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