Are you sure about that? I dunno how much OEM parts cost for a MS3 but it shouldnt be much more than a s2k.

 

welcome! Not to mazda bash, my wife drives a mazda3. Mechanically, you are correct it's awful, and I will never buy one again. Rear brakes died twice (on a Fwd car nonetheless). Within a yr or so owning it, the motor mount cracked. Who the heck cracks these things on a daily drive? Anyways, I test drove the mazda 3 prior to getting my S. Was shopping around actually, and that thing does straight line insanely fast. (well, turbo helps). But I I always go back to my mantra 'after my wife's 3, I will never own another mazda again'...repeat... heh =) Don't get me wrong honda's have their issues too, but so far, after owing an acura gs-r and now an 04, s2k, I couldn't be happier with them. 110kmiles on my teg, and a happy 42k miles on my S.

 

Then we are on the same page, cause thats exactly what I feel. While replacing the engine I replaced Clutch and flywheel with OEM stuff which cost me 1500$, guess what, tranny is still grinding and some times doesnt wanna go to 2nd or 3rd gear on my Speed3.

 

Never been a Ford fan so I wouldn't touch a mazda.

When you have the money, buy your dream car. Life is very short for you not to enjoy it.

There will always be stupid people who say and do stupid things. Buy a well cared for S with 60K or less and you should be fine for many years.

A local here as 150K on original clutch. I am approaching 85K with no issues...

 

honestly, I dont need well cared one, as I want to change out most of the parts, build the engine, boost it a bit. Lets say, refresh the car with performance parts and enjoy it. So, I am cool with any condition.