Help Me Decide, please...

[gabagooo]

Hello:

MY wife and I own a 2006 Mazda5 Touring and we both love the car. My daily driver is a 2007 Toyota Yaris, which I like very much. However, I have just taken a job which will require that I drive longer distances a good bit more. I bought the Yaris for local jaunts.

My questions are:

1. Is the 3 good for long drives? Please keep in mind that I am 5'11" and weigh 315 pounds.

2. What are the real world gas mileage numbers for a 3 with the 2.0 litre motor with or without a manual?

3. How does the car feel on the highway at cruising speeds?

4. What is a realistic price to pay for an iTouring?

5. What else should I know about 3 ownership?

Thanks a million for any guidance you can provide. I am also considering the Rabbit, Astra, xB and Impreza.

Best to all.

 

[stephani3]

1. The 3 is very good for long drives... But then again I am 5'5 and 110lbs LOL... so I might not be the best person to answer that question

2. I had a 2.0L 2004 MZ3 with ATX and I got on average 25/30 mpgs... the manual would probably get better numbers but I also had intake and exhaust on mine.

3. It has a low center of gravity, mine was also lowered so bumps were a little harsher but with 16" rims & tires(winter setup) it wasn't too bad.

4. I don't know much about the I Touring Value but I have seen on the other forum people paying anywhere from $16,9xx to $17,9xx... I saw one at the dealership for $18k though, which seems like a lot to me... you can get a 2.3 Sport Touring for about that price!!

5. Make sure all TSBs are taken care of (if there even are any for the newer ones)... My 2.0 was a solid little car, no random rattles or squeaks, unlike my MS3 lol... I loved it and miss it still but it was just getting up there in the miles and I came upon my MS3 and couldn't pass it up. It's a great car and you really can't go wrong with it. Keep it in the Mazda family!!! Test drive one so you can make up your own mind about how it feels while you're driving it & how it feels at highway speeds.

 

[tsunami]

i am 5'10" 250 with a hatch back and am pretty comfy for long trips so i say give it a shot.