Mazda3

[Kasso]

is te new mazda3 any good? im looking into getting a really cheap tuner car. so my options so far are civic ex, lancer (regular version), and mazda3. it does look the best on paper: 2.3L DOHC 160HP.

[mitchellk]

I work at John Thornton Chevrolet Mazda Isuzu near Atlanta Ga. We are parting ways with our Mazda dealership and getting rid of all our Mazda's for whatever we can get for them. Basically anything at or above invoice, maybe better than that, I don't know. Contact me by email at [email protected] or at (770)941-8560 ext 4813

[Mshkttck]

You could get the older protege.

[savage2k]

Is the Mazda3 really that bad? I'm about to close a deal for a 5 door Mazda 3 (hatchback) and now I'm having second thoughts.
Please let me know what's wrong with it.

[wpbharry]

Brand new to AF as of today. Coming over from another website that I grew dissatisfied with.

A loaded 3 hatch, auto, NAV, etc. is my top choice for purchase from Aug. to Dec. of this year.

Took a long, hard look at the '04 Malibu (esp. Maxx) and decided that I'd be stupid to buy another one. Plus, they're having trouble producing many. Not a good scene.

I've heard about rear brake dust, PCM and airbag sensor problems. Not too concerned with any of them, given the 6 month time to purchase, and the fact that owners have already been complaining to Mazda.

Anything else I should be aware of?

[Ghosn_4_President]

I just bought a Mazda 3s 4-dr. MSRP was $17k, paid $15,900. Great 5-speed man., 2.3 liter 160-hp, 150 lb-ft DOHC variable valve timing. Great low end power and love the overall power curve. Plus, I paid less than $16k and got power window/lock w/remote, great styling (cool rear lense covers front projector beam headlights, fog lights, radio volume is speed-sensitive). PLUS, the Mazda 3 is a JAPANESE Mazda (90% Japanese parts - manufactured and assembled in Japan), not a Detroit-buildt, Ford-powered piece of crap wrapped in a cool body (a.k.a. Mazda 6). To keep the price low I opted out of the side air bags and ABS. The Civic EX has a sunroof and ABS for about 17,500 but Honda dealers probably wont negotiate too much on the price. Plus the Civic EX only has 127 horsepower and they are EVERYWHERE. I get tons of compliments on my 3s. At the car wash the other day I had 3 guys come over and ask me about it...they loved it. Stopped in to get my amp installed and the install guys came out of the shop to take a look at it. Get it now before the rarity wears off cuz Mazda will sell lots of these. Also, make sure to get the S model, definitely worth the price. I drove all different models, 3i, 3s and 5 door in manuals and autos, the S models are much more fun and look way better. I imagine the resale will be awesome (as long as they are as reliable as expected). Only other car I would look at is the Scion TC, but they weren't out when I was shopping last week.

I just bought a new 3 5-dr a few weeks ago and i am happy with the purchase overall. Besides looking badass, there were 4 things which sold me on it. I was impressed by the solid power curve, the precision of the steering, performance of the suspension, and price... I got a loaded lava orange 5-spd (lthr, xenon hdlights, snrf / 6 disk chgr, abs, side air bags / curtains) and paid $19,000 {US}. I have a lot planned for it once some aftermarket accessories become more readlily available. I think it has a lot of potential. I can also say i get a lot of compliments and looks from people wondering what the hell that was that just flew past them!
I would say my biggest complaint about the car is the stereo. Its a decent stock setup but it doesnt play mp3's and going aftermarket means losing the digital readout and steering wheel remote. Plus theres going to be a huge gap to fill in the console once its out. I've never kept a stock stereo in my car and its been bothering me.

Thats all for now folks. I may try to post up some pics. I just got tint put on mid-week so i'm about due to take some shots.

[tirminyl]

[quote=Ghosn_4_President]...PLUS, the Mazda 3 is a JAPANESE Mazda (90% Japanese parts - manufactured and assembled in Japan), not a Detroit-buildt, Ford-powered piece of crap wrapped in a cool body (a.k.a. Mazda 6)...QUOTE]

Ummm, the 3 is still Ford powered on a Focus platform.

[wpbharry]

I just returned last night from being away for 10 days, and made it just in time for the West Palm Beach Auto Show's last day. So, I had my first encounter with the 3 hatch today, and I have really sad news. I'm 6'3", and could barely fit in the driver's seat. Then when the driver's seat is all the way back, there is virtually no room behind it. Cargo room (with the rear seat up) is way too miniscule for a one-car family. I was surprised how small it is, and I felt REALLY claustrophobic inside it.

What was I thinking? The one I saw on the road certainly didn't look that small. Funny how the Vibe is MUCH roomier inside...

So, I'm moving on to other, larger things. It's still a great car, just not for me.

By the way the 3 is Mazda powered. Volvo handled safety (although recent NHTSA crash tests were "average", much to my surprise, but the one they tested had no side airbags, front was "double 4s", which is fine), Ford the suspension, and Mazda the engine and tranny, and styling, I assume.

I'm amused that because the 3 is new and selling well, that, due to big dealer discounts and rebates (none on the 3 right now), you can get a nicely-equipped 6 4-cylinder for less than a comparable 3. But I'm not hot for the 6.

[dbebesi]

Originally Posted by tirminyl

Ummm, the 3 is still Ford powered on a Focus platform.

sorry, but you're wrong. WAY wrong. It's a mazda motor, on a volvo chassis. know what you're talking about, before posting it.

[Demio]

Originally Posted by tirminyl

Ummm, the 3 is still Ford powered on a Focus platform.

WRONG! The Mazda3's platform is a Ford/Mazda/Volvo development, for the Mazda3, new Volvo S40 and the Focus C-Max (MPV versión of the future Focus, now for sale in Europe)

This is the Focus C-MAX:



Demio

[dbebesi]

can they make the focus any uglier?

[aussieidiot]

i just bought a new mazda 3 in australia but we have 4 versions. poverty pack, maxx, maxx sport and sp23. 1st 3 come with 2.0l and usual options but i got sp23. 2.3l vvt, full bodykit, 17 inche wheels, cd stacker, climate control, 6 airbags and leather trim wheel and knob all standard. cruise and parking sensors optional. BEST car i've ever had allround.
in response to wpbharry i'm 6'4 and i fit in just fine because the seat has a lowering lever. all the way up and i don't fit. all he way down and i don't see over the bonnet.and i still fit in the back. ive had 4 guys all 6'2+ and 220lbs in it all comfortable

power is good and smooth.(not super quick due to weight) but quiet and responsive and good handling and brakes. (heaps of rear brake dust)

highly recommend this car to anyone

[quattroboi]

I'm totally set on getting my hands on a Maz3 s Hatch - they may not be fast, but everything else is there, providing you get the options. Where else can you get Xenons and an almost Audi like designed (not quality, just the look) interior. It's a great car - hopefully I'll have it by the weekend!

[lazerasa]

What's up with hatches? I think they look like sh!t. I have a Mazda 3s sedan 5spd and I love it. I haven't seen a hatch version of any car that I think looks good except maybe the RSX and the new Mazda6 hatch.