Mazda3 my next car. What do you think?

[A-1Performance]

Okay. So i think i've made my decision on what i'll get next. no, its not an Accord, Civic, Integra, etc.....I'm now leaning towards a Mazda3. Not only will it be brand new, but the price of it is reasonable and the car looks very nice (better than the newly designed Civic in my opinion, add to that, more power ). Now once I find the right time, i think i'll head over to the dealership and giving it a spin. What do you guys think of the new Mazda3 for those of you who know about it?

[SilverY2KCivic]

I dunno, it looks decent IMO, but it's not a Civic, let alone a Honda, so this is the wrong forum for this thread/topic. Sorry to bust up this party, but you need to make sure this stuff is posted in the correct place before submitting it.

I'll leave this open though so you get an opinion from a non Mazda owner base of people. Take it for a drive, see how you like it or if a drive in it changes your mind. It's your choice, so don't let any haters sway you to get it or not get it. Go solely by your own opinion of it.

[Miataracer]

First off let me say that I am a big Mazda fan... but I also love my Honda. I have seen pictures of the Mazda 3 but haven't seen one in real life as of yet. I always like to give new cars a good look when I can see them in person as opposed to in a picture because sometimes it makes a real difference. One thing I am slightly dissapointed with about the Mazda 3 though is the fact it is not offered in a 2 door form at all. Of course the Protege that it is replacing was not offered as a 2 door either. Now for a few things that I generally think about with buying a brand new car. These days cars last a very long time if properly taken care of. I would personally rather find a nice young car that is used (like say 20-30k on it) that the owner has taken vey good care of. You can tell if it was taken care of if you pay attention when looking at the car/talking with the seller. I just am not a big fan of how new cars lose a good bit of value right from the start... you know, the drive it off the lot theory, and this does hold true to an extent. I do have to agree though I am not a huge fan of the new model Civics and Accords. Anyways, take it for a drive and give it a good look over. After all, it is your choice in the end!

[F23A4Racer750IL]

i think they look gay and only make like 140hp. go wit the MSP.

[kicker1_solo]

What the hell does this have to do with a civic?











That's right, nothing. So why did you post it in the civic forum?

[A-1Performance]

Originally Posted by kicker1_solo

What the hell does this have to do with a civic?











That's right, nothing. So why did you post it in the civic forum?

^^^
listen bro...i own a 95 Civic right now and I just wanted an opinion from Civic owners since both cars are in the same class. And before you are quick to roll your eyes, maybe you should also take into consideration that there are probably other people who visit this board who feel the same way that I do. All you showed by touching my thread is the complete smart ass you are. If you don't like the topic, dont reply.

Sorry if i offended any of you hardcore Civic owners. its not that serious

[kicker1_solo]

Originally Posted by A-1Performance

All you showed by touching my thread was the complete smart ass that you are.

[A-1Performance]

Originally Posted by F23A4Racer750IL

i think they look gay and only make like 140hp. go wit the MSP.

^^^
The sedans look sweet in my opinion. If I was to get the Mazda3, it would be the one with a 160 hp 2.3-liter engine.

[david1486]

i just saw one today, and i agree it looks nicer than the civic, but it doesnt have the reputation or the ease in ability to upgrade. i think u can get a much better used car for the money. buying new cars is rarely worth it, IMO

[A-1Performance]

Originally Posted by david1486

i just saw one today, and i agree it looks nicer than the civic, but it doesnt have the reputation or the ease in ability to upgrade. IMO

^^^
you know what??? I actually think that you will prolly see aftermarket parts in the near future for the Mazda3...i dunno though, then again i can be wrong about that

[CivicSiRacer]

The only thing I don't like about Mazdas (since we have a Protege5) is the shifter (not very smooth) and it doesn't rev like a Honda. My wife's car the hp plateaus at 4000rpms. Nothng above that. At least the Honda will keep going til redline.

I have a friend purchasing a Mazda 3 so I will let you know.

[Miataracer]

Originally Posted by CivicSiRacer

The only thing I don't like about Mazdas (since we have a Protege5) is the shifter (not very smooth) and it doesn't rev like a Honda. My wife's car the hp plateaus at 4000rpms. Nothng above that. At least the Honda will keep going til redline.

I have a friend purchasing a Mazda 3 so I will let you know.

True possibly for the Protege5, (never driven one) but not true for a Miata. Of course the shifter set up is totally different between a Protege and a Miata, the Miata is rear drive so the shifter reaches straight into the transmission, the Protege is front drive so it can't work like that. I LOVE the way Miatas shift... so direct, its like the flick of wrist and you are in the next gear! But you are at least somewhat correct about the low rev-ability (sp?) of a Mazda engine. They lack vtec which totally sucks... I frequently dream of how great a Miata would be with a vtec powerplant! I am nuts like that... by the way, as a general rule the Miata engines level off power wise at 6,750 rpm. I know because the "guru" that I got advice from when racing my Spec ran them on the dyno like no other and figured it out.

Sorry guys, I am really blabby tonight, I think I'll shut up and go to bed!