MazdaSpeed 6

It's been out a couple of years and they've been HEAVILY discounted. I drove one late last year, the relatively small dealership had five on the lot and was beginning negotiations at invoice.

It was a pretty fun drive, but there were too many quirks, I definitely did not feel passionate about the car. The clutch having a really weird uptake and first gear being too short were two of the things I disliked in my ten minute test drive. Maybe turbo cars just aren't for me, but I like the NA 298hp of my G35 much better.

 

That link seems to compare the car a lot to a Subaru Impreza WRX (just the base WRX, not even the STI) in terms of power and ergonomics. Funnily enough, the Subaru is faster from 0 to 60 (sub-6 seconds, usually quoted at 5.7-5.8 seconds) than the MZ6 (6.1-6.2 seconds). A lot of this is probably attributable to the Subaru's longer gearing down low and its lighter curb weight. The fact remains that performance-wise, there is little to separate the two cars (with perhaps a slight edge to the Subaru), both are highly practical with 4 doors and AWD and the Subaru is *a lot* cheaper (by around $5k), heck the STI is just $2k more expensive than the MZ6 and *that* can do 0 to 60 in under 5 seconds!

I've always been of the opinion that Mazdas were overpriced for the performance (and indeed, practicality) they provide. But they do have a loyal following, no doubt. (So do Subarus).

 

Last fall MazdaSpeed Six had discounts of $7,000 in Chicagoland. I attended Zoom Zoom event and received a coupon worth another $250.00. The MazdaSpeed Six which I drove at the Zoom Zoom event felt far more powerful than the one I drove at a Mazda Dealership an hour later (at the Zoom Zoom event, I was very much impressed with the Six's power). I've read that during the 2006 year that the Six's chip was reflashed (pollution reasons cited), and that the car was reduced from a 14.2 quarter mile time to a 14.8 time. After the disappointing performance of test drive at the Mazda dealership I lost practically all interest in the car.

 

Be prepared to take a big hit on depreciation in any new Mazda, even heavily discounted. If you're going to keep the car a long time then it doesn't really matter of course, but build quality on Mazdas isn't that spectacular, either.

 

At those prices, it's a great deal. I've put a lot of kilometres on them--on and off the track--and they're quite good. Does not work for me without the split-folding rear seat; Mazda has extra chassis bracing in that space.

A Mazdaspeed6 wagon on the other hand...

 

I wouldn't let the reprogram stop you if you liked the car. Its usually very inexpensive to reprogram the pcm after you buy the car to improve performance.

JMO and a nice car.

Otherwise check out the mazda 3 speed?

 

The new ECU tune helped and resolved issues with the sensitive knock sensor that caused the ECU to pull back boost. The new tune makes the car run completely better and has given a very small performance boost. Though, if you are worried, the car is turbo'd and any mod will yield you nice gains if you are looking for it. Mag testers have gotten completely better numbers than Mazda has originally claimed. I even recall a 5.4s 0-60. Owners have ranged from a 13.7s to mid/high 14's for their 1320 runs. Depends on the driver and how you are willing to launch it. Though, the car is certainly a midrange power deliver.

When I drove it, I disliked the clutch myself, and somewhat the gear box but I had no other complaints. It was fun to toss it in some corners and to feel that thing called torque again.

 

What about the new Madza 3 with the hot rod engine? Anybody here have any experience with it?

Dale

 

The STI or EVO will not fit the business car you want. I love the performance and looks of them both but they are a bit boy racer and not very business friendly. They will also outclass the Mazda as they are no hold barred performance. Of course, whichever fits you best and feels the best for you in the long run, will be your choice.

I have not driven one, but I do love them and have seen them in person many times. I think Mazda did a good job by limiting the torque output in the first 2 gears since its fwd, but you can still roast them if you want . A little bit stiffer than the MS6 and also understated and smooth looking. I would definitely hit it given the chance. Same power potential as it carries the same 2.3L DISI Turbo engine. Sounds a bit throatier than the MS6 as well.

 

The MazdaSpeed 3 is quite a bit lighter than the Speed 6. I would consider one, but my wife wants something other than that (15 years ago it would have been okay). Also, when I was interested in a 6 last fall, I located an east coast outfit that was working on a bigger turbo for the 6, so the potential is there (I just wanted it straight from the factory).

 

I'm not sure about the STi, but I'm positive you can get the EVO without the wing.

 

You can get the Evo without the wing from factory. Most that I have seen from the STI is a trunk lid swap with a WRX. It's very popular to do.

 

Funny thing about that...I see a lot of STi's with the regular WRX wing and WRX's with the STi wing. You would think Subaru would just make either wing a choice on both cars.

 

Light weight + FWD + 300 hp = tennis elbow from the torque steer.

 

For the Subaru, you can get a neat car called the STI limited edition : http://www.subaru.com/sub/misc/2007/sti/index.html

I don't know if you can get that in the US, but that would fit your needs nicely.

 

Or get a Legacy GT with the detuned STI motor. More sedate and smooth looking.

 

no way Mr. M5 switching to a Mazda???? Why not consider some of the other cars you hated so much? some are cheaper like an E55? or even a E36 4-door M3? Get another used E39 M5.

 

If you are in stop & go then go for a slushbox........sure it sucks but is nice in traffic. My wife loves her Acura TSX, but it drives me nuts. If you are looking for fun.....I'd go with the Evo. It is the perfect boy racer.