Krunchy Mazdaspeed 3 + The Plan

[Kchrpm]

I always wonder if I've made a thread here for the Mazda when something happens with it, and then don't end up making a thread. THAT CHANGES TODAY!

MS3 update:
The front left tire sacrificed itself on a pothole earlier this week (it's a pretty rough one that I'm sure I've hit before on my trips home from downtown). I thought everything was fine at first, but then noticed a couple days later that the sidewall was bulging out in a spot. Took it to the shop across the street from my office instead of the Goodyear one where I could have gotten 6 months no interest, told them I'd prefer the same tire as replacement but would take a similar one with a better price; turns out, in my size, the same brand and model was the least expensive of three choices. Goodyear Eagle Sport A/S it is!

Also had them check/fix the valve stems on both driver side corners while they were at it, GTXF Hangouters had suggested that might be the cause of my recent slow leaks.

Will update after some time with the car to confirm issues are gone.

Previous, non-posted MS3 updates:
- The CEL caused by the aftermarket downpipe remains, and probably always will
- Someone hit the bumper in the parking lot, but the white scuffs rubbed off and the deformation is minimal (it doesn't perfectly line up with the left rear quarter anymore, but seems imperceptible otherwise)
- Fresh battery a month or so ago after the old one couldn't hold a charge. AAA brought it over and replaced it in my garage while I played video games. #1percent
- The car has done touring laps at both the Corvette Museum track and Mid-Ohio, and has the rear window stickers to show for it. I think I hit 100 at both, but I know I had fun.
- Replacing the cabin air filter has made road trips less nauseating, but still not really comfortable. My old Altima and the rented Corvette were both much better on the highway, both in ride and interior comfort.
- Mileage is very dependent on how much time is spent on low speed highways, vs 75 mph headed to Michigan or suburban commuting. Tank is so small (relative, again, to Altima and Vette) that it almost always feels like the mileage is bad.
- Mid range torque is good, fun
- Headlights are weak, bad
- Handling is rarely tested outside of brisk on/off ramps, which are fun

The Plan
- Originally I was going to pay off the MS3 and then almost immediately get a C7. Now I'm planning to take off at least a couple months from making a car payment before diving in.
- The choice between new Stingray, new Grand Sport, used Stingray and used Grand Sport has yet to be finalized. It will depend on available inventory and deals, and whether or not they bring back orange.
- Aside from color and little things, my options are decided, and simple: 2LT trim level (required for HUD), Navigation/PDR (for HUD Nav), if Stingray then Z51 + MagneRide (which makes the price nearly the same as a GS)
- Dealer selection is tricky.
-- A high school friend recently took a job at the Chevrolet dealer nearest to my home, which may lead to a sweetheart deal or could lead to nothing.
-- One of the chains in the area offers Lifetime Mechanical Protection: stay up to date on maintenance, they will fix anything in the powertrain for free. I assume there are a minefield of caveats associated with this, but color me intrigued
-- I am not left wanting for Chevrolet dealers, there are I believe 10-15 within 100 miles of me

[21Kid]

Ooooh. Finally! We get to know THE PLAN. ;)

"Replacing the cabin air filter has made road trips less nauseating, but still not really comfortable."
Why is the interior of the MS3 nauseating? I've never had a problem with air quality, outside of the random roadside stinks.

"Now I'm planning to take off at least a couple months from making a car payment before diving in."
Not having car payments is addictive. Be careful! ;)

Sounds like a good plan though. :cool::up:

[Kchrpm]

Why is the interior of the MS3 nauseating? I've never had a problem with air quality, outside of the random roadside stinks.
The cabin air filter had dead leaves and tons of dirt, long trips would make me feel sick. Now it's just the hard suspension and small(er) seats that put pressure in uncomfortable spots on extended trips.

[dodint]

Holy crap, The Plan has its own thread!

[FaultyMario]

Tell me more about hangoutting...

[Random]

Tell me more about hangoutting...

Check your google notifications, I just added you. :)

[Jason]

Wait, you told other people about The Plan???

I feel used. :(

[TheBenior]

The CEL caused by the aftermarket downpipe remains, and probably always will

In my experience, this can be solved on Japanese cars with aftermarket headers/downpipes for less than $10 (http://www.355nation.net/forum/how-performance-maintenance/401-how-install-o2-sensor-non-fouler-eliminate-check-engine-light-pics.html).

The only CEL my MS3 throws is an occasional one for an intake manifold flapper that sticks when it's below ~10F for prolonged periods (it's a known issue). Once the weather warms up, it goes away.

[Yw-slayer]

You people would drive 100 miles to a car dealer? I would be hard pressed to go more than 40 miles.

[KillerB]

Can you drive 40 miles and not be on the mainland?

FWIW, in much of the country outside of cities, 100 miles is a 1 1/2 hour drive.

[dodint]

My AAA membership has 200mi towing. :P

[GB]

I make car dealers drive 100 miles to me.

Car salesman drove my Miata from Tampa to my driveway while I took a nap. Did all the paperwork at my kitchen counter.

I gave him a bottle of water for his return ride. (Another guy had to follow him here, and drive him back.)

140 miles each way.

[CudaMan]

How much longer will you be making payments on the MS3, Krunch?

Excited to see The Plan getting closer to reality. :)

Might not hurt to go a few months without car payments. You've waited this long for your Corvette, what's another few months and some extra coin in your pocket.

[Kchrpm]

In my experience, this can be solved on Japanese cars with aftermarket headers/downpipes for less than $10 (http://www.355nation.net/forum/how-performance-maintenance/401-how-install-o2-sensor-non-fouler-eliminate-check-engine-light-pics.html).
Will look into that :up:


You people would drive 100 miles to a car dealer? I would be hard pressed to go more than 40 miles.
Was just giving that as an example. I have 4 or 5 within 10-15 miles of me.


How much longer will you be making payments on the MS3, Krunch?
May of next year.


Wait, you told other people about The Plan???
Yes, I got tired of being repeatedly insulted by the same friends for not having already purchased it. Still happens, though, but less often. Now I can actually make a Corvette-related post without being harassed about it!

[Yw-slayer]

Can you drive 40 miles and not be on the mainland?

FWIW, in much of the country outside of cities, 100 miles is a 1 1/2 hour drive.

Oops, I was wrong. 40 miles from the farthest point away from the mainland would take you to into the mainland!

For the 40 mile threshold I was thinking more Central London to Oxford, which is around that distance and which is probably my limit overseas, unless it's something like a 22B.

[dodint]

I love that Jason thought he was special.

It wasn't exclusive, like how Keith and I talk about Prime Pantry.

[Yw-slayer]

I make car dealers drive 100 miles to me.

Car salesman drove my Miata from Tampa to my driveway while I took a nap. Did all the paperwork at my kitchen counter.

I gave him a bottle of water for his return ride. (Another guy had to follow him here, and drive him back.)

140 miles each way.

Wow. :hard:

[Jason]

I love that Jason thought he was special.

It wasn't exclusive, like how Keith and I talk about Prime Pantry.

:(

[dodint]

:(

Lol, c'mon man, you're making me sad. :(

[speedpimp]

Check out the Chevy dealer in Three Rivers, MI. What better place to buy a Vette than at a dealer named Vetter?

Also please add to the Hangout mabob.

[dodint]

Join the conversation on Hangouts: https://hangouts.google.com/group/wJJA9f9SgPalWOJ23

I don't have your addy handy.

[Kchrpm]

Got an oil change at the shop just down the street from my office, they called and offered to look into the check engine light. I explained that it was related to the downpipe that they previous owner had installed, it was my understanding that it was likely just emissions-reporting related, and that I chose not to replace it because my research indicated that many that got the downpipe also retuned the ECU specifically for the downpipe, with a tune that would not behave happily with the OEM parts. He acknowledged that and said the car was ready to pick up.

When I picked it up, the CEL was off. It has not turned back on since, and that was 2 or 3 days ago. They might have thrown on the <$10 cap Benior mentioned earlier, or it could just be a coincidence.

[21Kid]

Was hoping for C7 update...

[Kchrpm]

CEL is back.

[thesameguy]

Yeah - it takes a complete readiness check for those type of codes to come back. Usually several drive cycles.

[Kchrpm]

I lost one of the bright red tire valve stem caps I got so that I wouldn't lose them anymore.

[thesameguy]

Trust me, it'll be in the last place you look.

[dodint]

https://media.giphy.com/media/Rhhr8D5mKSX7O/giphy.gif

[CudaMan]

H4rdc0r3 drivers don't run valve stem caps.

[Jason]

#weightsavings

[Kchrpm]

Mazda's paid off, title received, lack of car payment will be appreciated.

[dodint]

Happy Happy!

[TheBenior]

And there was much rejoicing.

[Ashie]

Congrats!

[CudaMan]

So the Corvette is 2-3 months away then? :) Or wait for the C8 to (nearly?) be released in the hopes that there will be some deals on C7s?

[Kchrpm]

The Corvette is not possible with today's circumstances. Hopefully those circumstances will change before 2020, and a new plan can begin.

[FaultyMario]

I, for one, welcome our New maturity overlord.

[dodint]

New? He's been delaying this gratification through hard choices as long as I've known him. :up:

[Kchrpm]

I, for one, welcome our New maturity overlord.

Maturity? No. Reality. I lost my job, blew through almost all of my savings, and greatly increased my debt.

[Jason]

Time to get a C4 :up:

[Godson]

Time to get a C4 :up:


I can't like this comment enough!!!!

[dodint]

Oh boy. You dun did it.

[Kchrpm]

I don't think I could afford a C4 at this point.

[Kchrpm]

The car is now dead, and my latest plan with it. I don't know what the replacement for either is yet, and I'm on a sine wave between "whatever" and being overcome with anxiety.

[CudaMan]

Fack. What happened? It'll get figured out. :up:

[Kchrpm]

Engine ate itself because I'm bad at keeping up with maintenance, especially when I don't like/trust the local dealer.

[Cam]

:(

[Yw-slayer]

That sucks, man. Sorry to hear about it.

[FaultyMario]

up there, at the beginning of the new action plan should be: find a trustworthy local mechanic.

maybe a pdca exercise about your Mazda ownership could help you overcome your sinusoidal anxiety.

[dodint]

To be fair I wouldn't trust a dealer that wants $10k for a 2011 Mazda3 motor. :lol:

[Kchrpm]

They offered heavily discounted oil changes as a deal to get people, then didn't put enough oil in and over-tightened everything.

Also during some "test drive a car and get a gift card" thing I drove another Mazdaspeed 3 they had and assured me they had looked it over and it was stock. Except that it had a boost gauge on the A-pillar and the check engine light was on.

[CudaMan]

Dealers are usually pretty expensive for most things other than the oil change special. Can we help find you a good indy mechanic? There has to be one around. I realize that doesn't really solve your near-term troubles.

So you basically need to swap in another engine or abandon ship and get a different car? Or is this engine fixable?

[Kchrpm]

Abandoning ship. One of the techs is building a frankencar (Mazdaspeed 6 wagon) and offered to buy it for parts, likely just going to do that.

[samoht]

Sorry to hear about the Mazda ! It only takes one little mistake sometimes to lose an engine.

I felt pretty foolish after I "restyled" my RX-7 against a barrier, but best not to be too hard on oneself in these situations I think. Dunno what the best value you can get from what's left is.

Maybe look for a car that's low-value enough that you won't worry too much about it, but still has some character, like an old Civic or MX-5 or something? Good luck.

[Kchrpm]

I'm considering getting something I can finance with a low payment, and then selling it in the spring. Effectively a three month rental, for much less than monthly rentals cost.

[CudaMan]

Creativity skills. I'm so simple-minded I tend to just find cheap cars to pay cash for. :lol:

Good to hear you'll get something back from the car, presumably a fairly easy 'sale', and parts of it will live on in a cool project. :up:

[Kchrpm]

That is also an option. There are a lot of moving parts that I'm trying to juggle. I realized today that there is a Hertz just a mile walk from me, so that might be my best short term solution.

[CudaMan]

Possibly, particularly if you don't have to drive much for the next while.

Buying a cheap old car is a risk... I put a lot of effort into sniffing out the good (less bad?) ones to hopefully not end up with big or endless repairs. I do the vast majority of work myself on my cars (this is me (https://www.blipshift.com/products/master-tech-patch)) and I'm a little OCD about their cleanliness and presentation, so if I have something less than 3 years it tends to have retained its value pretty well. It also helps I often buy cars at or near the bottom of their depreciation curve. The cool part about doing it this way is I've gotten to own and experience a lot of cool cars without losing much money on them. Or maybe even break even sometimes (not counting insurance or fuel).

I don't gather that car work is your favorite thing, so the few-month payment idea might be a good option for you on a newer car if the numbers work all the way through to the sale.

[Kchrpm]

Car is sold.