[quote author=SM link=topic=72161.msg1299512#msg1299512 date=1175199256]
Thanks, CDTMAZDA3....I just couldn't justify the extra cost of the 2.3L. I drove it and I'm glad I did. I saved myself about $2100 doing so. The 2.0L is surprisingly quick. It feels like a sub 16sec car. I just installed my K & N air filter, took the car out for a 10min ride to get the ECM to get used to the extra airflow, went to a highway entrance and promptly burned rubber all the way through 1rst gear to red line and chirped them in 2nd. In quick fashion, I was doing 90mph with little effort. That, combined with the already sports car feel and the fact my last 2 tanks are averaging 30 mpg, I think the 3iT sedan is the best for value. No doubt about it. I know the Toyo Proxis(sp?) it came with are not that sticky, but they're not as bad as I thought they'd be. I'd still like a stickier tire after they wear out. But, overall, the more I drive this car, the more I like it. A very nice replacement for for previous car...
Quite frankly, I don't know who'd want more in a car. I think it's about the best all around 2.0L normally aspirated car on the road. I can't think of any other car that isn't: heavier, thirstier, slower, less quality or more expensive than the Mz3i. As a grocery getter, I don't think it gets much better.
And just to keep with the thread, I know have about 860 miles. At 1000, I'll do the free oil change at the dealer then at 2Kmles, I'll switch to Amsoil's 0w-20 Synthetic.
[/quote]
Obviously I agree with you that the i represents a superior value for the class. Unfortunately most potential 3 buyers seem to write-off the i immediately and only consider s models without giving the i any consideration. Performance-wise the difference between the two models seems to be very minor, but where the car's real-world fuel-economy results are compared the gap seem to be significantly greater. After 25 months my '05 just passed the 34k mile mark yesterday (all trouble-free) and I've gotten over 38 mpg for the last 3 fillups.
I also have the Toyos on my car and although they're not the stickiest so far they've kept their balance and have been wearing very evenly. I'm admittedly not a hard driver, but based on appearances believe my car's o.e. tires may last another 15-20k miles before they'll require replacement.
Just a friendly suggestion, but I'd avoid performing very many burnouts with your 3 since it's been documented on the forum that the motor mounts in our car are soft and can break under severe use.
In any case glad to hear you're enjoying your i touring.
(sorry for the thread jack)
