and was very disappointment. Have been following this car since the first details started coming out. We have been thinking of having another kiddo and liked the idea of this car, 4dr, 250+hp, nice looking, great interior etc as a nice daily driver that was still fun to drive.
The local dealer finally got one in today. It was oragne with all the options (i think), nav, recaros, sunroof etc. So me and the wife get in to go for a drive. First thing I notice is how uncomfortable the seats are. I am 6-2, 215lbs and could not fit in them at all. Felt like I was sitting on the bolsters of the seat. My wife is 5-2, 120lbs and said they barely fit her. On top of all that the rear seat room is a joke, with my seat back where I could drive the room was not much more if any than my boss.
After getting it on the road I will say that the car handles flat and is tight. But the power just doesnt feel like its there. I was expecting close to a 99-04 gt feeling but it didnt feel close to that. Also hated the shifter, felt vauge and cheap (nothing a aftermarket shifter couldnt fix I guess). Went for a hard first to second shift (not power shift, just a quick shift near red line)and the car sounded like pieces were breaking off from the front end, even my wife asked if it was broke after the shift. I am guessing that a stiffer motor moutn might fix that??? Not trying to bash anyone that has bought one, was just really let down by this test drive. And the price $29K and some change MSRP is more than you pay for a lower model GT. Have heard better things from some friends on the Mazdaspeed 3, which is cheaper and more powerful than this car. Thats my 2 cents and again not trying bash the car to anyone that has bought one!
The local dealer finally got one in today. It was oragne with all the options (i think), nav, recaros, sunroof etc. So me and the wife get in to go for a drive. First thing I notice is how uncomfortable the seats are. I am 6-2, 215lbs and could not fit in them at all. Felt like I was sitting on the bolsters of the seat. My wife is 5-2, 120lbs and said they barely fit her. On top of all that the rear seat room is a joke, with my seat back where I could drive the room was not much more if any than my boss.
After getting it on the road I will say that the car handles flat and is tight. But the power just doesnt feel like its there. I was expecting close to a 99-04 gt feeling but it didnt feel close to that. Also hated the shifter, felt vauge and cheap (nothing a aftermarket shifter couldnt fix I guess). Went for a hard first to second shift (not power shift, just a quick shift near red line)and the car sounded like pieces were breaking off from the front end, even my wife asked if it was broke after the shift. I am guessing that a stiffer motor moutn might fix that??? Not trying to bash anyone that has bought one, was just really let down by this test drive. And the price $29K and some change MSRP is more than you pay for a lower model GT. Have heard better things from some friends on the Mazdaspeed 3, which is cheaper and more powerful than this car. Thats my 2 cents and again not trying bash the car to anyone that has bought one!
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