What to do with the Mazdaspeed?

[John V]

Originally Posted by JST

Wait, RWD, back seat, four(ish) doors...you need an LS swapped RX8 as a winter beater.

So interestingly...

My first thought when I found the rust on the Mazda was "I should buy another old Mazda."

I don't think I want to go the LS route, because that would make too much sense. I was actually thinking of doing another Duratec 2.5 swap, except instead of turbocharging it I'd build a high compression street engine. Or maybe a K-series. I wanted to make an S54 work and I think I could, but not easily. I also considered a 3.6L GM V6 swap, as that's becoming more popular in the RX-8 community. But I hate how they sound.

[JST]

Ok, new Civic hatch looks…fine. Doesn’t set my world on fire but it’s pleasant. Specs seem decent, too, for a commuter—and this is before we see an Si or Type R version.

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a3...back-revealed/

[Jeff_DML]

Originally Posted by JST

Ok, new Civic hatch looks…fine. Doesn’t set my world on fire but it’s pleasant. Specs seem decent, too, for a commuter—and this is before we see an Si or Type R version.

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a3...back-revealed/

Nice blue but guessing most of us would not be happy with the way it drives. Yes, type r or maybe si would be ok.

[John V]

The back end looks an awful lot like the Model 3.

[JST]

Originally Posted by John V

The back end looks an awful lot like the Model 3.

The back end of the sedan looks a lot more like the Model 3. At least the hatch has a heckblende.

But the Model 3's back end is pretty derivative, and looks quite a bit like a Jetta and...one of the Hyundai's, I can't be bothered to look up which one.

Anyway, I'm pretty psyched about this car because it seems like the perfect answer to the "what car to get for a teenager" question, assuming you're going to get a teenager a new car (which I realize is a separate issue).

[wdc330i]

Originally Posted by JST

Anyway, I'm pretty psyched about this car because it seems like the perfect answer to the "what car to get for a teenager" question, assuming you're going to get a teenager a new car (which I realize is a separate issue).

Was thinking about this, too. Although, I think the more likely answer is used Mazda3 hatchback, if I can find one.

Edit: Here's one in Va. https://www.carmax.com/car/20640276

Not much of a discount off of new, though.

[John V]

Civic, Mazda 3, Focus, etc, all make sense to me as cars for new drivers. Something with as many distracted-driver aids as possible.

[Plaz]

Originally Posted by John V

Civic, Mazda 3, Focus, etc, all make sense to me as cars for new drivers. Something with as many distracted-driver aids as possible.

This. My daughter has done great with her Mazda 3, and has actually admitted to me the nannies have saved her butt a couple of times.

[John V]

Originally Posted by Plaz

This. My daughter has done great with her Mazda 3, and has actually admitted to me the nannies have saved her butt a couple of times.

Pretty durable little cars, too.

[Plaz]

Nice. And it's a plus that they don't completely suck to drive. Worst flaw is underpoweredness IMO.