Looking at picking up a 3, opinions, thoughts, total NOOB

[MJG]

Not buying for me, the girlfriend has always had a thing for a white GT.
I've read up on the power steering pump/line failures, besides that, any other concerns?
What are these cars going for typically?
How well do they respond to mods?
What are the best starter upgrades?
Lowering kits, how much, suspension details etc.

I am pretty sound with basic mechanics however I am a MOD motor guy, forced induction Ford.

Oh, and power, how quick are these cars?
What would it take to get one mid 12s to low 13s?

[DeadB2000]

Um, nothing personal, really, but who is this car for? Why not let her pick her own mods? They are great little cars and though some guys do lower them, they handle like they are on rails right out of the factory. CAI is common. Really good value for the money too.

Just my 2c worth.

[laksman91]

Oh, and power, how quick are these cars?
What would it take to get one mid 12s to low 13s?

If its the non-speed3 model. Its gonna be REAL hard to get it that quick. If I'm not mistaken its even hard for the speed3s to get into the 12s?

[MJG]

It's for my girlfriend of 5+ years.
She wants a white GT or Speed, however, she is use to the 'balls' of both my vehicles and wants something with some go.
I was under the impression the speed's were able to dip into the 13s?

She has gotten use to being in a low 12 sec truck (soon to be low 11s/high 10s when my build is done) and I was hoping the GTs or Speeds were easily modified/responded well to boost.

[JSI]

These cars are more fun in the corners than in a straight line. The speed3 is still pretty fast but just from what you've said I think you should look for something else.

[m_bisson]

It's a front wheel drive car... Even if you get enough power to run it that fast there's going to be an assload of torque steer.

[billd80]

"It's a front wheel drive car... Even if you get enough power to run it that fast there's going to be an assload of torque steer. "
+1, theres guys on youtube with turbo 2.3's running about 300whp (with completely upgraded internals) that could pull 12 off but why?, To have torque steer pull u into a wall!, I don't see why anyone would need to commute in a 12 second vehicle regularily unless he/she is driving like a bat out off hell (and dangerously) ALL the time. If you want that kind of get up and go maybe look @ a used wrx or something, plus the all wheel drive will handle better/keep her safer in the winter months.

[RECREATIONAL_ANXIETY]

What do you guys think of leather dress shoes? I currently have a pair of Nike Shox, but I'm looking at getting a pair of leather dress shoes. How hard is it to get the dress shoes to make me run as fast as the Nike's? I can't wear dress shoes unless they'll make me run as fast as my Nike's.
That's what we're talking about. If you really want to make the Mazda perform as well as your truck in a straight line, you would then have to make your truck corner as well as the Mazda. Otherwise you'd be able to tell that they're different vehicles.

[MJG]

Understood each is unique in it's own way however if wanting to there should be a way to cover majority of the bases.
My truck could most likely handle the twisties nearly,just as good, if not better than a stock 3. It's a real Lightning which is a completely different suspension than a regular F150. I have upgraded rear and front sway bars, adjustable shocks, panhard bar and may even install a 4 link in the future. Another L owner takes his to the track religiously and outperforms most vehicles.
Therefore, I'm asking the power for a reason, NO I'm not looking for a torque monster. Turbo's should be a high rpm ride. She wants something unlike her DOG of a hyundai, something that is capable of passing other vehicles safely.
Why I'm asking about what times do these typically run in the 1/4 and what they trap? I imagine the 'Speeds' once they spool they are quick buggers on the highway.
Completely different from what I own, 650 ft lbs of torque and being supercharged (not to mention a brick) and on the highway I fall flat on my face.

Therefore, a GT, Speed, what modifications to the 4 cyl's respond well for highway type speeds/pickup?
And not going to lie, I'd likely try to bang through the gears at Cayuga with it once or twice :)

Of course reliability and just enjoyment of the car.
Is there a high turnover with these cars or do majority of you see yourselves driving it to the ground?

They are pretty nice looking cars and she has been saying it for a few years. She puts up with my gear head nonsense so she deserves a present.
I thought going on the boards would be a good place to start as I am on Lightning ones all the time and know how much they help noobs.

Plus, if I'm gonna drop cash on one of these, want to make sure it's well spent!

[RECREATIONAL_ANXIETY]

There's tonnes of performance mods you can do to a 3... sky is the limit. As you know with what you've done with your truck.
Reliability wise, Mazda's are rated pretty high. Only big issue seems to be with rust on some of the older models - so if she does get one, get it rust-proofed for peace of mind.

[laksman91]

Get an STI and turbo swap it. And have fun.

[Elusivellama]

May I suggest you ask your questions in the Mazdaspeed 3 forum: http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/forumdisplay.php?188-MazdaSpeed-3-Forum, those are the guys who know the MS3 best.

[DruidB]

As someone who has been into drag racing for years i urge you to look at somthing else... The GT or Speed are not going to fill the need for a reliable 12 sec daily driver.

I love my Stock GT.. but it is in no way fast and not worth modding.. The high dollar to hp ratio makes things like CAI's and exhaust laughable on commuter cars like these.

If a 12 sec 5door wagon is what your after a WRX might be a better choice... though it would need serious modification to perform at that level.

I would look at a used CTS-V or somthing similar if you are seriously looking at running 12's and being reliable.

[Elusivellama]

The mods I do to my GT are primarily protection (mudflaps, etc. ) and upgrades of existing stuff that are components of critical stuff (rmm). As well, having recently learned of the balance shaft and how it could possibly starve a couple cylinders of oil (not to mention parasitic drag on my crankshaft), I'm awaiting a BSD kit. But I agree that a non-turbo 3 is not a fast car. It has pep, but realistically, it doesn't throw me back in my seat as it rockets down the street. I don't need that kind of power right now, nor the resultant loss in fuel economy, cost in insurance, maintenance etc. Not that I wouldn't WANT a fast car, but right now this suits my needs perfectly. And it still remains fun to drive even I'd it isn't 'fast'.

[kckev99]

Get an STI and turbo swap it. And have fun.

I would tend to agree... If you want massive amounts of power and handling. You should get an STI. You can used one on the market for same price of a brand new base model 3. Stock for Stock I'm sure the STI or even a less expensive WRX is more than equal to your truck in terms of power and handling.

[kckev99]

2009 Stock WRX can do 1/4 mile in 13.5secs
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/08q4/2009_subaru_impreza_wrx-short_take_road_test

2004 Stock Lightning 13.6 Secs
http://www.trucktrend.com/roadtests/pickup/163_0407_2004_ford_dodge_truck/specifications_overview.html

So I imagine the STI is faster.

[kckev99]

Wish I could afford one... this is a sexy car... Out of the box crazy rocket.

http://storage.canoe.ca/v1/dynamic_resize/?src=http://www.autonet.ca/Donut/Autonet_ca/search/newmodels/2010/05/28/Subaru_STI_Exterior.jpg&size=486x365

[MJG]

I would tend to agree... If you want massive amounts of power and handling. You should get an STI. You can used one on the market for same price of a brand new base model 3. Stock for Stock I'm sure the STI or even a less expensive WRX is more than equal to your truck in terms of power and handling.

Maybe a Subby, it's up to her really.

FYI Stock lightnings DO run low 13s out the box if grabbing traction. Hell I pulled about two lengths on 1 a few years ago with only a filter and catback.
However mine is far from stock :)
I'd maxed out the capabilities of my stock motor which now runs low 12s @ 112 mph.

In the next month my new build should be done, built bottom end, trickflow heads, comp cams, full exhaust, magnum powers supercharger, tranny upgrades etc etc. I'll be in the 575 HP/650 Ft LB range until I decide to step up to a Whipple or Kenne Bell :)

Thanks for the tips everyone, I appreciate it, maybe we'll take out a Speed edition and see how she's feeling that. I've also been dying to pick up a clean 07+ BMW 335i from the states, maybe she'll bite on that lol.

BTW, here's what some of you should be looking into buy next :P
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-more-picture43049-cool1.jpg
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-last-20s-picture35755-f.jpg
http://www.f150online.com/forums/members/mjg-albums-l-picture140387-new4.jpg

[DruidB]

Id rather have an 03-04 Cobra or new 5.0L... That bodystyle was never my fav... i prefer the old 95 square style

[MJG]

Mustangs are so common though!! I agree the new 5.0 are pretty bad ass tho.

If I were to pick a car it'd definately have to be a 335i twi turbo 07+ with the sport package wheels etc. Gorgeous car.

[silvermist99]

Thanks for the tips everyone, I appreciate it, maybe we'll take out a Speed edition and see how she's feeling that. I've also been dying to pick up a clean 07+ BMW 335i from the states, maybe she'll bite on that lol.


American 07 335i is only slightly cheaper than the ones here. Especially after factoring in 6.1% duty, shipping or flight ticket to pick up.

google keyword: hpfp :D

[MJG]

Yes I have been looking into the prices. A mint condition one here is in the area of 37-40k.
I have a friend in texas sending me links to ones there, and i also use searchtempest.com.
Low mile ones from the southern states can be had for 21-22k.