I just test drove the Mazda3s 5-door. What an awesome car! I'm currently looking to buy/lease a new car because I just graduated from college. This car is in my price range and it definately looks like I'm going to get it...as soon as I get a job. I just wish it came with AWD. I've read a lot about it and I was wondering what everyone thinks are the best and worst qualities of it. Thanks!
Looking to buy
- Thread starter NeedACar
- Start date
goldwing2000
OG Mazda Mafia
- :
- 2004 Mazda3s Hatch; 346,000 mi (sold)
2024 CX-5 CE; 7,500 mi (so far)
Do a search or browse through this forum. There are at least a half-dozen threads on that very subject.
NeedACar said:
If you want the car under your foot instead of in service more often than not, do not buy this car, too many issues for a first year car. If you want an all wheel drive buy a used Subaru, they are really good cars. I was going to suggest an used Audi but too many electrical problems with those cars.
Sir. SpeedALot
Member
- :
- Mazda 6s Lapis Blue / Mazda3 5-door Sunlight Sliver
Don't let Mike's post scare you from buying this car. He has obviously purchased a lemon of some sorts and his oppinion doesn't not match the rest of ours. This car is a wonderful car. There are some small problems, but none of them out of the ordinary for a first year car (only a small percertage even experience any of these problems as well). Definately look into buying this car!
Hey Needacar,
To counter Mikey, I bought my car 3 months ago and I absolutly love it. No problems here. If you drove the car then you already know how awesome it is. I have just one challenge for you: Go out and see if you can find a better handling, better equipped NEW car out there for what you would pay for that 5DR you drove.
Good luck
Tim
To counter Mikey, I bought my car 3 months ago and I absolutly love it. No problems here. If you drove the car then you already know how awesome it is. I have just one challenge for you: Go out and see if you can find a better handling, better equipped NEW car out there for what you would pay for that 5DR you drove.
Good luck
Tim
NeedACar said:
I've had it since April and have put on about 3000 miles at this point.
Things I like about it:
-Interior/Exterior styling I liked a lot and I prefer it to the Lancer OZ or Ralliart, Sentra, Corolla's, Foci, Civics or Impreza RS or TS. It gets complements.
-Performance wise it felt better than other things it to seriously too -- not just acceleration, cornering and braking seems really great to me.
-Gas mileage is good and starting to get better for me
-Insurance quotes I got for this car was similar to a Corolla, less than the Civics and Imprezas, well less than anything 2 dr also.
-I got mine with the moon roof and 6cd changer both of which I like. I like how you can load/unload discs for the 6cd changer right in the head unit.
-I like the feel, shape and fabric of the seats a lot as well as the black/blue pattern on mine. I've been on some all day trips and it's been really comfortable.
-Got the Strato Blue color which I like lots a lot and people have complemented its color to me, but at the same time I think there are other good color choices offered as well.
-The driving position works well for me (I'm about 6ft) and the telesopic wheel is nice.
-Huge glovebox and the separate/hidden compartments in the hatch area.
-Controls on the steering wheel and handy.
-Keyless entry & power locks are nice (ok a lot of cars have these last few things now but my old one didn't so I'm happy).
-It's been reliable so far -- I haven't had any real problems with it unless you count a little extra brake dust in the rear wheels which doesn't seem to be happening as much now either.
Things I dislike:
-The color I chose is very deep and hard to keep looking clean. Kinda like a black maybe? This is my fault and not Mazdas though and I like the color enough that it's worth it.
-I wish the light that is in the hatchback area was brighter.
-I'd like a louder horn with a tougher sounding tone.
-I don't like how different options are bundled together. For example, I'd though I like my 6cd changer if given a choice I'd rather have the mp3 player but with the moon roof you get the 6cd changer. If I were looking for just a base 3i 4dr I'd be pretty annoyed with all the options packages you have to take to get side air bags.
AWD has pluses and minuses since there's no free lunch. For a sub 20k new car if awd is a big deal then I guess your options are Suzuki's which I don't know much about, Impreza TS or RS or the Vibe/Matrix for which the awd version is just 123 hp. Not sure of any others in this price range anyone know?
I'm really happy with my choice. The things I dislike were all pretty minor and there were bigger known issue with the other cars I compared it to (not to mention possible unkowns). Have fun looking, take your time, and good luck!
