Hello everyone. [sm=americanasmiley.gif]
I've come to appreciate the performance of the MS3 and the great value. This would be my first 4 door ever. Coming from a history of two seaters, I think the MS3 would be a great performer with practicality.
I'm looking to get a MS3 soon and I was impressed with the Crystal White Pearl color. I've noticed that the silver is no longer part of the color line up. Is the silver discontinued or replaced by the crystal white? Sadly the salesperson at Long Beach Mazda did not know and did not seem to care to find out. (bonehead, lose a sale). I certainly would like to get the later 08 model (08.5). This white color had the leather & alcantara seats, which I really like.

Last question. Was anyone here able to work down the msrp and by how much?

Thanks for the help and I'm looking forward to sharing some stories here.

 

Hello and Welcome, shokwaves!!

The CWPM (Crystal White Pearl Mica) was brought in as you noted, the 1/2 year. The Sunlight Silver Mica was discontinued at the same time, as was Cosmic Blue, replaced by Carbon Gray. But there are some other slight differences w/this mid-year model too.
With a leather interior you are looking at the GT (upscale) trim line.
MSRP is tough on these things because of the relatively limited production numbers, good press as far asperformancegoesandcustomer demand for the model. But if you have(I think it's) the Ford X-Plan available to you through your work or other affiliate, such as a credit union, the military, etc, you might be able to bring the cost down abit... but don't expect too much out of it.

 

Thanks for the information. The GT is what I was going for. There is only one in the dealers I've called in CWPM so I may take the plunge if it's still there.

 

I love the GT's myself, but have yet to see an '08.5 up close and personal.
GT's offer the HID headlights and LED tails as well as leather interior, auto climate and wipers. These last three I could live w/o, especially the leather (not a fan, sorry)but the first two are dreams I have for my own ride.

If you plan to upgrade the audio system, you should know that the Bose is not an easy one to upgrade. Be happy w/it as it is, or plan on a lot of trouble. That said, icspots, a member here (and everywhere )is very knowledgeable about these things, much more than I am, and can probably help you w/those questions.

Also as has been discussed here very recently, I would plan on getting a "turbo timer." This will override shut down of the engine for a user preset amount of time (usually 30sec-1min) and will allow the turbo to cool while running fresh oil through it's bearings. In other words, longer turbo life. They run about $40 and from what I've read (no personal experience here) are fairly easy to install and good, cheap insurance.

 

Yep. I agree, I could live without some of the options, but the leather, aahhh, need it. This is actually going to be my baby carrier as we are expecting our first in a few months. Baby puke on fabric will not be good to wipe off. I just can't bring myself to getting an SUV, too clumsy. I'm so used to smaller cars.
I've had two Fiats x1/9th during college (sold), a 944s2 cabrio, gorgeous car(sold), 944 turbo, stripped for the track, Boxster S, Lotus Exige. Of course all two seaters. So now I need more room for baby junk. My next problem will be parking spaces. May have to do a lift. I do all my light car maintenance. Having cars will upgraded exhaust in all of them got me used to not caring for music so much, specially the Exige, you almost need earplugs.
Even my old 944 turbo has a turbo timer, I hear it spin after I shut off if the car was running spirited.
So, hopefully I'll close the deal soon on the Crystal White, it's actually a pretty color. I'll keep you posted.

 

You have excellent taste in cars, I must say.

 

... All except the Fiat. I know about X 1/9's. Whew, what was that about?
I've never personally met a Fiat that I liked... notice please that I said personally.

I'm with you on the stereo thing though. I'd much rather listen to the engine humming away when driving than music most times myself these days.
And my wife wonders why I put that "loud" exhaust on the car?? If only she knew what a loud exhaust really was.....

 

Fiat... yeah, it's very questionable by many people. Starving during college = cheap for me at the time. Bought it for $1,600, fully rebuilt, it run with no problems at all and it was a fun little thing. Bought a second one almost new for under $5K, electric windows, full leather, no mechanical problems at all, it kind of went against the unreliability stigma Fiats have.

I'll post pics of my fleet when I get the MS3.

My wife also questions why the loud exhaust, all my cars have after market exhausts, even the Boxster has lots of drone, but damn, it sounds nice. So when we go out, we drive her Acura TL and we keep the peace that way. Loud exhaust is not a "chick" thing at all, they just don't understand.

 

Oh, your wife has a TL? I like you. I've always thought the TL was beautifully styled.

And I ignored the Fiats...I know their reputation, but having never owned nor driven nor seen one, couldn't make a judgment.