Need advise Please - 3 or 6?

F

Finalrinse

Member
Ok, I'm going to order a 2005, Mazda3 5-Door or Mazda6 5-Door, just can't decide which one so I'm asking for advise. Keep in mind I must have an ATX because of circumstances out of my control. Which ever one I choose will be loaded with all options. Three items I like on the Mazda3 that are not available on the 6, H.I.D., Navigation, and Velocity Red Mica. Is this enough reason to go for the 3? I know the ATX 6speed will be available for 2005 on the 6. But the 3 seems so uniquely different. Please Help!
Thanks!
(help)
 
personally i think the 3's are ugly. BUT my friend just bought a loaded 6 wagon titanium and it is so ******* sexy. so im sure the hatch or whatever will look awesome too.
 
Personally i think the Protege's are ugly, brother owned one. BUT the 3 hatch is pretty sharp with the 3 spoke steering wheel with radio controls and with the optional nav and H.I.D you feel like your driving in a Euro car instead of a Japanese econo box. Don't forget you also get pretty good mpg.

P.S. Just Kidding Matthew... No hating here.
 
i understand, everyone is entitled to their opinions. welcome to the board, BTW. i really tried to like the 3's, but the problem i have is the severe line that runs down them. on my p5 its more subtle, but it looks like a shelf to me on the 3s.
 
Thanks for the welcome! Yeah, everyone has their own taste in cars and styling. I don't understand when people love the Corvettte, but then again people don't understand why I prefer the Viper. I was saving up to buy a 325xi, but I had a fender bender and had to get rid of my old Dodge earlier then I planned therefore I bought the Mazda 3 because of it's VW Jetta/BMW 3 series look to it and the interior styling and the road handling was excellent. Also because of the high gas prices I was looking for a more fuel efficient car and the 34/26 mpg sold me on the 3.
 
werd---well make sure you stick around, it gets a little rowdy sometimes around here, but there is some good info to be had.
 
I definitely prefer the 3 hatch over the 6 hatch.

The 6 hatch looks identical to the 6s sedan and the 6 wagon is too boxy for my taste.
 
I test drove the 6 hatch in a 3.0 V6 the other day while getting my oil changed. I'll tell you that I was not impressed at all. I have the 3s and I thought that all around it was better. For being a 3.0 V6 there was not all that much more throttle response or obvious power differance. I was really suprised by the way the 3s drove compared to the 6. I would go with the 3s and save around 7g. Just my opinion.
 
I'm speaking without knowledge of the performance of the ATXs in both vehicles, but I'd say...

...unless you have a specific reason that you want the 6 over the 3 (would the 5-spd tranny push it over the edge?), it'd be a pretty easy call on price alone. This is factoring in that you're only considering the 3.0 6 - I wouldn't wish a 3300lb 5-door with the 2.3L on my worst enemies.

If you're wishy-washy and the amenities in the 3 are drawing you, I'd say take advantage and save some money. I personally like the looks of the 3 a little better, but a more persuading & objective difference between the two is in these numbers: 2850lbs vs 3330lbs. The overall nimble, light feel of the 3 was probably the most attractive factor of the car to me.
 
Thanks everyone for all the comments. I'm definitely leaning towards the 3. The money difference between the two is not the deciding factor as I put a $28,000 cap on what I am willing to spend, although I'm very pleased over picking the less expensive one for a change. I just hope the automatic has enough throttle response and doesn't feel underpowered. If any of you own an ATX please let me know what you think. I plan on driving one before I order for sure.
Thanks!
 
Finalrinse said:
Thanks everyone for all the comments. I'm definitely leaning towards the 3. The money difference between the two is not the deciding factor as I put a $28,000 cap on what I am willing to spend, although I'm very pleased over picking the less expensive one for a change. I just hope the automatic has enough throttle response and doesn't feel underpowered. If any of you own an ATX please let me know what you think. I plan on driving one before I order for sure.
Thanks!
Click to expand...

I would stick with a manual tranny, I have the manumatic and I regret it.
 
6 and 3 make zoom

Well. what's your situation? I've had the 6 and the 3 S sedans and they are aimed at different segments. The 3 is more for the single on the go, especially in a city, but the 6 is more for someone with a family or an exec, maybe.

3
smaller turning radius and easier to park
More kick-ass sporty look and stylin, love the electroluminescent
Bigger glove (for locking your stuff before dipping into a club)
fold-back side mirrors
Side repeater lights
Better-styled seats and you don't have to get the sport pack for a black interior -hard to take care of but cool as hell
no traction control (good in rain but deadly in snow)
No fly-by-wire pause on the automatic

6
better lights (my 3's suck, but I don't want "A-hole" lights)
much more places inside to stow stuff in and around the compartment; lit vanity mirrors, too
better center stack and driver's chairr
better horsespower
bigger trunk with valet key feature, more room for passengers if anyone is sizeable and more stable at high speeds or in high wind
EDB on the S without taking other BS. And almost NO wheeldust on the back tires, not like the 3 (even without EBS)
Better paint (Paint on the 3 is too soft, at least the earlier-run ones. I've taken almost microscopic care of both and I can see the difference)

Finalrinse said:
Ok, I'm going to order a 2005, Mazda3 5-Door or Mazda6 5-Door, just can't decide which one so I'm asking for advise. Keep in mind I must have an ATX because of circumstances out of my control. Which ever one I choose will be loaded with all options. Three items I like on the Mazda3 that are not available on the 6, H.I.D., Navigation, and Velocity Red Mica. Is this enough reason to go for the 3? I know the ATX 6speed will be available for 2005 on the 6. But the 3 seems so uniquely different. Please Help!
Thanks!
(help)
Click to expand...
 
A stick is not an option for me, this is why I'm asking the question. If the ATX on the 3 is absolutely no good I won't consider it, I'll start thinking about the 6 again.
Thanks,
Mikey444 said:
I would stick with a manual tranny, I have the manumatic and I regret it.
Click to expand...
 
Thanks for the comments. My situation is; I'm married with no children. This is a second/third vehicle. I have a F-150 and Escape, both 4x4 (may sell the F-150). This vehicle will primarily be used for back and forth to work (34 miles city round trip) and cruising locally. It will probably be stored January thru April so driving in the snow will be minimal but necessary right up through Christmas. I didn't realize it would be bad in snow; I had a 91 Escort GT and thought it was pretty good, which I wouldn't think the 3 would be worse, this is good information. I originally considered an RX-8 but terrible snow maneuverability (comments from three owners) because of rear wheel drive turned me away. I guess I'm looking for a new, smaller, unique car with neat items like H.I.D., etc.... I guess I really need to drive them.Thanks
M6M3 said:
Well. what's your situation? I've had the 6 and the 3 S sedans and they are aimed at different segments. The 3 is more for the single on the go, especially in a city, but the 6 is more for someone with a family or an exec, maybe.

3
smaller turning radius and easier to park
More kick-ass sporty look and stylin, love the electroluminescent
Bigger glove (for locking your stuff before dipping into a club)
fold-back side mirrors
Side repeater lights
Better-styled seats and you don't have to get the sport pack for a black interior -hard to take care of but cool as hell
no traction control (good in rain but deadly in snow)
No fly-by-wire pause on the automatic

6
better lights (my 3's suck, but I don't want "A-hole" lights)
much more places inside to stow stuff in and around the compartment; lit vanity mirrors, too
better center stack and driver's chairr
better horsespower
bigger trunk with valet key feature, more room for passengers if anyone is sizeable and more stable at high speeds or in high wind
EDB on the S without taking other BS. And almost NO wheeldust on the back tires, not like the 3 (even without EBS)
Better paint (Paint on the 3 is too soft, at least the earlier-run ones. I've taken almost microscopic care of both and I can see the difference)
Click to expand...
 
All Mazdas are gay don't get one. j/k :) I'll give you a quick scenario. Every morning on the commute to work, I run into this silver 6. I have a silver 3s. We tool around and pass each other when the opportunity is given. Just show off the rides. You know. Guy stuff. Somehow I feel my 3 with 17's, and body package, looks alot better going down the road. It's more modern, but more sleek looking at the same time. It's a really sexy car if you get the right package. My 3s is almost just as quick as his 6 v6. Thats saying alot. But I have way better mpg. And paid alot less then he did. I think the 3 is more of a , "hey Im still young, and I wanna have some fun when I drive" kinda car. And the 6 is a "yeah, Im moving on in life, and I want a nice looking car to drag the family around in". But hey thats just me. Buying a Mazda3 was one of the best decisions I've ever made in life. What you get for the price is just amazing. Get a 3. You'll thank me, Then Mazda, Then yourself.
 
Thanks for the good feedback on the 3. The way you explain it is the way I hoped it might be but was waiting for someone to say it.

razorblade kiss said:
All Mazdas are gay don't get one. j/k :) I'll give you a quick scenario. Every morning on the commute to work, I run into this silver 6. I have a silver 3s. We tool around and pass each other when the opportunity is given. Just show off the rides. You know. Guy stuff. Somehow I feel my 3 with 17's, and body package, looks alot better going down the road. It's more modern, but more sleek looking at the same time. It's a really sexy car if you get the right package. My 3s is almost just as quick as his 6 v6. Thats saying alot. But I have way better mpg. And paid alot less then he did. I think the 3 is more of a , "hey Im still young, and I wanna have some fun when I drive" kinda car. And the 6 is a "yeah, Im moving on in life, and I want a nice looking car to drag the family around in". But hey thats just me. Buying a Mazda3 was one of the best decisions I've ever made in life. What you get for the price is just amazing. Get a 3. You'll thank me, Then Mazda, Then yourself.
Click to expand...
 
Thanks, I was considering Sterling Mazda in Woodhaven on Allen Rd., anyone know how they are?
goldwing2000 said:
Well, whatever you do, DO NOT BUY IT FROM LIVONIA MAZDA!! The other dealers in the area are all pretty much ok but Livonia just sucks ass. Check out these threads:

http://www2.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=68418
http://www2.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=64720

And keep an eye on this forum:
http://www2.msprotege.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=128

I bought mine from Sesi in Ypsilanti and I have had nothing but good service from the day I first walked in to test drive an RX-8.
Click to expand...
 
Finalrinse said:
Thanks, I was considering Sterling Mazda in Woodhaven on Allen Rd., anyone know how they are?
Click to expand...

I've heard good and bad from them. I think it's a crap shoot. Give them a shot but if you don't feel comfortable or if they don't want to deal, then definitely go somewhere else.
 
ATX is fine, a bit slower, but not horrible. I run 0-60 in high 9's - low 10's (Note this is with 2.0, AT, and just timing when im at stop lights!) What I don't like is the lack of power between 1st and 2nd. From 2nd - 3rd (eg, hiway merging) its pretty brisk.

The bad part, is that There is a slight delay when you hit the pedal and when the car starts going, this is partially fixed by using manumatic, but its no stick! (But I'll be able to re-sell my Mz3 for more then you stick people)

*Of course I would only resell if I was to get a newer model of the mz3!!. (nana)
 
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