[Pampero]

I'm joining to help me make a decision. So here's the story, no need to jump too hard on this; I'll stick around and do some research.

I tend to keep my cars for a long time. Wife drives a 2000 Miata, I bought new for her (as a birthday present) and we just helped my daughter into a 2009 Mazda 3 sport. I drive the Miata regularly, but the 3 lives with my daughter, not at home. My own ride is currwently a '99 540i/6 I bought new. Now I'm looking again.


Buying the 3 was a blast. I shopped with my daughter and looked with her at all the likely contenders. Bottom line, all things considered including overall driving quality, basic build, and, as everyone here already knows, value for money, the 3 was a no brainer. She bought it a few months ago during the 0% money, and owner loyalty offers and it was and remains an astonishing deal.

During the process I decided it would be no great sacrifice for me to change out of my BMW and get a new Mazdaspeed, especially after I drove one. Now you need to know, I have driven BMWs for the last 20 years and I believe nobody makes a better overall sedan for my tastes than BMW, but I was really wowed by the Mazdaspeed. So I'm thinking my next car could be a 2009 or 2010. I have to decide if I want to wait for the new car or jump on the old one, and if I will be happy with it here in rainy Seattle. I have also been considering a 335i, but obviously, it's a whole other type of car at an entirely different price point.
Mazdaspeed 3 is what I'm interested in learning about here. I know you all love your cars with good reason. I like them too. I trust you all get that it's high praise for a BMW fan to enter the room and say he's very, very seriously thinking about a Mazdaspeed 3. But why spend more than you have to? In the BMW's defense. if you haven't driven a 335i, you need to know it's an incredible drive, just as the 'speed is. My main concern about the Mazda is the FWD, so that's out and up front.

 

[josh]

Hey Pampero, welcome to the site! I drove a G35x for 3 years and when the lease was up I considered the 335i before buying the Mazda 3. You're right that there is absolutely no comparison as the BMW will have a better ride, handling and power. It's essentially a better car in most ways.

That said, the 2010 Mazdaspeed 3 offers a tremendous number of luxury features but is, at its heart, an economical sporty hatchback. So while you won't have the option for a moonroof, power driver's seat or heated seats, the speed and sheer fun that comes from driving a turbocharged FWD hatch is second to none.

If I were to choose I would say it comes down to what you want and where you want to be budget wise. I choose the Mazda 3s GT over the 335i because I live in the northeast and FWD is better than RWD in the snow, the price and luxury you get for the price, and the community are all excellent. I love the firm suspension, the nimbleness of the car and the fact that I don't need to worry about what's going to happen to my car all the time.

When I scuff the car, get a door ding or something minor it doesn't bother me at all anymore. So overall I think the Mazda 3 (or Mazdaspeed 3) is the best value and the most fun. But if you want the luxury nameplate, the nicer ride and phenomenal power (that RWD handles better as it pushes rather than pulls the car) then the BMW is a better choice.

I hope that answers your questions.

 

[bipbip2fast4u]

Once more Josh is completly right, it all depends on what you're expecting from your car. A better social status or more money in your pocket. I always liked BMW's but always ride Mazda. THE clever choice by excellence.