A few ???s about the 3.....

[sidpro5]

What's up, 3's? Just decided to jump in here for a minute to try to get some answers from the people.A co-worker of mine is strongly considering buying an '04 3 hatch and was wondering if I could get him some answers for some questions he has about the car.
1) Reliability. I know the model is still fairly new, but have any of you had ANY problems with your 3, whether it be mechanical, fit and finish etc.?
2) Gas mileage. Has it stayed consistent (crap gas taken into consideration) from the time you drove it off the lot up until now?
3) Ride quality, noise, etc. Has it changed (in your mind/opinion) from your first test drive to becoming your daily ride? Any quirks, nuissance noises, etc.?
4) What is different about the '05? The stealership told him an '04 would cost the same as an '05 (when they get them in). And that they were pretty much identical. That price was $19,000 +/-.
5) What trim levels/engines are available in the '04? He didn't say whether he test drove the auto or manual, or which he intends to buy, for that matter.
6) How usable is the cargo area? Vinny's big thing is surf fishing, so he needs room for rods, etc.
Any answers, pros/cons, or anything else you can come up with is greatly appreciated. And please, be honest.
Thanks
Sid

 

[BETRTHNU]

I'll let you know in a couple weeks when I pick my 2005 up.

 

[RonH]

I have a Sunlight Silver hatch with the Sport AT some call manumatic since you can manually shift the gears. I have Leather, 6 CD/Moonroof and wheel locks. It stickered for $19,895. Would be a lot cheaper with a stick tranny and cloth seats. Some have had complaints about rear disc brake dust. Some with CEL and sensor problems. I have no complaints, but I never complain about a car I buy. That's buyers remorse and I have none.

The car is selling like hotcakes at the county fair. Most have to order the exact car they want.
I was lucky enough to find the one I wanted since I refuse to order a car and wait. I'm not very good at waiting.

1) Mine had been reliable for the 8 months I've owned it.

2) My gas mileage has averaged aound 22mpg, all city and with the a/c on.

3) There's some tire noise but it's not real bad. Probably the brand and style of tire, GoodYear RS-A's.

4) I heard no price increase for '05 but he might get a good deal on a left over '04. Basically the only other changes are colors.

5) The hatchback only comes with the 2.3L engine. It also comes with the Sport kit that's an option for the sedan.

6) The hatch rear cubic feet is 17 CF with the back seat up. Much more with the seat down. I don't know about fishing rods and their lengths.

 

[C-hatch]

Own my 3's for bout 3 monthes so far.. no major problem except the ordering of parts take a long time.. that is if you need to order any. No problem with anything else. Drives great~ hugs the road nd corners quite well.. one thing bout the hatch is the killer cargo space... but the downside is the tail might be a little bit heavier when going into a hard cornering. (maybe its just my own paranoia..) overall.. its a awsome car.. love~ it.
Seriously concider the 3 if your frnd wants some fun while commuting~ (yippy)

 

[sidpro5]

Thanks for the replies, guys.
Oh, and Vinny thanks you also. Very informative.

 

[Jake1]

Seriously concider the 3 if your frnd wants some fun while commuting~ (yippy)[/QUOTE]

I couldn't agree more, man. It actually makes the daily commute fun! I drive in the manumatic mode so much I might as well have bought a stick. It's sporty, comfortable & roomy all at the same time, & for the money, the options that are available are awesome.

 

[Mikey444]

Have a 3 GT w/ GFX package, really good car soo far, no regrets.

 

[MacDaddy]

CEL Problem

I am thinking about getting one of the 05 3 S's and I am starting to do my research. I have seen in several posts that there is a problem with the CEL and sensors .. can anyone explain what the CEL is ? and what sensors are causing the problems ? ... any other comments would be appreciated as well ... I have a 94 Toyota Corolla with 267,000 miles on it ... (yep I put all the miles on it !) it has been a GREAT car ..but I need some ZOOM ZOOM in my life ... Reliability is the number one factor for me to consider when looking for a new car ... but I gotta tell ya I am drawn to the 3 like a moth to the flame !!!! (headbang)
it looks like a really fun car to drive !!

So you guys gotta help me make a decision !!

Safe Driving !!
(wrc)

 

[MacDaddy]

Duh !

I am thinking about getting one of the 05 3 S's and I am starting to do my research. I have seen in several posts that there is a problem with the CEL and sensors .. can anyone explain what the CEL is ? and what sensors are causing the problems ? ... any other comments would be appreciated as well ... I have a 94 Toyota Corolla with 267,000 miles on it ... (yep I put all the miles on it !) it has been a GREAT car ..but I need some ZOOM ZOOM in my life ... Reliability is the number one factor for me to consider when looking for a new car ... but I gotta tell ya I am drawn to the 3 like a moth to the flame !!!! (headbang)
it looks like a really fun car to drive !!

So you guys gotta help me make a decision !!

Safe Driving !!
(wrc)

Ok after doing a little googling it occurred to me that it means CHECK ENGINE LIGHT !! ..but does anybody know what sensors are causing the problems ?
(shocked) (shocked)

 

[RonH]

I am thinking about getting one of the 05 3 S's and I am starting to do my research. I have seen in several posts that there is a problem with the CEL and sensors .. can anyone explain what the CEL is ? and what sensors are causing the problems ? ... any other comments would be appreciated as well ... I have a 94 Toyota Corolla with 267,000 miles on it ... (yep I put all the miles on it !) it has been a GREAT car ..but I need some ZOOM ZOOM in my life ... Reliability is the number one factor for me to consider when looking for a new car ... but I gotta tell ya I am drawn to the 3 like a moth to the flame !!!! (headbang)
it looks like a really fun car to drive !!

So you guys gotta help me make a decision !!

Safe Driving !!
(wrc)

Your '94 Toyota Corolla has an OBD1 computer and a lot of sensors regulating engine performance. The Mazda3, and every other vehicle out there with the same system, which is most all vehicles since 1996 is an OBD11 computer with many more sensors. When a sensor senses something out of specks, it'll turn on the CEL light to alert you of something wrong. The CEL light doesn't mean you can't drive the car, it only alerts you of maybe a small problem. You have to either take it to the dealer so the code can be read, or have a scanner to do the job yourself. Most of us don't have a scanner so we take it to the dealer. It doesn't cost anything at the dealer.

 

[Da 6]

obdII can bus scanner