Used 2011 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Consumer Reviews
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No more GTI's
Had many GTI's and recently a 3 series BMW, got tired of the endless maintenance issues and awful customer service by both VW and BMW. My wife has had a Mazda 3 for 6 years and I finally noticed how it was just so reliable and fun. Tested a Speed 3 and realized it was time to buy one. A very good car that trounces the VW and BMW. I was actually treated like a human by Mazda. Kudos to Mazda, learn some customer service and build reliable cars to VW and BMW.
even better than i was hoping
bought an 05 3s and loved it, i test drove the speed 3 one day while mine was having work done, and i was sold. its just crazy fast, too much fun, other than the little bit of turbo lag and torque steer which is to be expected, its amazing. the best performing car you can get for under 25k
- Sport 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $6,995408 mi away
- Sport 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $11,995718 mi away
- Sport 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $9,788788 mi away
Practical Performance Bargain
Nothing from me that contradicts the other positive reviews. I've driven my car for a few months now, and I have to remind myself of how inexpensive this car is; great handling, powerful engine, comfortable interior with loads of standard features, practical and reliable -- all for ~$23K! When I consider how aggressive the exterior styling is, I'm really surprised at how comfortable and civilized the car is. As a middle-aged guy, I tend to feel a bit self- conscious due to the car's styling, but it just drives SO well! Be advised that if you live in an area that gets snow, you should plan on buying a set of snow tires for winter since this car is fitted with summer performance tires.
You'll forget about that weird grille
When you drive this car because your own grin and the feel of this car will remind you why you like to drive. 1) yes, the previous speed3's were better looking, but much harsher. 2) the pull from the turbo is great from 3500 to 5500 rpm. 3) torque steer exists, but not much more than a maxima's, and can truly add to the fun. 4) well put-together, with great shifting, suspension and steering! Had a Volvo v70r (300 hp turbo) that was super-clunky, expensive, and both raw and numb in comparison. 5) hatchback design is very useful. In conclusion, does this middle-aged guy look a little unconventional driving such a silly looking car? Probably, but what fun, utility, economy, reliability and fun!
Love, love, love this car
I've wanted a Mazda Speed 3 for about 2 years and finally my dream came true. It is everything I thought it would be and more. It is FAST, comfortable and has many features you wouldn't expect for a car in this price range. The handling is second to none!
First 400 miles
26 mpg after the first 400 miles. Yes I am babying it except for attacking the winding uphill winding roads where I let it loose. Handling is incredible. Brakes are great. Torque steer? I've felt more torque pull from a 9 lb miniature poodle. Keep the engine in the right power band 3k rpm - 5k rpm and you don't have to worry about torque steer. Looks? Yes it is goofy. Especially at first. Most guys buy an expensive car because they look good in it. Me? I buy an ugly car, because next to it I look really good. Got mine in black and must say that it has a look that really grows on you. 263 ponies with a 4clynder getting 26mgp? Are you kidding me? Bought mine for much less than invoice. Great
Most affordable fun
I hesitated for a long time between the more reasonable Civic Si, the Golf GTI and the speed. The strong financial incentives on the Mazda 2010 made it an easier decision. This car is so much fun to drive. Without the turbo on, it is a peppy economical car. With the turbo on, you wake up the beast.
Work of art!
I bought my Speed 3 w/ tech package after driving my girlfriends new Mazda 3 S. After driving her car I knew a Mazda would be my next purchase. These cars are amazing! They fly around the corners with ease! I not talking about cornering around a curb at 30 mph, Im talking sideways at 60-70 mph. These things hold a line so well its like youre on rail! The best thing about going around a corner in my Speed 3 is that its absolutely flat while doing it. Im in love! Power is a huge + this thing is a rocket ship!! Fuel economy is great too. I averaged 28 mpg on my last tank. Only thing I would complain about is theres a small amount of torque steer, but that adds to the fun. Great job MAZDA!
34,000 happy miles!
Owned this baby for 34,000 miles now! First off, this is a really fun car to own. I have three kids (9yrs and 6yr twins) and they fit with no problem in this car (even with boosters). Never get tired of the power this car makes in every gear, passes without downshifting. Fuel eco is not exceptional, but coming out of a 12mpg truck I've at least doubled it. Have to use premium fuel, runs like hell on lower octane fuel. If you live in an area that gets snow you will need a set of winter tires, I don't care how great a driver you think you are, the performance tires on this car are outright dangerous when temps fall in the 30's. All in all I would highly recommend this to anyone!
Greatest car I have ever owned !
What the so called experts say is its loud and rides hard; reality ITS LOUD AND RIDES HARD LOTS OF FUN LOTS OF TORQUE GREAT MILEAGE AND RELIABILITY!! I have had my car since 2010 bought it new. I have 182000 miles on it and it runs like the day I bought it!!
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Over 6 Years
I have a 2010 Mazdaspeed 3 that I purchased in the middle of 2013 with 32k miles. I now have over 110,000 and I've only done regular oil changes along with tires and I recently did the serpentine belt and rear brake pads. The engine and transmission have been solid for me being my DD. I love the handling and power of this thing. I also like the styling more and more the longer I have it lol.
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Black Beauty
Loved this car the minute I set eyes on her. In the showroom. They had to take it out for me. Dealership mgr rode with me for test. He asked IF I could handle this car. I told him to hang on. The clutch is hair-trigger. Very tight. On or Off. Lots of torque steer. But some additions to suspension fixed that easily enough. She was fun in the Mtns. Autocross. Not so much in stop & go traffic. Great hwy car. Good mileage. Smooth @ any speed. This is a fast car. You will enjoy driving her more than your passengers will enjoy riding. Esp in town. Be careful not to overdue shifting & plant your friend's face in the glove box. But isn't that part of the fun?
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Silver bullet
It's been a year since I got my MS3 with Tech Package. I come from 96 5series/ 01 Infiniti so I expect a lot of features, quality interior and ample power, plus I wanted utility. MS3 delivers all this, and for only $25k. Checked out WRX (poor interior) and GTI (not many features and low power). MS3 won hands down. Love every minute of driving it, even a year and 6k miles later. The ride is pretty firm - you feel a lot of the road through the sit, and bumps can shake your soul out , but it corners like on rails and steers like a go cart. The torque steer is very manageable, and is a minor bother in 1st gear only. The audio system is great, climate control works like a charm. Great job, Mazda!
Mr.Mazda
I currently own 4 speeds had rx-7 turbos rx-8s mx-6 GTs rx-2 ,the speed 3 at least new in 2012 was the best buy,/ bang for your$ YOU Could BUY IN AMERICA PERIOD if I had a hour gauge that showed hrs. @ max 15 lbs. Of boost with 220k I would be a 4 digit # bone reliable living in the mountains of co. & Being a little bit crazy & competitive no one beat me up to the Eisenhower tunnel!!!!! Love these cars Mazda needs to make more !!!!!
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Fun but be prepared to repair it
I have a 2011 Mazdaspeed3. 1 year after owning it I wanted some feedback directly from the Mazda dealership. They provided ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! I asked if they could tell me some of the service intervals of this car especially when it comes to cleaning out the carbon. I was told to look in the owners manual. I looked and could not find ANYTHING! I took my car to a mechanic I’ve used for years and asked them to do a carbon cleaning. The put some cleaner in the fuel tank and said it would be fine. 2 intake valves broke 1 year later costing me $2500 to repair. It did not work because the car is Direct Injection. 6 months later my shocks blow out. $1000 repair. It’s fun if you like repairs and turbocharged engines.
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