Mazda 3
 

I am thinking on buying one. Can any one who might own one pass on their opinion?

Re: Mazda 3
 

I have a 2005 5 door, 5 speed. I love it.

Re: Mazda 3
 

My girlfriend has a 2008 4 door and loves it, i've driven it extensively, great gas millage, good turning.

Re: Mazda 3
 

Sounding good. We are going to dricve the 4 door auto this weekend. Wife kills the grand am and gets a new car.... Not sure how this works out for me

Re: Mazda 3
 

i think Vin has that..ask him.

Re: Mazda 3
 

I have a friend who bought one last year during the 0% financing deal and he got a good deal on it. Has the 5 speed, 4 door, basic version, no power anything, but he says he loves it and handles like a champ and is fun to drive. If you have some specific questions I could ask him and pass the answers along :tu

Re: Mazda 3
 

"Vroom vroom vroom" :r

Make sure you post pictures of your new ride if you get it Mike!

Re: Mazda 3
 

When SHE get's it I will. I think we will shoot for middle of the road. The i Sport auto version. Just need to add the air option. Like someone in VA will buy a car without air conditioning?

Re: Mazda 3
 

A student has the wagon version and he loves it. It is on the short list for a replacement car should my Civic ever tank.

Re: Mazda 3
 

:r Pontiac Grand am? I had one of those with about 240,000 miles on it before I bought a 2005 4-door Mazda 3 that I just recently traded-in for some schooling money.

Nice little car, no complaints.:tu

Re: Mazda 3
 

That Grand Am is one great car...a guy I used to ride bikes with had over 300K on his and a dude here at work same deal... mega miles. I use to have a Mazda Protege 5 manual trans and it was fun to drive.

Re: Mazda 3
 

Our Grand Am was one of the best cars we ever owned. The motor is as strong today as the day we bought it. 13 years and 112,00 or so miles. The water pump and heater core went at the same time. $1,200 in repairs on a $2,000 not such a good deal in one way. On the other hand, I am almost tempted to repair it.

We have replaced the battery once, an altenator, and the basics (wipers, tires, etc). If I could get a new 1996 Grand AM I would. Sounds like we think a like in cars though :)

Re: Mazda 3
 

I have the 3 hatchback and it is a great little car, its fast when it needs to be, the mileage is good and I drive long trips in it frequently and it is comfortable. with the hatch i can fit most anything I need in there especially if you put the seats down. About the only thing i have found that won't fit was Shellie's humidor :D We also know for a fact that it will fair well against a deer at 50mph. There is one drawback and that is there is a lot of road noise but otherwise I recommend it

Re: Mazda 3
 

The only thing I have found that would be a negative is that I have to fold down one of the seats to put my golf clubs in the hatch, they won't fit in across the back of the car.

Re: Mazda 3
 

Thanks for the replies guys. Any quirks are appreciated. Some times you miss the little things during a test ride.

Re: Mazda 3
 

Make sure you open the glove box, it's massive. I could fit all seven dwarfs and a case if beer inside of mine.

Re: Mazda 3
 

I've had a Speed3 for 2 yrs, and I love the hell out of it. Styling is great, fit and finish is great, material quality is very nice for the money, power, handling and ride are all fantastic. I've got zero complaints.

My in-laws are all driving Mazda's now too, started with a 3 sedan, then a CX-9, CX-7, and finally a 3 hatchback. Can't go wrong with Mazda.

Re: Mazda 3
 

I like the recommendations so far. I also think we will bounce it against the Chevy Cobalt. My GN CC will get me an additional $1,1000 off the cost if I do a GM car.

Re: Mazda 3
 

I have had them twice as rentals. Very good balance and steering input. Nice driving position. Decent low end torque. Probably the most driver's like car in that segement.