MS3 as a weekend car?

[MacheteJames]

I've just crossed 100k miles on my mostly bolted '12 and knock on wood, it seems pretty healthy. But these are quirky cars, and I'm getting to a point where I need a dead reliable vehicle to get around during the week - something that isn't running 60whp more than factory and doesn't have k04 turbo seals that are eventually going to fail. Something a little more luxe and comfortable, but not necessarily faster.

I'm thinking of potentially keeping the Speed, but getting a new daily, so that the Speed is a second car. What I'd like to know is - does an MS3 make a decent weekend/fun car? It's a practical, 4 door hatch, almost a family car, yet it's wild in spirit and of a unique character. That said, I'm noticing that parts are getting harder to come by, the Speed scene feels like it's dying, and resale values are in the toilet (average price of a 100k mile MS3 in my area is just $6000 - WTF). There are a dozen other cars I can think of that are smaller, have fewer doors, stronger engines, and are potentially better weekend cars, like a Miata, or a C6, or something else. For those of you who no longer daily your MS3, how do you use and enjoy the car as a weekend warrior?

 

[Easter Bunny]

Honestly I would just run this car daily there is no reason to consider it unreliable

You are correct that if you were looking for a weekend only car there are much more fun alternatives available

 

[Raider]

I feel ya. I daily a 2019 3. I need to get stuff done to my speed to get more drives out of it.

 

[MacheteJames]

I feel ya. I daily a 2019 3. I need to get stuff done to my speed to get more drives out of it.

How are you liking the new 3? Would you recommend one as a fun daily? I test drove a 19 Premium 6 speed and thought it was real nice - it didn't have the character of the Speed, not by a long shot, but the interior was in another league and the car was whisper quiet inside.

 

[Awafrican]

I personally am on the look of for a e350/500 wagon as I daily, driven them plenty of room and still has some balls. I am hoping to turn the speed into a weekend / summer car only myself with absolutely no winter driving. Other car I'm considering is a smaller SUV like a ml350 (yes I'm a Merc lover and used ones can be had for a reasonable price)

Yes there are other cars that could be more fun as weekend card but the resell value on the speeds is poop these days so I don't see the value in that. Plus I've really wanted to build the speed for years and that's a good way to accomplish that dream

 

[Easter Bunny]

If your getting into a serious build on the speed that's a different conversation than a high mileage ko4

 

[DubC]

my speed has just over 50k miles on it. it's a '12. It's a summer car. i suppose you could call it a weekend car. i drive it when i can and the distance is more than 2 miles to get an actual heat cycle in. there are times where i don't drive it for weeks. i use my truck as my daily since it fits all my car seats and is under warranty.

i added a bunch of stuff to the car last summer. it was a fun thing to do and happy i could take my time and not need the car day to day. if you can afford it and just want a project car, or even just one you drive for fun, i'd say go for it. i am happy that i can use my car when i want and my truck when i need to.

also my speed is the most expensive in regards to insurance (i carry full on it) but it's only active half the year so the other half it's 'stored' in my garage and the insurance is like $9/month. until i get a bug in my ass to get a weekend car this will do!

 

[Raider]

How are you liking the new 3? Would you recommend one as a fun daily? I test drove a 19 Premium 6 speed and thought it was real nice - it didn't have the character of the Speed, not by a long shot, but the interior was in another league and the car was whisper quiet inside.

Love it. Beta tested the Corksport SRI and it's gained growl. Love it. Plus 30 mpg average

 

[ToyCop]

I've got 103k on my 2011. Two years ago I made it a summer only car after I replaced all of the suspension. Every once in a while, I'll break it out on a few nice Winter days just to suck in some of that arctic air and wish that it performed that well in the heat of summer. I always thought I'd drive it until I blow it up, but I've been looking at C7 Vettes, Cayman's, and a few other fun cars lately. I still enjoy driving the speed. but I'm getting a little old for a hot hatch.

 

[MacheteJames]

I've got 103k on my 2011. Two years ago I made it a summer only car after I replaced all of the suspension. Every once in a while, I'll break it out on a few nice Winter days just to suck in some of that arctic air and wish that it performed that well in the heat of summer. I always thought I'd drive it until I blow it up, but I've been looking at C7 Vettes, Cayman's, and a few other fun cars lately. I still enjoy driving the speed. but I'm getting a little old for a hot hatch.

I feel you. I'm 40 next year and wonder if I'm aging out of it, but fuck it, it's paid for and way too much fun to drive.

What do you daily during the winter, while the Speed is off of the road?

 

[ToyCop]

2019 Cherokee Trailhawk for the Winter. Have a Silverado in the stable too. Sold the Harley so I can always use another vehicle.