New to the forums and new to Mazda.

[million]

Hey, thought I'd introduce myself instead of just lurking on the forums. My name is Porter and I'm new to the forums and new to Mazda. I recently purchased a gently used 2011 Mazda 3 GT (hatchback, 6MT) from Morrie's Mazda. It would have been nice to jump up to a Speed3 but it was more money than I wanted to spend and I got a smokin' deal on the 2011.

I had been looking at the 3s for a few years now but ended up purchasing a 2002 Subaru Outback Limited instead. The car was great for about a year and then I ended up dumping money into is left and right. About a month ago, I started seriously looking for a new vehicle to replace the Subaru because I couldn't justify putting anymore money into the car. Last week while looking at a couple of other used 3s, I stumbled across the 2011. With only 12k miles, the options it had and the fact that it was still basically brand new, I couldn't pass up the deal! Even though I have only had it since Saturday, I love the car! It is incredibly comfortable, handles great, its smooth and fast, and it has more cargo space than I had anticipated.


I didn't originally plan on a light colored car but the pearl looks pretty sharp. I'll be tinting the windows and pondered the idea of changing the wheel color to something a bit darker. Since I mountain bike a lot, I will be adding a direct mount roof rack as well.

As far as performance mods go, it might be fun to add a few things in the future but for now, it will stay 'stock'.

 

[mndsm]

Oooooh, a WWP car. I wish they had made it when I got my ms3 back in 07- alas that was a year and a half out and I was in no mood to wait for "maybe". Well done sir. Also, I know it's kinda played, but black wheels look AMAZING on the white cars.

 

[million]

Oooooh, a WWP car. I wish they had made it when I got my ms3 back in 07- alas that was a year and a half out and I was in no mood to wait for "maybe". Well done sir. Also, I know it's kinda played, but black wheels look AMAZING on the white cars.

I have no idea what a 'WWP' car is. Please excuse my ignorance.

I agree with you on the black wheels. I may have the current ones powdercoated or just start looking for another set. I will definitely purchasing a set of steelies to mount some winter tires.

 

[mndsm]

White Water Pearl, the official name of that color. At least that's what it was.

 

[million]

White Water Pearl, the official name of that color. At least that's what it was.

Gotchya... the exact color sounds about right. I wasn't sure about what the acronym was for. LOL! I do really like the color, even though I never thought I'd buy a light colored car.

 

[mndsm]

I had a white car once, I miss it. White is a great color when done right.

 

[ohsixspeedsix]

I love that color. I have thought about painting the Miata WWP when it's done, but I think that's what I'm gonna repaint the MS6 down the road. I envy Matt's MS6 every time I see it.

Anyways. Welcome to the gang. Toss some wheels on there and come out to some meets.

 

[escort1991]

Welcome! That color is pretty sweet.

 

[JohnnyT]

Welcome to the forum 'eh.

 

[mazdamn02]

Good looking car, some tint and wheels and it would be fresh. Welcome to the forum!

 

[YSOSLO]

Welcome to the crew! Great looking ride. Are you thinking much about mods or planning on keeping it pretty much stock?

 

[million]

Welcome to the crew! Great looking ride. Are you thinking much about mods or planning on keeping it pretty much stock?

I have been thinking about mods but need to looking into the details a little more. Right now the car sits stock with 170hp and a decent amount of torque. I thought about adding a performance intake and maybe exhaust, but I don't have the money for that right now.

I know I am limited because this is not a Speed3 but what other types of mods would add to the 'fun' while driving this car? I am open to suggestions.

 

[mndsm]

Manual? Automatic? First thing I would say would be a rear sway bar, if you're looking for cheapish performance mods. Wheels and tires are also a consideration, and a short throw shifter (Assuming manual) are good places to start too.

 

[million]

Manual? Automatic? First thing I would say would be a rear sway bar, if you're looking for cheapish performance mods. Wheels and tires are also a consideration, and a short throw shifter (Assuming manual) are good places to start too.

It is a 6MT, same drivetrain as the Speed3. Rear sway is a good idea. I'll check into a short-throw shifter too. Thanks.

 

[Picklz]

Depending on your budget I'd recommend summer wheels and tires - for tires something summer-only but with half-decent tread life. You'll get the bonus of the ride looking a lot better and more 'yours' as well as MOAR traction. It's amazing the difference going from All-Seasons to my Evo V12's which are a pretty decent treadlife tire with some stick still. RSB is nice but honestly I'd get the traction first if it fits financially.

 

[mndsm]

Yeah, if wheels and tires are priceable, for sure go with that. Given that an intake and a decent CB will cost about as much as some sticky meats and some rims, I was guessing those to be out of the immediate price range.

 

[million]

Summer wheels and tires are in the future plans but I can't really drop the money on them this year... unless I somehow come into some large amounts of cash. I will be getting snow tires for next winter but that is a ways off. I'll probably use the stock rims for the snow tires but then again, they may be a little too low profile for that. I'm guessing I may have to purchase some steel rims for the winter rubber.

 

[concealer404]

I would actually go with white wheels, personally.

Welcome!

 

[mndsm]

Plenty of people run snows on the stock 17's. You can't fit smaller than a 16" wheel on it anyhow, so the difference is negligible at best.

 

[million]

Plenty of people run snows on the stock 17's. You can't fit smaller than a 16" wheel on it anyhow, so the difference is negligible at best.

Good to know. That will make my winter wheels a little more affordable and then I can look for summer wheels and legitimate street tires.