Need advice and opinions

[wantamazda3]

Hi,

I am new to this forum, so don't know if I'm doing things properly. I need some advice and opinions, especially from older Mazda3 owners.

I am a 56 year old male living in the midwest. I am looking to purchase a new car in the not too distant future and have read many glowing reports from the experts on the Mazda3. However, I haven't been able to find much from actual owners. I am looking to purchase a smaller yet sort of sporty car (I guess there is still some kid left in me), and need to decide whether the Mazda3 will fill my bill. I'd like to hear from owners on ease of getting in and out of the 3 and how the ride is on trips lasting 3 to 4 hours or more. Is the 3 a good car for a somewhat older person?

Also, I have heard some negatives on the 3....weak AC, transmission problems, and not the best of handling in midwest snow.

Would like to hear from others on whether they think the 3 should remain on my list of possibles.

Thanks

 

[wantamazda3]

Mazda3 for older drivers???

Hi,

First time post. Need some advice and opionions from Mazda3 owners, especially those who are older. I am a 56 year old male living in the midwest of USA. Mazda3 is on my list of "possibles" for a new car purchase. Lots of glowing reports from the experts but haven't been able to find much from actual owners.

Would like to hear from others on whether the 3 is easy to get in and out of and whether the comfort level is good for longish trips, say 3 to 4 hours. I guess there is still some kid left in me that wants a sporty, zippy car, but at my age comfort and ease of entry/exit is a major consideration.

Have heard a few negatives, also, and would appreciate comments on those: weak AC, transmission problems, and not so good handling in midwest snow.

Any help you can give me sure would be appreciated.

Thanks everyone.

 

[FrigginGLI]

If you get some nice snow tires you won't have too much trouble. The 3 is very comfortable for trips.

 

[Gambino]

well, my dad (49) drives a mazda3i and absolutely loves it, mostly for the gas mileage

 

[FreeStyLinDrive]

I use to drive a Mercedes benz C240, felt like grandpop in that. Now I drive a Mazda 3 and feel my age now since I'm only 24.

 

[wongpres]

The two related threads from same user have been merged.

 

[hworth18]

I am 38 and bought the 3 last June.. It is very comfortable and gets great gas mileage.. The ride is fairly stiff, but what do you expect from low-profile tires.. I haven't had a chance to drive it in snow (we didn't get much this last winter) but the car handles well in all other weather conditions on stock tires.. It is a fun car to drive and I have really enjoyed it so far..

 

[Mikey444]

If you drive in snow, doesnt matter if it's 1/4 inch or 6 inches, get dedicates snow tires with black steel wheels. The 3 is a great car, I use to drive one. Only thing that pissed the hell out of me is the paint. They only put enought of it on the car to name it a colour.

 

[tsunami]

love my 3 so far, i would defin suggest dedicated snow tires and wheels once you get one if you have more then a couple snow storms b/c the stock tires are horrible in the snow.... i live in maine and ended up driving my gf's corrolla most of the winter...
it has a nice sport feel to the suspension and i still have people asking me what kind of car it is and how nice it looks...(i gotta 5 door)

 

[Sylent_Snyper]

i have an 05 sp23 and love it. i drove a lowered pick up for about 3 years so the ride is a huge improvement. but it does have a sporty feel to it so its no caddy. gas mileage is great, i drive a little aggressive and still get over 300 m/g. the a/c is a little weak, but i cant complain much seeing how my truck had a sliding rear window for a/c. very comfortable car, and may i suggest the leather. i have always used BLIZZAK snow tires and never had a problem, and i live in PA. i would also suggest seat heaters cause when its 10 degrees outside, nothing is better than having a warm butt in under 10 seconds. hope my experiences have helped.

 

[Getting2knowMaz]

i have an 05 sp23 and love it. i drove a lowered pick up for about 3 years so the ride is a huge improvement. but it does have a sporty feel to it so its no caddy. gas mileage is great, i drive a little aggressive and still get over 300 m/g. the a/c is a little weak, but i cant complain much seeing how my truck had a sliding rear window for a/c. very comfortable car, and may i suggest the leather. i have always used BLIZZAK snow tires and never had a problem, and i live in PA. i would also suggest seat heaters cause when its 10 degrees outside, nothing is better than having a warm butt in under 10 seconds. hope my experiences have helped.

I thought the zip code on your profile sounded familiar. My old zip code is 18074. Drive on Route 663, I think north or west (I would think west but the road number is odd) and you'll come to my town, just about 10 minutes. Where did you pick up your Mazda 3? I got mine at North Penn.

I moved away and still have my family there. Know anyone by the last name of Sell or Smith? People ask me where I'm from, and I usually say Quackertown since that is the biggest town in the area.

 

[Sylent_Snyper]

I thought the zip code on your profile sounded familiar. My old zip code is 18074. Drive on Route 663, I think north or west (I would think west but the road number is odd) and you'll come to my town, just about 10 minutes. Where did you pick up your Mazda 3? I got mine at North Penn.

I moved away and still have my family there. Know anyone by the last name of Sell or Smith? People ask me where I'm from, and I usually say Quackertown since that is the biggest town in the area.

Yeah I'm familiar with the area, and drive on 663 often. Though, with all the potholes it has now, I try to avoid it at all costs. I also got my 3 at North Penn. My uncle is a service writter there and always praises mazda vehicles. Plus he got me a pretty nice deal on the car. What are did u move to?

 

[Getting2knowMaz]

I moved to my family's summer house in DE, outside of rehomo.

 

[fam]

OK, I live in the midwest, toledo ohio to be exact, we get craploads of snow. The mazda3 is fine in the snow even with stock tires. You will get even better snow performance with snow tires but with the 17" wheels and low profiles I never had a problem. The car is a workhorse in the snow after initial takeoff. The car is lighter than a full size fwd car (like a bonneville) which means acceleration at initial takeoff is the only time you have to worry, and even under (induced by me for fun) heavy wheelspin the car stays straight as an arrow (which is why I sold me 2000 stang for it). The car is fine in the snow, especially with a driver older than 17 like yourself.

The air does seam weaker than other cars, it will still cool you, but you dont get the chil effect where you need to turn it off when its 80+ out.

 

[sajack]

No Buick

If all you want is a smooth ride, you can always get a Buick.
If handling, fit and finish, styling, ergonomics are priorities, you should like the "3".
We have an SP23 (Mazda3s Special Edition) which might interest you if exclusivity matters. You should still be able to find one, but they are in limited supply and going fast.
The 17" rubber and taut suspension and chassis give a firm, but comfortable, secure ride.
Make SURE you get the security package w/ABS,SAB,SAC, etc.
By the way, I`m 59.