Mazda 3 Hatchback Suggestion

[comp78tec]

I want to get a Mazda3 5-door but I am having a hard time deciding between the 5-speed or the automatic. I have never driven manual before, but I heard that the mazda 3 I would be able to learn quickly.

What does everyone recommend?

Thanks.

 

[Sir. SpeedALot]

It all depends on your driving habbits. How many miles do you drive to work? Do you drive in traffic all day? Do you want better gas milage? Do you like to be constantly "doing something" while you drive?

I just purchased a 5speed and I love it. Very smooth and short shifts. I wouln't have it any other way. I also like the 3-4 extra mpg of gas since prices are going up.

 

[jersey_emt]

Go for the 5-speed! Really....

This was my first manual car. After you drive it for a while, it becomes second nature. A lot of times when just cruising I don't even think about shifting it just happens.

 

[goldwing2000]

Automatics are for housewives. (loser) (evil)

 

[uclap5]

you WILL regret getting an auto. trust me.

if you take any enjoyment from your car or from driving you will get a 5 spd.

if you dont give a s*** about your car and your car is just an appliance to get from point A to B then by all means get an auto.

 

[comp78tec]

I really want a 5-speed, I just don't want to stall it out leaving the dealers lot or get stuck at a red light

 

[Loose]

s***

Man, I feel like a pussy now for getting the Manumatic. Damm wife.

 

[TRexPro5]

I really want a 5-speed, I just don't want to stall it out leaving the dealers lot or get stuck at a red light

Meh, the first time I drove a stick was leaving the lot after I purchased my car. (I left the parking break on and squealed the tires like mad right by the service guys (hand)). But like someone already stated you will regret buying an automatic.

 

[goldwing2000]

I really want a 5-speed, I just don't want to stall it out leaving the dealers lot or get stuck at a red light

Better to have a little embarrassment when you first buy it then a lifetime of embarrassment whenever someone rides in the car with you.

 

[Kain]

Once you drive stick, you will never go back to autocraptics.

 

[Oversteer0306]

I really want a 5-speed, I just don't want to stall it out leaving the dealers lot or get stuck at a red light

No worries man. I havn't driven a manual in years, and picked up the 5 spd with in a few miles. The cluch is easy...got for it!!

 

[ucdchan]

I'm in the same situation. But I live in San Francisco (full of hills and crap). Would it be wise to go w/ the manual? I'm planning on getting a 3 HB.

 

[Loose]

double-fold

I'm in the same situation. But I live in San Francisco (full of hills and crap). Would it be wise to go w/ the manual? I'm planning on getting a 3 HB.

OK. Now that we have these opinions allow me to plug in my two cents (USD). Got the Manusuckit b/c I lived in a big city with a 7mi commute that took 45-60 minutes. I hated my stick in bad traffic. I like to drink coffee, talk on the phone and generally BS while I'm sittin on my arse. I don't live in the city now but will move back next spring. That was one of the main reasons I got the auto. Plus, the Manusuckit isn't all that bad. Having driven it for 3 months now I almost never use the automatic mode..... but it will be there when I need it.

As for you ucdchan I guess the answer is, what ever floats your boat.

You can still use second or third for the hills.

 

[sam1]

manuals are made for hills=). all you have to do is keep it in 2nd or 3rd or whatever and let the engine do the work instead of the brakes.

 

[osudewd]

Don't worry. I was the same way when I bought mine. I picked up the basics of driving stick on my test drive with a friend who knew how. When I bought it, I was jerky, I stalled at a few lights, people honked at me. But so what, after a while it was easy. Go for it man.

 

[comp78tec]

Thanks everyone for your responses. I just purchased a Mazda3 5-door 5-speed. I will be 'attempting' to pick it up tomm! (cool)

 

[Captain KRM P5]

i've driven both the five speed and auto five doors. There is really ZERO comparison between the two. The five speed shifts crisp and quick. The manual feels ten times quicker.

 

[osudewd]

Congrats. That's an awesome car. I can only imagine how much fun a 5spd 3s would be.

 

[Mazda3Zoomer]

Honestly, i dont think the Mazda is good to learn on. the cluch isnt as forgiving as some other cars.

if your having trouble learning, i suggest you buy an old old old camery with a manual and learn on that first.... 1000$ invesetment on a bad camery (which you can donate and get tax return afterwards) may save you thousands on a new tranny if you f*ck up the Mz3.

 

[Kain]

Man, I hate it when people use the "Oh, I have too many hills" or "Oh, traffic here is bad" cop-out. Listen, I live in Alexandria, VA, which is plenty hilly and drive through the D.C. area during morning and evening rush hour to and from work. D.C. traffic is notoriously some of the worst in the nation. And guess what... I love driving my manual in it. Save your friggin' coffee for when you get to work, turn off your friggin cell phone (it's illegal to use it while operating your vehicle anyway), and enjoy driving.

When I hear about cars in the future being able to drive themselves, it makes me want to puke. We've already numbed the driver/car connection with all these fancy doodads and trinckets, so the manual tranny is our last holdover from a time when people knew how to drive. Half the people on the roads these days in America don't even deserve to drive and would fail their license test in countries like Germany where licensing is more stringent. If these people drove on stick, they'd forced to be better drivers just because they're more involved in the operations of the car and would have to pay attention more.

Sorry for my rant, had to vent.