tango

Hey, new to the forums. This has probably been discussed before, but are the things that you get extra from the GT worth it over the sport?

I want HIDs, but that's about it from the GT package. I don't need LED taillights because the company I work for is an LED distributor which allows me to do a lot in that area.

What else is there that the GT offers over the Sport?
Bose Premium Sound? (I've seen some threads about problems with this system)
Auto on/off headlights?
Rain-sensing wipers?

So my question is what are the pros and cons of the GT vs Sport?

Regards-
Tango

icspots

Other things you'll get:
-leather seats (I would prefer cloth myself)
-heated front seats (really nice to have)
-power driver's seat (not necessary, but again nice)
-auto climate control (from what I understand cars with ACC don't suffer the same A/C short-comings as those with manual
-DIS (can

That is of course in addition to the things you already listed.
-HIDs w/ manual level control
-LED tails
-BOSE audio (some hate it some love it..... go and listen to one in a 3 and see what you think)
-auto headlights/wipers

Performance-wise the HIDs are way better than the halogens. True you could always add a HID kit to your halogen lights, but the difference in the optics between the HID and halogen projectors will make them not as good as the real thing. If you're thinking of just adding the HID option then I'd stop and think about it. One HID headlight assembly is about $815, plus you'd need wiring, lamps and ballasts to make it all work. So really if the HIDs are something that you'd like then get them up front and it will save you a bunch of money. Plus if you plan on reselling your car the extra options could help you get a bit more money for it.

tango

thanks icspots.

Are the heated seats and power driver seat only on the 09 models or also the 2008.5? Seems like a good deal to get the GT for me if I don't plan on modding it anytime soon.

icspots

The heated seats have always been there on the GT, the power seat started in '08.5

tango

I'm starting the internet price wars between several dealers. Right now I've got a quote for a 2008.5 Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring in Crystal Pearl White Mica at

$23,734 before TTL. I'm located in Southern California.

No navi/sat radio

kjhouston

Picked mine up at 22,500 +ttl It takes a little back and forth, but at that price thier still making a profit. realy depends regionally on how the sales are going. in Houston Tx ive seen at tops five msp3 and im all over the city driving for a living, so market is soft here, which is also why i cant find a GD K&N filter in stock anywhere for the car... Anyway to reference the point of the post, here in 100 degree heat the leather seats were not feasable. My roomate has a ms3 gt and hates sweating his as. off every day... depends on what your getting the car for. iv sold used vehicles and new fords, realy just make a list of what you need or want the car to do, and match it to the gt or sport, savings will work out IE HID lights on GT vs not sweating in a sport... if leather is your push, but the other options are un necissary, get the sport at thier asking price 23,xxx and say deal, but add leather and window tint, put it back in thier court... (recommend 2 tone leather, roomates is black with red center inserts and it looks sick)

tango

thank you for all the feed back guys,

the lowest price i've been offered is:

$23,634.00

for the CWP 2008.5 Mazdaspeed3 Grand Touring - with floor mats..i'm gonna get the wheel locks too damnit.

+TTL here in california brings the grand total to: $25763.65 OTD

ivo

ok...i just got an offer of $25,449 out the door for a '09 Speed3 GT + $12K trade-in for my 06 3S. I think they'll go down to $25k OTD. Let me know what you guys think.

Ryz

07 GT's do not have heated seats.

icspots

Are you talking about a Mz3 or a MS3? All Mz3's in GT trim (in the US anyway) since the trim was introduced in '06 have had heated seats. MS3 on the other hand do not get heated seats regardless of trim.

Artfuldriver

I have been researching a MS3 and finally pulled the trigger. I pick it up on Thursday.
I can 100% say that the m3 comes with the heated/power seats and the MS3 does not.

I chose a 2008.5, black GT with Sirus Radio and homelink mirror+MS Cold Air Intake. I am getting it for $23,477 even (includes destination and Ad fee). The only other charges are sales tax and CT registration fees. Total cost to walk out the door is 25178 I negotiated with 3 dealers over email for 5 weeks. I did stop by 2 of them to test drive and show them I was serious. I am driving a 05 G35 (no mods due to lease).

I also got a quote from the dealer for the Cat back. They want $782 installed. I have checked around and think this is an average price so Monday I will call them and have this added on.

Ryz

He was talking about a MS3 so that's what I was talking about.

Ryz

That's only a good price if they're dropping the rear to install it. If they're cutting it, that's to much.