What's the alllure of the MS3?

So it seems a lot of you that have an upgraded turbo went that route because the original K04 had issues or have spent a decent amount of coin acquiring the car so it doesn't make sense to sell it.

But for everyone else, what's your motive for making outrageous amounts of power in a FWD hatchback?


Bonus: Justin's 9 second Gen1

 

Honestly i think its because you can, is most of the time the answer. Sure 500+ whp in fwd car sounds crazy, but that also what makes it fun.

Also not all of us go the big turbo route, there is a lot of us happy with the smaller k04 and just making a fun daily driver vs a track monster.

 

Looks good. Has practicality with the hatch. Surprises a lot of people. All-around fun daily driver.

 

It's as gay as a miata, but with the bonus of a bigger trunk.

 

- Trunk space which is always never enough for any home improvement project.
- Awesome OEM wiring that is always in the way for any project under the hood.
- 5 bolt downpipe design.
- Coolant facials.

 

Once you have 300whp, you want 350, once you have 400... you get it.

I love the looks of my speed, the sounds it makes, and driving a car that absolutely everyone underestimates. Sure, it would be easy to make 600whp in a Mustang but who really cares about a 600whp Mustang?

 

It's very practical


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Because it's dumb.

I buy cars because they do something to me on a visceral level. When it ceases to be exciting it gets upgraded or sold. Pretty much why I bought it over the FRS I test drove just prior to it.

Life's too short to drive something you hate.

 

This is for damn sure. The car is exciting to drive, even with just an intake and race pipe. Can't imagine what 350+ whp is like. Plus I'm into sleepers

 

Because I own it already. I was only going to do an "intake and tune" when I bought the car 7 years ago. but the car is paid off, its fun to drive every day, I can fit me, the wife and the kid in the back seat with room for all our stuff, and I will make 500whp. whats not to love?

Yeah, are their better cars to make all that with? yes, but for the cost (and again, the fact that I already own this) it was an easy way to go.

 

Same as Alex. It's unconventional, everyone underestimates it. It's a very visceral car for the kind of car that it is. And personally I really do enjoy the utility of it, the hatch, having four doors. The tech in both generations is very good for the respective time periods in which these cars were built considering they're bargain basement hatchbacks. I'm a big fan of the jack of all trades, master of none thing honestly. On top of that these cars are really very reliable for being tuner cars. The engine alone, easily the best stock engine on the market from 2006-2013.

And also for real these things do legitimately haul ass even with the stock turbo.

 

Hoodscoop for days.

 

Being paid off is definitely a bonus. I'll be there soon and that's what's kinda keeping me in the speed.


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Same. I have two months left and she's all mine. It'll be paid off 3 years early. But truthfully there isn't a whole lot on the market right now that's in my price range and peeks my interest.

 

I have hauled two sets of my own wheels, 15 gallons of e85, and a 315 wide wheel and tire for my buddy's Vette all at the same time... and still gave taillights to the Corvette that night

 

I honestly can't think of any cars in our price point that can do what the MS3 can do. This is the fact that a new '13 MS3 was going for about $24-25k with all the stuff you could get on it (tech package).

Tuner (newb) friendly motor that is reliable and makes great power numbers and is affordable and all of its interior space is usable... can't think of anything that can match that.

I may one day start making 450-500 because:

1) it will be paid of... why not
2) surprise the hell out of all the mustangs and vettes out there
3) love the feel of the power and yet can still use it for daily stuff and have passengers sit comfortably

 

Mainly because i think its a very sexy car that you can buy and mod that wont break the bank. Sure I could have bought a new Evo or STI, but for twice the price and not look as good, it was an easy decision.

 

Well, I am a Mazda guy, I love the way they handle....even this beast. I will not expand the under the hood power of this engine/transaxle except for the short intake from CS. Otherwise, any mods I do is for handling. I have secured the engine/transaxle with new mounts and helped the understeer with a CS rear anti-sway bar. Now, the only changes will be to replace broken parts and decide whether to go OEM or aftermarket.


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Oh, and I fit in it...and my son already bought one and wanted to sell it.....next time/if ever again/it will likely be a car with a more upright seating position.


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I actually went to get a focus or fiesta st, I wanted a powerful 4 cylinder FWD car. After test driving a few and tossing a few offers around we saw the MS3 in the used inventory. After it's test drive the pure power and torque steer I knew it was what was coming home with me. Definately not expected when you bump the throttle.