Maybe getting a Mazda 3

[99 Pro]

Well dudes, I am seriously thinking about selling my 1999 Protege and picking up a 2004 or 2005 Mazda 3. I love my Pro and have had zero problems in the almost 3 years that I have owned it, but I just want something else.

My first mistake when buying my Protege was going for the DX model. It didn't bother me at the time, but the no power windows/locks, or sunroof, or the lack of HP really kind of bugs me now. Just makes the car seem not finished without that stuff.

I am definaltey looking into the top end Mazda 3 sedan....the one with the side skirts, and a 5 speed. How do you guys like your Mazda 3's? Any problems that I should know about with them (I haven't heard or read anything though)? Let me know what you think.

P.S. tphskab - your car is awesome. With some 18's and a mild drop it makes the 3 look even better.

 

[Gambino]

I feel loved being mentioned in this! haha, but I absolutely love mine. I pretty much got mine stripped bare and love it. Didnt get the sport package, no navi, no leather.....etc. All I have is sunroof/6disc pretty much and I still love mine

 

[99 Pro]

I feel loved being mentioned in this! haha, but I absolutely love mine. I pretty much got mine stripped bare and love it. Didnt get the sport package, no navi, no leather.....etc. All I have is sunroof/6disc pretty much and I still love mine

Hahaha....no problem dude. If you have the 3s model, why don't you have the sideskirts on there?

 

[Gambino]

Hahaha....no problem dude. If you have the 3s model, why don't you have the sideskirts on there?

sideskirts only come with the sports package. I think, if not, I just got screwed

 

[tsunami]

with the 06 and up there aren't to many issues, with the 05's there are a few and with 04's have even more.... but as far as i know except for a couple extreme instances everyones compliants were minor and were fixed with tsb's....

 

[Chibana]

I love my 2005 Mazda3s 4-door. I got the Sport package, and love the way the sedan looks with it. It's tasteful, but has just enough bite to it to give it a bit of edge. From a quality standpoint, I think the car is fantastic. The fit-and-finish inside and out is quite good. My car is almost 14 months old and has 44,000 miles on it. I've had only two issues: the Check Engine Light, twice, separated by only a week or two. Both times were relatively minor emission control parts, easily fixed under warranty, and I was on my way. Neither case caused any perceptable problem on my end. This has been the most reliable car I've ever owned, and my favorite (it's my fourth new car).

 

[AzMz3]

with the 06 and up there aren't to many issues, with the 05's there are a few and with 04's have even more.... but as far as i know except for a couple extreme instances everyones compliants were minor and were fixed with tsb's....

I have an 04 and no issues. And actually there are probally more complainants with the 05's and 06's then the 04's.

They are slow though. (cabpatch)

 

[pintsized]

I'm looking into buying a 3. Is there any advice in terms of which of the 3 years are best? Cause I'm reading that the 04's have a ton of problems and the last person posted that there's more problems w/ the 05's and 06's. Help?

 

[Chibana]

Have you actually done the research, preferably with J. D. Powers & Associates? Everyone has opinions on reliability data for cars, but, unfortunately, like most opinions, they're usually wrong. The data should be available, and J.D. Power & Associates is the main one used by automotive insiders.

 

[03MzdSpdSTP]

get a MSP!

 

[PlatinumMSP]

I'm looking into buying a 3. Is there any advice in terms of which of the 3 years are best? Cause I'm reading that the 04's have a ton of problems and the last person posted that there's more problems w/ the 05's and 06's. Help?

well lets hope that theres no problems with your new mazda 6! congrats again

 

[ZoomVT]

i have an 04 and no real problems. I had my AC compressor warranty replaced just recently (at 26000 miles) and it was not really a big deal.
Other than that all i had was just nitpicky stuff like rattles and dust in the rear brakes. i dont think that th e05 warrants the extra price compared to the 04 since the options are pretty much the same. Now the 06 its worth more because of the added standard equipment.

 

[pintsized]

Thanks for all the feedback~ I wound up getting a 6 for cheaper than a 3! *whee!* :O) But I still think the 3 is cuter though. ;p

 

[J dragon]

Go ahead and get the 6, you'll have fun trust me ^_^

 

[ZoomVT]

i am not a huge fan of the 6. I would only get the mazdaspeed version.
you will definitely enjoy yourself though.

 

[J dragon]

Did I say 6, I mean't the 3 >_<...the 6 is alright, but I mean't 3

I was probably thinking about the Mazdaspeed 6 myself too LOL