ElPogoLoco

Hello all. I am preparing to buy a Mazda3 at the beginning of the year and would like to plan out some things first.

I used to own a Focus with a very nice suspension set-up consisting of Eibach springs, KYB Adjustables, Prothane Bushings, Eibach Ant-roll bars, and a host of other goodies.

I plan to buy a 5 door S with the AT Trans.

I want a daily driver comfy yet spirited driving suspension set-up. What would all of you suggest?

04Mazda3Sport

The stock suspension is simply amazing in its self. I would suggest getting rid of the stock tires first, and go with something softer. I've got Falken FK452's on mine and it's even more of a joy to drive.

blade_ss

I would have to agree. I have a stock 5door and handles pretty good for stock suspension. the car loves fast sweeping corners, and even handles good in twisties.

speedrush

i would also agree i have had all types of cars with different suspension setups and for my 04 3 hb being stock it is the most fun to drive and fells like it loves the corners like i do

04Mazda3Sport

My last car, being my second was an 03 Impala Base, and for a land yacht, it rode pretty well. But my 04 3 HB, it is by far the best car I can and will ever own. I'm sticking with Mazda from now on. The only thing I don't like about the car is that it will NOT spin the tires unless it is on wet pavement or gravel.......I don't have traction control, and would love to spin them at least once.

jaeger08

you must have an A/T cause as far as i know if you drop the clutch high enough in any car, you can light up the tires. saw a dude burn his 145/80/r12's in a metro once. now thats good stuff!

04Mazda3Sport

yep i do have an A/T. It seems like if i hit the gas, the first thing the car does is bog down BAD. then it will pick up a second or two later.

rcannon

My best advice would be to drive one first.

AGAINST my wishes my wife INSISTED we get a car. SHE MADE me get a Mazda 3.
I wanted an old beater worth 5 grand...

17,00 later I left the lot in the Touring Value edition. 2.0 and a manual tranny..(I won that battle)

I wont bore you with the handling details. The owners already know what I am going to say. The folks who have not driven one wont believe me anyway.


The dealership is 15 miles away. Oddly enough it took me an hour and a half to get home and the car I did not want has over 100 miles on it ....

jaeger08

as far as i know, at least with the M/T, the car doesnt make its peak torque until 4500 rpm, and im assuming its similar to an auto tranny. torque is what gets you off the line, and even foot braking the car prolly wont get it to rev more than about 2000, explaining why your cant spin your tires. just remember tires are expensive so save 'em!