Looking to buy a mazda3 hatchback grand touring

[mazda3hatch]

Any advice when buying? I am looking to buy either a 2006-07 model. I am new to mazdas I previously owned a VW and now I am selling my Audi A6 for the mazda3. What should I look for and and possible problems with this model year???
Also just out of curiouity, what is the average age of those on the forum that drive/own mazda3's (I am 35yrs old married with a 3 month old daughter). Is this a good choice of car???
Thanks for any help. I hope to be posting in the future afte I buy the mazda3 hatchback.

 

[Akaveli]

Any advice when buying? I am looking to buy either a 2006-07 model. I am new to mazdas I previously owned a VW and now I am selling my Audi A6 for the mazda3. What should I look for and and possible problems with this model year???
Also just out of curiouity, what is the average age of those on the forum that drive/own mazda3's (I am 35yrs old married with a 3 month old daughter). Is this a good choice of car???
Thanks for any help. I hope to be posting in the future afte I buy the mazda3 hatchback.

Welcome to the forum!! As far problems to look for i'm not exactly sure but I can check into that for you. When it comes to the average age of mazda 3 drivers it might range from 20s to 50s. lol And yes this car is a good choice.

 

[AllyMazda3]

there are some significant changes between the 06 and the 07 model years. both cosmetic and performance/safety wise. i would look into the changes they made before you make a decision on which to buy.

 

[mazda3hatch]

Thanks for the comments guys,much appreciated. I apologize after I posted last night I noticed a whole thread devoted to mazda 3 owners and their age/occupation.
AlleyMazda3 thanks for the headsup on the models years. I checked into it and it seems the only significant change for 2007 from 2006 model in the grand touring trim is the HP (the 06 had 160 and the 07 has 156). If you can tell me other changes it would be greatly appreciated. TIA.
So I think I amgoign to look for a 2006 Grand Touring model. Color is not that important to me. Unless there is a color to stay away from : )
Thanks again for the help and I will be checking this forum often to take what ever knowledge you guys can give as far as modding the car and any "go fast" goodies I can get.
JOHN

 

[AllyMazda3]

well like i said, the body styles are different cosmetically speaking. the stock wheels are different. the front & rear bumpers are different. the 3rd brake light on the 07 is on the wing and not on the inside of the glass, its also LED. 07 has traction control and dynamic stability control. i believe it has more airbags. the 07's have heated seats. (im not sure about the 06)

 

[mazda3hatch]

Thanks after further searching I did see that the o7 was restyled on the outside. I will most likely get an 07 or 08 depending on what kind of deal I can get. If they offer 0% finance on the 08,I will get an 08 otherwise I will get a left over or used 07.
Thanks again for all the help. When I get the new car I will post some pics.

 

[AllyMazda3]

if you get an 08.5 (it will have piano black on the interior - meaning the dash strip accent, the accents on the stearing wheel and the stereo face) you will aslo get an mp3 cd player and your front drivers seat will be power. hrmm.. there are a few other things. let me link you the info.

http://goldphishe.com/images/2008mazdachanges.jpg

here you go. the 2008.5 refers to anything with a production date of January 2008 or later. it will have the upgrades on that image i linked you.

 

[mazda3hatch]

Thank you for the link,but I think I am going to get an 07. The 08.5 might be out of my price range. I should be able to get a left over or slightly used 07 with little to no miles. I did see that the 07 model comes with many standard features that were options in the 06 model. I especially like the option of xenon lights and LED rear brake light.
Thanks again and do you have any pics of your car and any mods done??

 

[AllyMazda3]

my build thread is here:

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123726093

theres a link to pics and the mod list is on there too.

 

[mazda3hatch]

Yeah again after I posted last night I saw the thread. Your mazda 3 is awesome. I love the white.

 

[AllyMazda3]

thanks