Slug's Genpu Newb Chronicle

I've read that stuff for 5 years - literally thousands of threads. You're preaching to the choir. As as someone who's tuned extensively, I've seen the telemetry - the actual practical applications/outcomes of all this tuning/modding advice. You're on the right track: an ounce of prevention is worth of cure. We agree, ultimately

 

Car is sold.

 

Crap, man.
So just for interest, what are you going to?

 

That is unfortunate news. But yes I'm also curious what you replaced it with?

 

Replaced with a lazy man's 2017 Mazda 3 touring sedan in machine gray.

 

Manual or automatic?

 

I AM DISAPPOINT.

 

At least it was replaced with a Mazda. The new 2017 Mazda3s and Mazda6s are sweet daily drivers. Not as quick as a Speed3, but makes up for it in daily driver amenities.

 

Yah the amenities are fantastic for the price point. Not to mention I got a screaming deal (I got about a 5K discount). Its automatic. Hence the "lazy" man's sedan comment.

This car is incredibly comfortable for a 6'4" man. I used to be sore by the time I got to/from work on my daily commute in my Speed (1 hr each way on shitty roads). I can literally stretch my entire legs out even with the seat still moved forward a bit in the 2017 (I could not do this in my Speed). But what they allowed for front leg room they sacrificed for rear passenger leg room and my car barely fits in my small garage.

What the car lacks in speed/power it makes up for in mpg. I'm averaging about 41 mpg on hwy to/from work and the car feels like a poor man's luxury vehicle from the inside with leather interior/bells whistles (which I got). Its cushy/comfy. Just what I needed to relax on my drive, instead of having to constantly fight my Speed's retarded transmission in traffic (I never did get to liking how the Speed's tranny feels).

I test drove other econoboxes, but I think the new Mazda 3 is the win for cars in the class. Especially because it lacks a turbo, cvt and/or other retarded "eco" technology that just complicates the vehicles maintenance in the long run and causes premature engine wear (like my wife's Honda Pilot). I feel like there is less to break because of this and it will hopefully be as reliable as can be for a new NA auto transmission vehicle.

I also tried a couple used BMW 128i. Loved how the beemers drove but the reliability history for the ones I looked at were abysmal. After thinking them through, I didn't want any part of the reliability headaches.

 

I had a 2016 mazda 6 gt rental for a week while my speed was being prepared (bought it cpo and told them they were going to address a couple things before I took it home lol) and it was awesome. The radar cruise and backup camera were fantastic. The leather felt great, loved the steering wheel. Elegant interior design. I also think Mazda is killing it in their price bracket.

 

I have contemplated trading in my Speed3 for a new Mazda6 GT a few times, for a much more comfortable daily drive. For now, I think I will miss the highway passing power too much. I'll re-evaluate once my Speed3 hits 100k miles. It has now just passed 67k miles.

 

When I had that 6, I wasn't acclimated to the power of the speed. But compared to my 148 hp 2011 Mazda 3i, the 6 GT felt like it had some pep. It was a very comfy and quiet car for sure. That car desperately needs the 2.5 turbo from the CX9, then it would have it all.

 

Horsepower corrupts and boost is addicting LOL.

 

Horsepower corrupts but torque corrupts absolutely.

 

"Horsepower sells cars. Torque wins races." -Carroll Shelby