[trackbird]

A little background is in order.

About 2 years ago I injured my back (working in the garage) and it's given me problems off and on over the last few years and recently it's been getting much worse. I've scheduled an appointment with another Dr. for later this month to see if there is something we can do besides "cracking it back into place" every few days/weeks, etc.

Anyway, due to the fact that it's recently been much worse and really starting to bother me at times, driving the Camaro is getting pretty uncomfortable some days (when it's really bad). It's pinching a nerve and on some days when I hit bumps, expansion joints, etc, it will give me a nasty headache.

So, I've been looking around at cars and I just haven't seen anything that interesting. So, I've just been driving the Camaro and trying to ignore it (some days that works better than others). Until the other night when Eugenio mentioned that he was looking at a Mazdaspeed 6. He then told me that it's AWD, turbocharged, 276 hp and 280 ft lbs and Car and Driver says 0-60 in 5.4, 1/4 mile in 14.0 @ 99 mph (nearly stock LT1 fast) and other than it weighing 3,500 lbs, it sounds rather interesting. It looks benign enough, the neighbors will probably consider it more respectable than my current ride (not that I really care in the least, nor am I in anything approaching a high end community) and it would work for hauling my great aunt and my grandmother around when they are in town (we no longer have a 4 door car, we used to drive the Mazda Protege 5 wagon when we had it for that job).

So, my wife is trying to convince me to go drive one and consider getting rid of the Camaro for the Mazda (and I'll probably wind up with a 3rd gen project car at a later date, if I get my back straightened out) and I'm getting tempted to at least go look.

It's your fault Eugenio, even if you don't buy one, I just might. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/nutkick.gif)

I'm guessing that it will get killed in its autocross class due to the weight (not that I'd race it, but if I did). Does anyone know anything about these cars?

[trackbird]

Howdy,

I've never even seen one of those cars, but looking at the performance specs, I'd say that if you want that kinda car, get an STi instead.

Oh, I almost forgot. I get the employee discount on Ford/Mazda products. I'd not be buying it as a primarly competitive car, I'd be buying a driver that I might get bored and run an event or two in. The total mods to this car would likely be like my old GTI. It had a K&N and upgraded brake pads and that was it.

Kevin,

My back has been FUBAR'd now for over 10 years....I feel your pain! (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/nutkick.gif)

Well, in 1993 I parted company with a motorcycle at triple digit speeds and landed on my shoulder. It was the main source of my back problems for years. We finally got it sorted out so that it rarely bothers me (if ever) and I injured the lower back and get to start over again. I don't take medicine for headaches or pain (because I rarely get any), but I've been taking 800 mg Motrin lately which told me that it was time to find another doc and get this looked at more thoroughly. I'll know more on the 22nd of this month (or I hope to know more).

Besides, I don't want to deal with valve adjustments on the Subaru flat 4 engine (which scratched it mostly off of the list). I'm not looking for a car to work on as much as a car to drive. I'll buy a 3rd gen if for a project when I get to it (or that's the plan).

[rmackintosh]

Well, in 1993 I parted company with a motorcycle at triple digit speeds and landed on my shoulder.

....you weren't always the sharpest tool in the shed were you???? (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) ....

I don't take medicine for headaches or pain (because I rarely get any), but I've been taking 800 mg Motrin lately which told me that it was time to find another doc and get this looked at more thoroughly.

That was me.....never took medicine for anything.....EVER....still don't really...but towards the end...they were like candy to me....800mg....all day long....

[trackbird]

....you weren't always the sharpest tool in the shed were you???? (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) ....

If it makes it any better, I'll tell you that I was run off of the road by an officer of the law. So, I was abnormally stupid, but I had help. I was wearing the proper gear and I landed in grass that was 3 feet tall and wet, so I walked away smarter for the experience.