Bujwazay

Hello all--

I have a 2006 2.0L 3 and was wondering if it is worth making some upgrades for extra Hp or am I wasting my money and should save up for a MS3? I have a huge commute (50 miles each way) and wanted to know if the upgrades would have an effect on the durability of the engine or make the car not as suitable for daily use. Also I am a newbie at this so what kind of Hp gains can i realistically see without needing to rob a bank to pay for it. It also seems that fewer parts are availible for the 2.0 vs. the 2.3. any suggestions?

CUL8TER

personally I would just save up for the MS3, but to each his own.

Bujwazay

Fair enough...any other thoughts?

jzoomer

if its realistic i would save up for a speed3 but if you arent able to seriously make that big of a payment and hike in insurance i say buy an exhaust, pulley, intake and header and you will see good performance gain...and better gas mileage as well....under 1,000 easly

J-Protege

Yeh, unless you want a rocket, the basic 'breathing' mods (intake, headers, exhaust) will give you a nice peppy car.

Add in some suspention upgrades, lots of fun to be had.

CUL8TER

And after the expense of the aftermarket upgrades you would be better off saving up for the MS3. Especially if your looking for HP. The MS3 already has it all.

KrayzieFox

The MS3 does have it all, but it's not as affordable for many owners. Although the car itself is not that much more expensive, insurance rates for most would be sky high simply due to the fact that is a "MazdaSPEED" model and that's enough to keep most people from buying it.

I would personally love to trade my P5 for an MS3 but being a 20 year old driver with a brand new turbo compact would bring some serious **** my way when the insurance policy came up for renewal. I don't even have that many tickets (just one actually) but the simple fact that I'm a young male driver makes it unaffordable, and I'm willing to bet that a good 80% of MZ3 owners on this board are in the same boat.

Granted the simple I/H/E mods wouldn't put a base MZ3 even near the MS3 in comparison to power, it would be a nice increase and probably enough for most owners.

kargoboy

I agree with Krayzie...everyone just can't go out & buy a faster car, otherwise, why stop at an MS3? Hell, if I had the money I wouldn't even be driving a Mazda.
As much as I love them, there'd be a Porsche 911 in my garage. Guaranteed.

I/H/E, maybe a UDP or some other small upgrades can be had for $1500.00 or less.
And you get the satisfaction of doing the work yourself, or at least, customizing your own car.

KrayzieFox

Well said Gary +1 your way mate!!

CUL8TER

2007 Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback S Sport
Call - 800-296-2748
Vehicle Location: Bill Britt Mazda Volkswagen Suzuki
5208 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Fredericksburg, VA 22408-2606


Price: $19,135
Estimated Payment Calculator
Cash/Trade $
Rate %
Term 84 mo.72 mo.60 mo.48 mo.36 mo.24 mo.12 mo.
Est. Payment $
Body style: 3 door Hatchback
Engine: 2.3 4 CYL.
Ext. Color: Grey

Stock Number: 5288
VIN: JM1BK143571746333

City MPG
25 Hwy MPG
31

Here is a price for a regular 3 $19135 + $1500 upgrades. I paid $21232 for my MS3. The difference being a little over $2000. So your only talking about $500 more after upgrades . Not really that much considering how much more car you are getting. Also the Porche comparison is not even in the ballpark pricewise for comparison.

kargoboy

I'm not going to start an argument here. The OP already has a car, it's an '06 with a 2.0L, not the 2.3L, so it was considerably cheaper than 19k to start.
If he trades it in now, even if he paid cash, he's taking a HUGE loss.

Stocky3

I am in the same situation. Bout a 110 mile round trip to work...and I have an '07 2.0 3. Although some believe that you would be better off buyin a Speed3...It is understandable that somebody in your particular age bracket would worry...not only in car payments but in your a.p.r and insurance. I love my 2.0 and the differences between it and the speed 3 are drastic.....but personally i am looking forward to spending the time to put my own mods on it. and cant wait to get started. I would have loved to have bought the Speed 3, but for me it just wasnt realistic. I say do it up man!!

CUL8TER

I'll give it to ya on this one. He will take a huge hit on the trade in. I was talking buying new 3 vs new MS3. My bust.


Unless he's not planning on keeping the car.

dentinger

would lightweight pulleys void my warranty at all???
im was thinking of getting them eventually if they doint void anything....

J-Protege

Most warranty issues can be summed up to; if the dealership can prove the UDP caused the malfunction, they wont pay for the repair.

So, say, your EGR is faulty, the UDP couldn't be faulted and they would still cover the engine part.