2010 MazdaSpeed 3

[ToBFree]

I went and looked at a MazdaSpeed 3 today. Specifically, one with the tech package. Wow, some nice electronic goodies inside! I think if it came with heated mirrors and seats this would be a no-brainer. But I think I'll still give it some more thought. Certainly a fast, sporty, 4-seater. Hopefully one could find a front replacement grille as that smilie thing is just a little much. For the price, it is very pleasing.

When the silver one arrives at the local dealer I think I'll need to take a serious test drive.

Anyone know anyone who has one and has the mod bug? Seems online opportunities are rare other than H&R just releasing lowering springs for the 2010.

[Electric Blue S]

Mark, cinoeye has a 2008 or 2009 MazdaSpeed 3 and that is one bad ass fast and wicked car. Well worth the money but I just can't understand the smiling grill on all the 2010 Mazda cars, man WTF were they thinking? I know part of the reason is the European front crash standards but wow a first year auto design student could have done a better job then that.

[ToBFree]

Yes, I agree. I was thinking it could be removed, sanded, and painted the body color in an attempt to make the smile disappear. Still a lot of time to think about it.

Another option would be to add some Rouge MINI eyes and paint some teeth on it.

[Thom]

We just purchased a 2010 CX-7 to replace the Trailblazer. I tried to get Diane to go with the Speed3. She wasn't having it... She didn't want the 6 speed; she wanted automatic. We did end up with the BT phone interface with our 7 though, it's pretty sweet.

[ToBFree]

Awww, tell her she's BORING! That 2010 CX-7 looks like a shrunken minivan. She's be HOT in a Speed3.

<is prolly in a lot of hot water now>

[ToBFree]

Well, the Mazda lost the battle. No heated seats, mirrors or sunroof. Not to mention the baby below showed up at the Classic MINI lot last weekend when I was there dropping off ToBFree for a tie rod and new control arm bushings. Today 2BFree2 (plate yet to be secured with the Ohio BMV) became mine and I pick it up tomorrow. Note the painted arches and side skirts, aero bumpers, and black wheels. No modding required. Checkered mirrors pending. Okay, so I'm set in my ways. Dark Silver and Black goodness lives on!

[Minigal]

Nice! Congratulations. Can't wait to see it. Did you trade in ToBFree, or is this your now daily driver, and #1 gets to be the garage queen?

[ToBFree]

ToBFree remains in my driveway. I really did not want to give it up. After a good washing, I'll throw the cover on and work to clean every crevise. Garage spot pending. It does have some minor rust bubbling up around the tail lights and along the bottom edge of the driver's door so that will be priority one to repair.

The new MINI will my daily driver with no performance mods, at least until winter nears. I haven't decided which one will be the winter MINI yet. I still need to get my hands on a set of checkered mirrors, hopefully tomorrow when I'm near Classic again. This one is hard to drive as the clutch pedal is super soft and I'm still getting used to it. But that turbo is something else.

[ToBFree]

Here's a more respectible pic after I installed the necessary checkered mirrors last night. You can follow the pic back to Photobucket and see some more if your interested under the username ToBFree_MINI.

[Thom]

Nice Mark,

Needs a "Pull to inflate" doesn't it?

[ToBFree]

Well, no. I'm putting the off-the-MINI-front-bumper license plate holder on this one which mounts using the tow hook hole. I might not even do any stickers.

btw, speaking of stickers . . . . Dana, can I get another NCC decal (the white letters one)? Do I have to pay two fees since I have two MINIs?

I guess that means I'm doing stickers again.

[Minigal]

Yes to the sticker. Remind me next time we have a get together.