01-19-2005, 10:55 AM | #11 | ||
Founder emeritus
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01-19-2005, 11:32 AM | #12 | |||
Solving problems
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Carmudgeonly Ride: M5 / 718 GTS / Cooper S / GTI / LR4
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01-19-2005, 11:57 AM | #13 |
Doctor Mudgeon
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,433
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The Mazda 3 is fun car in need of more power. Sort of like my Focus, only not as tightly wound.
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01-19-2005, 12:59 PM | #14 | |
dogged
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01-19-2005, 01:19 PM | #15 |
Confused
Join Date: Oct 2003
Carmudgeonly Ride: 2019 RAM 1500 Laramie Longhorn / 2011 BMW 328iC
Location: Birmingham, AL
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The Mazda 3 isn't a bad car for what it is. I have had mine now for a little over 5 months, and have no major complaints. I got the S model, with the bigger engine and sports suspension. I also have leather, xenons, side and curtain airbags, and the navigation system. All for $20k.
Even though I generally don't like front drivers, this one is okay. And the shifter is pretty decent, even though the clutch really should have a smoother engagement. Or maybe it's just me. :smile: Now if I could just fine the perfect E30 325is to play with, then I'd be set..... -- Greg |
01-19-2005, 01:22 PM | #16 |
Founder emeritus
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Again, FOR ME, I am a short walk from an Enterprise location (although they always volunteer to pick me up - I decline). And I have not had an especially bad rental in many years (I recall one time, years ago, the Enterprise counter at VOB BMW stuck me with a Buick Skylark back when the Skylark had this most ridiculous beak for a front end - Hands down, that was the worst car I've ever driven.)
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01-19-2005, 01:24 PM | #17 | |
Butting in.
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: San Mateo, CA
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The question is not whether I've treated you rudely, but whether you've ever heard me treat anyone else better. -H. Higgins |
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01-19-2005, 01:34 PM | #18 | |
Confused
Join Date: Oct 2003
Carmudgeonly Ride: 2019 RAM 1500 Laramie Longhorn / 2011 BMW 328iC
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It's really not that bad, but I guess I'm comparing it to a lot of the Honda manuals that I've owned, and it's just not quite as precise. I've tried to feather it a bit more than I normally would, just to keep the passengers heads from snapping back. I do like to launch it with some enthusiasm. It's just fine for hammering second through fifth, but that initial start in first can be a problem, especially when it's cold. So sometimes, I'll just start in second gear until things warm up. You are right, it is very different from a BMW clutch. But I can live with it. The worst thing that I can say about the clutch is that in order to start the car, the pedal has to be planted on the floor. Any less, and the nanny switch won't let the car start. |
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01-19-2005, 01:36 PM | #19 | ||
The user formerly known as rwg
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01-19-2005, 01:38 PM | #20 | ||
195
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