Hi everyone! I just picked a new Mazda 3s on Feb 28 after my VW Jetta 1.8T got totaled and just joined the board tonight. Here are my first impressions of the car:
General info: New car = Red Mazda 3s sedan, auto, ABS/SAB/SAC package, sport package, 6cd/moonroof package, cloth seats, no DVD navigation. 600 problem-free miles so far. Old car = 2002 Jetta 1.8 turbo, auto, moonroof, sport suspension, 17" wheels, 6 CD changer with Monsoon. No leather.
I was looking for a similar driving experience as with my Jetta but at a more reasonable price point. Overall, I have found the 3 to be much better value than the Jetta. I get just as much car in the areas that count for a lot less $. By way of comparison:
Ways in which my 3 is superior to the Jetta: Steering wheel audio controls standard (as opposed to only being available as part of an expensive leather option package), cupholder design way better, more/better storage overall, general ergonomics, similar performanace/MPG as the Jetta but with regular instead of premium fuel required.
Ways I beleive the two cars are roughly equivalent: Acceleration, handling, sterring feel, quality of interior materials, comfort/support of seats, manual shift mode on auto transmission, availability of power accessories/moonroof/ 6 CD changer, keyless entry, warranty (with Mazda Care 100K bumper-to-bumper extended warranty option the M3 was still several thousand $ cheaper than the Jetta, which has a base warranty of 100K power train/50 K bumper to bumper).
Things I miss about my Jetta: Heated defrost option on side mirrors (I see this referenced in the M3 manual; is this a Canadian option, because I couldn't find it on a US model?), traction control, Monsoon audio system had a slight edge in sound quality, power windows operated with the ignition off if the key is not removed (handy at NJ mandated full serve gas stations), lighted power window switches, lighted vanity mirrors, CD changer in trunk had a removable magazine so I could do CD swaps in the house instead of in the car, ability to open trunk with remote.
Importance to driving experience of areas where Mazda 3 is equivalent to or better than the Jetta = HIGH.
Importance to driving experience of things I miss from my Jetta: LOW except for traction control.
The M3 is thus clearly the better value, offering everything important to my driving experience at a lower price. I have thus far been approached by two co-workers and a stranger in the street asking me about the car (although as a married man I can not test the car's ability to help me pick up two women at once as claimed by someone on the Edmunds board).
Bought the car at about $600 over invoice and drove home the same day with 3.9% financing. Interesting anecdote: The day I bought the car and for about 10 days thereafter, I was walking around on a fractured left foot that I thought was just a sprain. Thankfully, right foot is OK, so I can zoom zoom.
General info: New car = Red Mazda 3s sedan, auto, ABS/SAB/SAC package, sport package, 6cd/moonroof package, cloth seats, no DVD navigation. 600 problem-free miles so far. Old car = 2002 Jetta 1.8 turbo, auto, moonroof, sport suspension, 17" wheels, 6 CD changer with Monsoon. No leather.
I was looking for a similar driving experience as with my Jetta but at a more reasonable price point. Overall, I have found the 3 to be much better value than the Jetta. I get just as much car in the areas that count for a lot less $. By way of comparison:
Ways in which my 3 is superior to the Jetta: Steering wheel audio controls standard (as opposed to only being available as part of an expensive leather option package), cupholder design way better, more/better storage overall, general ergonomics, similar performanace/MPG as the Jetta but with regular instead of premium fuel required.
Ways I beleive the two cars are roughly equivalent: Acceleration, handling, sterring feel, quality of interior materials, comfort/support of seats, manual shift mode on auto transmission, availability of power accessories/moonroof/ 6 CD changer, keyless entry, warranty (with Mazda Care 100K bumper-to-bumper extended warranty option the M3 was still several thousand $ cheaper than the Jetta, which has a base warranty of 100K power train/50 K bumper to bumper).
Things I miss about my Jetta: Heated defrost option on side mirrors (I see this referenced in the M3 manual; is this a Canadian option, because I couldn't find it on a US model?), traction control, Monsoon audio system had a slight edge in sound quality, power windows operated with the ignition off if the key is not removed (handy at NJ mandated full serve gas stations), lighted power window switches, lighted vanity mirrors, CD changer in trunk had a removable magazine so I could do CD swaps in the house instead of in the car, ability to open trunk with remote.
Importance to driving experience of areas where Mazda 3 is equivalent to or better than the Jetta = HIGH.
Importance to driving experience of things I miss from my Jetta: LOW except for traction control.
The M3 is thus clearly the better value, offering everything important to my driving experience at a lower price. I have thus far been approached by two co-workers and a stranger in the street asking me about the car (although as a married man I can not test the car's ability to help me pick up two women at once as claimed by someone on the Edmunds board).
Bought the car at about $600 over invoice and drove home the same day with 3.9% financing. Interesting anecdote: The day I bought the car and for about 10 days thereafter, I was walking around on a fractured left foot that I thought was just a sprain. Thankfully, right foot is OK, so I can zoom zoom.
