just stopped by a Mazda dealer today to peek at the new 3

[jyo]

and may I say I am completely impressed with the job that Mazda has done.

I am in the market for a runabout car (daily driver, errand runner, etc) and this thing fits the bill.

I was and possibly still am in the market for the following cars:

Focus SVT 5 door
Honda Element (the box appeals to me - don't ask me why)
Golf TDI (but my experiences with the VAG product is a bit tainted)

The one thing that concerns me about the 3 is the interior surface material. Looks awfully easy to scratch, and that texture isn't going to be forgiving.

Also, I'd get the 5 speed, no sunroof, ABS, Xenons and possibly DVD navigation.

So, pricing on the thing is a bit higher than the Focus SVT. Also, when you start to compare the Focus and the 3, the things that stand out are the bigger trunk to the Focus (19 cu ft versus 17 for the 3) and obviously 10 more horses and the 6 speed. Although the 3 has more torque and a bit lighter weight, so that may be negated.

I wish I could score the 3 5 door S version for $14K, cause the Focus definitely beats it on the price point.

Any other thoughts? Again, I'm impressed!!

What's the reliability on this thing gonna be like?

 

[Macadonious]

Reliablity is the key question we are all waiting on. The car is far too new to find out. As far as your debat goes over the Ford SVT and the M3, well let me just say that the M3 is a class of luxury by comparison to the Ford. The matrial does not scratch easy and is rich in texture. So far the car inside and out feels solid. Mazda did there homework with the interior componets. I have leather in mine and everything feels as if I am in a high class luxury car rather then a econo-type car. I was and am still impressed with it. I recommend the 3 hands down. Besides, you will be one of the few new owner of a car that alot of ppl have not seen yet.

 

[frenzy2223]

I would have to agree! The build quality of my Mazda3s seems to be very good. I rented a Focus when I was in Florida a few months ago and have nothing nice to say about it. You would have to pay me to drive a Focus! Plus the Focus SVT does not get very good gas mileage. As for the Honda, it is very reliable but it is ugly as hell. The VW is nice, but the cost of repairs after the factory warranty is up will be expensive. As for price! The Ford Focus SVT is almost if not over $20,000. I think that you get more for your money out of a Mazda 3 s! The new VW Golf is going to be released late this year or early 2005.

 

[N1XRR]

I couldn't STAND the SVT when I drove it. It handled just OK. The 3's handle much better. The 6 speed transmissions in most new cars are completely useless. Unless your seriously into track racing a properly geared 5-spd is better than these 6-spds.

I wouldn't but a new TDI. We have just returned our 3rd one is 2 months, now my mom is looking at the 3 instead. The first two they worked on for 2 days trying to get them to start. Fuel was getting to the engine, and when the took the turbo off there was fuel saturating the inside of the exhaust, but it would not start. They couldn't figure it out. We finally got this 3rd one, and it had problems from the start. After several computers and injector controllers, the car would still skip and get 32-34mpg.

The straw that broke the camels back was starting it up after they're last "fix" and smoke going all over the place. VW bought the car back and gave us a rental until my mom found a new car(up to a month).

I'm really disappointed with the TDI 110(the new TDI engine) as the TDI 90 in my moms old Golf(2002) was nothing but reliable. It got great fuel economy(38-46mpg...automatic) and never had any major problems in its 45k miles of existance, which ended in a car wreck in December(not our fault).

I, personally, don't like the Civic's. They're slow and ugly...but get decent fuel economy.

 

[SleekDJ]

I wouldn't but a new TDI. We have just returned our 3rd one is 2 months, now my mom is looking at the 3 instead. The first two they worked on for 2 days trying to get them to start. Fuel was getting to the engine, and when the took the turbo off there was fuel saturating the inside of the exhaust, but it would not start. They couldn't figure it out. We finally got this 3rd one, and it had problems from the start. After several computers and injector controllers, the car would still skip and get 32-34mpg.

The straw that broke the camels back was starting it up after they're last "fix" and smoke going all over the place. VW bought the car back and gave us a rental until my mom found a new car(up to a month).

I'm really disappointed with the TDI 110(the new TDI engine) as the TDI 90 in my moms old Golf(2002) was nothing but reliable. It got great fuel economy(38-46mpg...automatic) and never had any major problems in its 45k miles of existance, which ended in a car wreck in December(not our fault).

I had so many problems with my first (and probably last) VW, a 1999 New Jetta 2.0, that I tell everyone to stay away from them. My front windows fell in like 5 times (twice in the middle of winter), catalytic converter needed replacing at 30K mi, shocks squeak like mad, and it there are so many rattles in that car it was ridiculous. :wtf: It doesn't even handle well either (extreme body roll). The ONLY thing I miss is the low-end torque, but only marginally.

Ah well, I have had my trusty P5 now for only a month+, but man... it ROCKS compared to the VW!!! (yes)

 

[genericuser]

the focus is probably one of the worst cars I have driven. Even the SVT version I hated because again, it handled poorly, and it still felt like a cheap 13,000 dollar car. In terms of overall fit and finish as well as unique looks and the bang for the buck ratio, I'd go with the 3, hands down.

 

[Newf]

I agree, the focus feels just as cheap as a neon. The plastic looks like something from a tuberware party, and the car just has an overall cheap, crappy feeling.

Not my cup of tea. I still thing motor trend/CAr and driver are having their salaries paid by ford because that's the only way I can see the Fuckus getting the attention from those Mags that it does.

I don't own a 3. I have driven them. I, for the life of me, can't figure out how in the hell anyone could be comparing the 3 to a Neon, a Focus or even a Civic to a degree. It just feels so much like a more expensive car, and a higher class then the rest of them.

I too am also curious about reliability. I was a Honda owner, on my 2nd Mazda now. But, outside of tires, I never had ANY issues with my honda's EVER. 8 Honda's btw. I'm driving the speed now, and I feel very good with the purchase, and I would if I was driving a 3 or a 6 as well. I do not like Mazda's shared vehicles( Tribute/MPV/B2000 etc) but their cars are well done.

nuff said.

 

[Newf]

actually I'll add one more thing.

WARNING: Buying a Mazda WILL INDEED turn you into a Complete Car NUT! If your already a car nut, you are risking your relationship with your loved ones as you will be obsessed with you vehicle.

I really think that should be a Mazda warning

Honestly. I drove my Honda's, loved em. But, I got in, turned the key....drove it. With my Mazda, I'm in more car clubs, read more about Mazda's and other cars now then I ever have. God bless the patience of my woman