Help! "New" 2003 P5 or 2004 Mazda3

[deano]

Hello all,

I was in the market for a P5 last fall, and never bought one (long story). I am now in the market for a car again, and would like some feedback as to whether or not the new 3 is a lot better than the P5. Personally, I think that the 3 looks better, and if I were to buy one it would most likely be a GT model. I am in Edmonton, AB, Canada. Has anyone in the area has bought a P5 or 3 recently? If so, are dealers heavily discounting the P5, or in the case of the 3, discounting at all? I am looking to spend roughly $20K (Canadian), but may be willing to stretch a little to get the 3. Also, any dealer recommendations in the Edmonton area?

Thanks in advance for your replies.

 

[shaggin'wagon]

either

had the P5... LOVED IT TO DEATH!!!! HAVE the MAZDA3 LOVE IT THAT MUCH MORE!!!! both are great cars, the P5 i had a manual = fun to drive (auto = not to much fun to drive) the 3s i have in a auto = fun to drive,more power sleeker design (stick = REALLY FUN TO DRIVE, i just drive to much daliy for another manual) in the end, its your choice, on the P5 in the US HUGE discounts, MUCHO SAVINGS!!! on the 3, no real savings, just about invoice, if not a few hondred on top, just my 2 cents, take it for what it's worth, I can tell you this.... either way you won't be dissapointed!!!!!
shag' (wink)

 

[canada3]

I agree with shag....you can save some money getting the p5 and also parts are around more easily but the mz3 is just so sweet and when the parts start rolling out then the fun begins..another 2 cents in the pot

 

[taylor5]

Which one?

Hey,

I owned a P5 for 2 1/2 years and it was a great car with a few problems here and there, but still less than most car brands. My main gripe with it was the ride really, really sucked sometimes depending on the road where as the 3 soaks up all road imperfections. The P5 (to me) had very good power, the 3 has more and is very smooth in the delivery. Some on here say the P5 handles better, I say they are both about the same....I flogg my 3 just like my P5 and have not noticed a difference if any.

If you can, go with a 5 speed, although once the automatics are "broken in" around 20,000 miles, the shifts smooth out tremendously.

There is a little more footroom in the P5, but I am long-legged and am still very comfortable in the 3 even with a full load of passengers in the car.

Cargo area; the P5 had a lower floor and it seems like a little more room because the 3 now has the cargo tray compartment system that raised the floor a little, it is easy to take out and replace with a Mazda mat and cargo tray and will lower the floor a little.

Where as the P5 lets you know it is working on the highway at speeds above 65mph, the 3 is really relaxed and still gives "great drive feel" ...

I liked the P5 and I like my 3. If money is the issue, find a P5, if you can splurge a little, get the 3......

Major Note: Dont let this "1st year model beware" crap bother you, My P5 had a few issues right from the beginning (transmission, rattles, a/c, cruise control problems) and that series had already been out a few years. The only issues on the 3 right now are the 'airbag" light, mine has been fine in that department and the dealers have the software fix ready. Brake rotors "grooving", although mine are fine and the one that looked like it was going to, is not anymore.

I do have one rattle, the gas brackets that hold the hatch up.... pop and creak in the cold and the dealer is helping me with that.

But believe it or not, I would buy either again and again compared to all the other vehicles out there.

Just go with the "best deal" for your banking/income.