car. And the suspension/handling is Mazda... which usually means second to none... even with the less-than-STI sticky tires, it's a .87G car on the skidpad. Usually, the only complaint about Mazdas is that they're underpowered... which isn't an issue on the MS3.

My buddy had a loaner MS3 for a day that we went cruising around in. It's actually a pretty damn quick car. I didn't drive it but he really like it and said it was fun. I could definitely see buying one except I hate FWD. I'd be tempted to pick up a C30 for around the same price though. Not as fast but a nicer car and they are really cool looking.

HeyisthatthenewSTI?

DING! +1 point...

Volvo C30? Those things are awesome looking... but I don't think I'd want a Volvo. My Dad had an S80 T6 that was a sweet car, but was at the dealership way too often. He had to ditch it before the warranty ran out 'cause it would have cost him an arm and a leg in yearly transmission replacements (sounds like an SVX!). I dunno that the C30 is like that, but it's enough to keep me away.

As far as the FWD, that's totally the hardest thing for me to get over. I'm gonna have to go test drive one and flog it a bit to see if I can stand it. My hope is that because it's a Mazda, it's not too bad.

I'm wondering if SOA is gonna do something in '09 to compete with the upcoming $25k Ralliart (which with minimal mods will run with a stage 2 STI). Been researching the EVO-X (and ralliart) lately and it has so much potential and is so easy to mod and work on. Ordered the factory intake and MAF sensor to do a KSTech intake and MAF flange for it and found that the factory intake housing is really really nice and only needs a filter to get 10+hp (seriously). Not fond of the big-mouth-bass look though.

Anyway... not sure if you should wait for Subaru's '09 offering. Probably will be disappointing anyway.

That thing looks hot! On the SCCA forums people are saying you can fit 245/40/18 tires all around, and get close to -2.0 degrees camber up front with the stock parts. Nice colour choice too! :)

Anyone want to buy a stock(ish) STi? :lol:

You of all people should know that the proper spelling is "hawt"... or better "teh hawt". Sheesh...

" BIG CONGRATULATIONS to our own Billy Brooks who piloted our Mazdaspeed3 to a Street Class win, 4 seconds ahead of the 2nd place car! "

http://blogs.cobbtuning.com/?p=269

If I had used the colloqial forms, "hawt" or "teh hawt", people would think I was trying to convey enthusiasm for the car, but I was actually trying to convey that the temperature of the vehicle in the picture looks quite high, hence the use of the more formal spelling, "hot".

Rumor has it the 2010 WRX is getting a body refresh to look more aggressive than the 2.5i, plus a horsepower bump to around 280hp. All because of the RalliArt.

http://www.cobbtuning.com/images_pro..._ms3_Track.jpg

HAWT.

Even more so in white:

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/4...010479bgt7.jpg

It's built off the euro focus platform so it should be ok. I'd have the same hesitation too though.

Billy is a REALLY good driver though. Also a huge cock block, I'm still a little bitter at him. lol

I just "built my own" C30. Friggen $32,000. :mad: Stupid nickel and dime for options... since when is A/C and cruise control an option on a $25,000 base price car?

If that $32,000 C30 also had 260hp I might consider it... but at 227hp... no thanks. It's a nice car, but performance is more important than looks and luxury features... even if the car looks hot as hell:

https://www.designyourvolvo.com/dyv3...72920_VS20.jpg

Whatever you do, I wouldn't go to RenoMazdaKia to buy a car. I hope never to use their service dept. again, either. However, I've had both a good buying experience, and good service dept. experience at Carson City Mazda.

If you join Mazdaspeed, you can get a discount on a new Mazda.

I figured the Carson dealer was the better one.

What's "joining Mazdaspeed"? Some sort of owners club hosted my Mazda USA or something?

Have to admit I've thought those were better looking cars when compared to several generations of Imprezas. They still pale next to an LGT wagon, however.

Now, if they made that a RWD car, they'd have something really cool.