pup73

i drove both yesterday..2008.5 MS3 and a 2008 WRX

i was much more impressed w/the mazda, although i have to qualify this by saying that the '09 WRX may be more on par w/ the MS3.

MS3 interior fit and finish was nice, while the WRX's interior seemed very boring in comparison. my wife didn't like the overall look of the WRX. i was impressed by the not so subtle rumble from the MS3's exhaust. and the car really moves!

plus, you can pick up an MS3 for a good 2-5k less than a WRX, depending on options.

yes, i will miss AWD...

-c

GTI_JAY

2008 GTI DSG. Its about 24K and the 08 are still 0% financing for 5 years! That is what I did but got a 6sp instead of DSG.

cravnpup

If you live in the northeast, I would seriously think long and hard about a high power FWD car. Much better than RWD, but after a few winters I think you'll be kicking yourself for not spending that extra $2-5k on something that really can go anywhere..

Jacques79

With the introduction of the 265HP AWD WRX at around 24-25K I really don't see the point of a MazdaSpeed 3.

Yes the Mazda is 1500$ cheaper, but you get so much more car for those 1500$....

And if you want a wagon get a hatchback WRX.

pup73

well, the '09 WRX's aren't available yet. and the '08 i test drove yesterday had a sticker of $30k granted, it had navi.

the MS3 i drove was going for $22.5k. we actually thought the MS3 was much more car than the WRX, irrespective of price. honestly, going into this, i was leaning heavily towards the WRX, but the test drive changed all of that.

of course, we have to wait to see what the '09 WRX brings.

-c

Jimmy Roadster

You might consider the regular Imprezza and Mazda 3. Both are great cars and you can get them both with autos. When my wife was looking for a new car, those two were our top choices. We also looked at a Civic, Corolla, and a Fit, which all lacked in power, comfort, and interior room. The 3 and the Imprezza would give you more performance and comfort than a fit, without the high price and the premium gas requirement of the MS3 and WRX. We thought about getting one of those, but since we already have one car that sees autoX action and back road blasts it didn't make much since. In the end we went with the Imprezza, but it was a tough call.
I've not driven the new WRX, but I have driven the MS3. It is very good. Loads of power, decent handling, and very practical as well.