Hi all. I'm thinking about trading my MY03 WRX in for a MY07 3s. Right now I can't decide whether I want the sport or touring model. Are there any differences between the two other than 17"s and SAB/SAC?

I know everybody is freaking out about trading in my WRX for a 3 but I'm in college right now and gas and insurance on the rex is killing me. I love the car to death but I don't make quite enough to support my (heavy) right foot (<20mpg and 93oct= ).

 

I had a 3S touring and loved it. If you get a 3 make sure to get a manual transmission. The ATX's are really slow.

 

The differences are pretty minor. I think the Touring also has the side-sill extensions, and optional leather seats (you can't put the leather on the S sport). Mazda's website has one reference to DSC and traction control only being available on the S Touring on up, but I was under the impression it was standard on the '07s (I bought my 3 last year, so I'm not sure offhand).

The S Touring is really more of an appearance package, as side-curtain airbags are available as an option on the S Sport for around $250. When I was shopping around in MY06 most of the S Sports on the lot has the SAB package (which I can't recommend enough, the 3 has a pretty poor side-impact rating without them).

Andrew Beard

 

Thanks. I'm looking around at some dealers but having a hard time finding manual s sport. Lots of touring models with stick though.


My first car was an auto (84 corolla), I will never get an auto in a small car again...