Finally some clean cars.. They all look good!

 

i really dont like the blacked out interior.. it looks kinda dull now..otherwise i love the white and gray colors.

 

Hi Folks:

This is my first entry. I've spent hours reading through the whole forum. My main concern is a question on engine oil: I have a mechanic/friend who has a VW Passat Turbo, and he highly recommends the use of synthetic oil. In fact, it appears that VW and Mercedes are now stipulating the use of synthetic oils. However, in the Speed3 manual, there is no mention of synthetic oil--it is not referred to. I have called several Mazdaspeed dealerships; I have called the MazdaUSA customer service center several times, and I get no consistent answers. MazdaUSA definitely says not to use synthetic oil, as it is not recommended in the manual. Dealerships seem to be consistent in saying they use synthetic at customers' request. My dealership says that synthetic oil is not compatible with a Mazda engine because of seals. Then I was told by another dealership that that incompatiblity refers to rotary engine Mazdas. Then, my dealership said, "No, that refers to all Mazda engines." My mechanic friend says that does not make any sense--that only Mazda engines would be incompatible with synthetic oils. Has anyone who owns a Speed3 delved into this issue? I am not a racer, but I want to do the best by my vehicle. By the way, my dealership did recommend synthetic oil usage in the transmission and transaxle, I think he said. And, by the way, I have an '08 silver GT, bought in January with 1100 miles without a hitch. I have been amazed with what I perceived to be outstanding quality control--better than any car I've ever bought which have all been new--including Lexus's, a BMW, a Mercedes, etc. Now, after reading through this forum, I'm getting a tad bit concerned. I do have the blackened tail-pipe residue, and the engine still smells up the garage a bit, but that is it! Thanks in advance for your input.

 

I stopped by Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca during a recent road trip. I wanted to share a few of my favorite photos of my 'Speed3 taken there. About the pics: (1) in front of the # 3 garage in the Paddock, (2) entry to Camp Zoom-Zoom, (3) My 'Speed3 with the notorious "corkscrew" turn in the background; my friend and I discovered an elevated service road surrounding the track, which provided this awesome photo op. Laguna Seca should be on every car enthusiast's list of places to visit. Can't wait to go back to watch an actual racing event and camp on the grounds. Hope you guys enjoy the pics.

[IMG]local://upfiles/11245/4C4AF846FDE649E59E8EC3A7ABAF5AB1.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/11245/877C39E225DB4062A7E72CA195062D77.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/11245/147C1EC32F0041CC9F227D0336AB64FA.jpg[/IMG]

 

Niccceeee!!!

 

Love the corkscrew picture.

 

Whats up with the K&N air filters? What do they have that the stock air filter doesnt. It looks 100 times better than the stock one but does it actually do anything special? I just put the K&N air filter in my 08 speed3 and i see there are a ton mixed reviews for other autos... Anyone have some coments on them?

 

I thought this "speed per dollar" index was really cool, so I'm posting it for you guys to see. Sorry if it's a dupe.

[IMG]local://upfiles/11245/CA5F7AB2009E4395A4111451B986D170.jpg[/IMG]

 

2010 Speed3 Spied! http://www.nextautos.com/spy-shot-20...C3%BCrburgring

Looks like Mazda's upping the ante (and saying goodbye to subtlety with that hood scoop):increased displacement, 300 horses, possibility of AWD... very compelling reasons to consider upgrading, except for the hood scoop for me. Although it's a logical financial decision to respond to consumer demand and make the most of the car's popularity, I can't help but feel disappointed that Mazda abolished the relative rareness of the Speed3 by making it available year after year... after year.