Test Drove a Mazda Speed3
 

So I am in the process of looking for a new company car.....right now I am driving a Kia Sedona Minivan a.k.a. the SSMV (Super S^%$^* Mini Van) and I really have to say it is one of the worse vehichles I have ever driven. Anyhow I am the next sales guy in line for a new vehichle so I am starting to do my home work. Looking at the GTI 4 door, WRX 5 door, Mini Cooper S (way to small), and now the Speed 3. I have driven the GTI, nice car and nicely appointed but but was missing the edge I though it would have, mind you I drove the car for like 10 mins max. Yesterday on my way home from seeing customers I stopped by the Mazda dealer to take a look at the Speed3. I have to say I was quite impressed especially when the base price is right around $22K and they will discount a bit off of that. The motor was super flexable, Started off in 3rd by accident and it pulled out without to much hesitation. The quality of the interior was not bad either, not up to VW standard but not bad. I still have not driven the WRX but I find the interior pretty shoddy (is that a word), and since I will be spending a lot of time in the car I am not sure I could live with it.

For the Manditory Audi content I will say that I do not have to fear the Speed3 even in my lowly stage I B5 S4...just something about the torque delivery in the S4 that always brings a smile to my face.

Cheers,
Jim

A MazdaSpeed3 would be a SWEET company car. Go for it.

The MS3 has a nice bump up in hp with mazdaspeed intake and exhaust. Combined
 

with a lower weight puts the power/weight ratio in respectable territory. I was also impressed at the cumulative number of mods that could be purchased for under $5k.

Being a company car no mods will be done...well maybe Auto-X tires..don't tell the boss man

The price is in the budget
 

and with the rear seats folded there is a bucket load of room in the back. If I stay out of the boost (hmmm...maybe not) it should get quite a bit better gas milage then the SSMV...And I can seel it to the boss man by telling him I can see more customers a day :-).

Cheers,
Jim

I get 28 mixed driving if I short shift my MS3. It is a blast at the track, even stock.

Ha, just went to test drive one yesterday and was DENIED!!!
 

That's right, rolled up in the S4, GM saw me get out and was in nice suit. Spoke w/ salesman for about 20 minutes and mentioned i was between a couple cars and i was looking to make a decision very soon. At any rate, salesman had to get approval from the GM and of course GM said, no, unless you sign deal now before you drive that you will buy it. WTF, stupid car dealerships...heard it was a fun car though....

Same thing happened to me when I tried to test drive an IS-F.

I am sure being old helped me out.....
 

So I am 40 and bald.....not to mention on the test drive the salesman, who by the way did not know much about the car, said I was the first person to walk through the door all day...I would put a bullet in my head if I was that slow at work. Anyhow got to drive it for 20 mins or so. Salesman was impressed when I heel/toed on a down shift and asked me how I did that. If anyone is interested the Mazda Dealer in Stamford CT has a left over '07 with the touring package and Nav for $21K. The company I work for ends its fiscal year on 6/31 so I have to wait till the new budget is in play 7/1 before I can sign any papers.

That is BS that you could not drive the car till you signed....I would have walked right out and sent a letter to the GM as soon as I got home. How do you know you want to buy a car till you get to drive it...they are not good sales people.

Cheers,
Jim

I've got a female friend who was looking at a BMW when she was bit younger...
 

probably mid twenties or so. The salesman and sales manager treated her terribly- wouldn't let her drive any cars, sit in them, etc. and talked down to her. Finally they asked what her current car was and she told them it was a 67 VW bug at which point they completely blew her off.

She walked back out to her early 90's Mercedes 500SL (was almost brand new at the time and probably cost $80K) and honked and waved as she drove away. Needless to say- she will never shop at that BMW dealer, nor will any of her family, and they purchase a lot of cars.

Just goes to show that you can't judge a book by it's cover. Her family had many millions of dollars and that dealer lost multiple sales or potential sale by that one mistake.

If I were you I would do as LJH said and write a letter to the owner/manager of the dealership and tell them of your treatment. It's hard to believe in this economy that they wouldn't want a potential sale.

I completely agree...total BS. I'm not a punk kid and was dressed better
 

than the salesman. THey had 4 salesman and the GM just sitting reading the paper (no customers). At any rate, when i was told this, i became very livid w/ the GM. I completely put him in his place and had to thoroughly explain that this was a MAZDA dealership. But, i guess that the Miami cuban machismo for you as they were all acting like a bunch of tough guys. By far the worst experience evar...I have driven (test drive) M5, M6, RS4 w/ no questions asked in recent months, but a $23K f-ing Mazda, just made me livid. Anyway, stupid salesman...

You are absolutely right...times are way too tough to "judge a book by it's cover"...
 

But, i wasn't dressed down at all...full suit, detailed car, not cocky, but knew exactly was i was talking about w/ the salesman...At any rate, i put the GM in his place in front of his staff. I really wish i had a video camera. I was planning on writing a letter to MOA but this guy/dealership will get what's coming to them.

Dealers...
 

I had something similar happen to me when wanting to test drive a used TT (pulled up in the S4). The salesman didn't want to let me drive it, very passive aggressive. Of course, when I called him out on it, in an overtly aggressive manner, he went and got the keys. I have steered several people from their dealership since.

Went to purchase the TT I have now, had to fly down to Texas, and the dealer outright lied about its condition. I had to argue with him for an hour before he made it right (took money off and had someone come out and touch up the paint, a several hour job).

Went to Boone, NC to get an A6 for a friend. They lied about several things on their internet ad (no cd changer, no warranty, no key fobs). It took an hour of arguing and going back home without the car (went to a diner and waited an hour for the dealer to call, and surely enough...).

I've only dealt with one car dealer in my life that treated me as I would treat someone. He was at Moore Jaguar in STL. Totally cool about test drives, low pressure, worked for you to find cars.

But for me, it is private party only.

question is
 

How many airplanes will fit in it, Jim? :)

- Felix

I love my Speed 6. AWD FTMFW ;-)

That's just stupid. Dealers should be doing ANYTHING to get a sale... Funny thing..
 

When I was shopping for a car about 4 years ago, I went to look at the 350z, IS300, S60R, and an RX8.

I had NO trouble dring any of them except the RX8. F'ing mazda.

More then the S4.....
 

Good to see you Felix, Did you ever get the Vandal? Been so busy with the new job that mine is sitting in the basement waiting to be built. See you soon.

Cheers,
Jim