Buying new Mazda3
#1
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It's time. I'm buying a new car. I'm currently in a 98 Trans Am with 170,000 miles & damage to the driver's door, which I'm debating whether to trade in or attempt to sell.
I'm planning to get a 2010 Mazda3 S Grand Touring hatchback, Celestial Blue with the 6 speed manual & the sunroof/Bose package. We have friends at the dealership willing to work with the price & currently own an older Mazda3 which qualifies me for cash back, so we're hopefully getting a pretty decent deal. Nothing is final yet, but I hope to buy the day after Thanksgiving.
Before I go through with it, does anyone have any thoughts or recommendations? I did consider the Golf TDi for a while, but I think I'll be happier in the Mazda. There aren't many other decent hatchbacks in that price range new I'd care for, but I don't want to overlook anything, so I just want to hear what you all have to say.
I'm planning to get a 2010 Mazda3 S Grand Touring hatchback, Celestial Blue with the 6 speed manual & the sunroof/Bose package. We have friends at the dealership willing to work with the price & currently own an older Mazda3 which qualifies me for cash back, so we're hopefully getting a pretty decent deal. Nothing is final yet, but I hope to buy the day after Thanksgiving.
Before I go through with it, does anyone have any thoughts or recommendations? I did consider the Golf TDi for a while, but I think I'll be happier in the Mazda. There aren't many other decent hatchbacks in that price range new I'd care for, but I don't want to overlook anything, so I just want to hear what you all have to say.
#2
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Before I go through with it, does anyone have any thoughts or recommendations? I did consider the Golf TDi for a while, but I think I'll be happier in the Mazda. There aren't many other decent hatchbacks in that price range new I'd care for, but I don't want to overlook anything, so I just want to hear what you all have to say.
But that doesn't mean you have to settle on a Mazda3. The Honda Civic Si Hatchback, AWD Subaru Impreza Sportwagons, and Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe twins are all good competitors.
Whatever new car you decide on, remember the proper break-in procedure, and that, in most states, you have 30 days to report it to your insurance company (and remove the old car, if you no longer own it). But, I'd report it as soon as possible after I got it, even though you are automatically covered for the first 30 days.
Last edited by mmarshall; 11-17-09 at 09:01 PM.
#6
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Good car, I second the reliability assertion by mmarshall. Japanese cars are always a safe bet and the Mazda3 is one of the best hot-compacts.
Given your choice of manual tranny, Civic Si also comes to mind.
Given your choice of manual tranny, Civic Si also comes to mind.
#7
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Dlewbell, forget the Mazda3 and get the Mazdaspeed 3. This is the real deal in terms of performance (power and handling). It's got 280 lb-ft of torque starting at 3k rpm. In addition to the significantly improved suspension over the previous gen it also has considerably stiffer chassis. You want a serious handling car go get the 2010 Mazdaspeed 3. The interior has been upscaled as well. It only comes in manual and does not come with power seats and sun/moon roof. It's all manual buddy, except for power window. Good luck on your shopping.
My StateFarm insurance said something like you have 15 days.
(That's one reason, among many, why I like GEICO. They operate around the clock, 24 hours a day, and don't have regular agents keeping 9-5 office hours......after some button-pushing, you always get someone on the phone, any time of the day or night. Of course, some companies allow you to do things on-line, too, any time of the day or night).
Last edited by mmarshall; 11-18-09 at 06:43 AM.
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#8
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The Mazda 3 is a great car. Have not read a bad review of one yet, and was pleased when I test drove one.
I don't know what kind of deal your getting, but if you need a hatch, I'd also highly recommend looking at the Subaru Imprezza. Especially if you can afford the turbo or the WRX.
We replaced our 02 Sentra SeR Spec-V (loved that car, btw) about a year ago. Looked at the Mazda 3, Lancer GTS, and Imprezza. Ended up with an 08 Imprezza Outback Sport. Like you, we were getting a great deal, as my brother-in-law is a Subie tech. So not only did I get a discount, but if anything goes wrong I can get it fixed for free.
Between the two, the Subie felt like it had just a touch more power. But didn't have quite the same throttle response as the 3. The 3 also felt more confident through the corners, where the Imprezza has a lot of body roll. If you plan on auto-x-ing it (like your avitar shows) you'll probably prefer the Mazda.
But as an everyday car, it's tough to beat AWD. Or the fact that Subies regularly see 300k + miles with little drama (I personally know of 6 or 8 with that many).
Just m thoughts, though.
I don't know what kind of deal your getting, but if you need a hatch, I'd also highly recommend looking at the Subaru Imprezza. Especially if you can afford the turbo or the WRX.
We replaced our 02 Sentra SeR Spec-V (loved that car, btw) about a year ago. Looked at the Mazda 3, Lancer GTS, and Imprezza. Ended up with an 08 Imprezza Outback Sport. Like you, we were getting a great deal, as my brother-in-law is a Subie tech. So not only did I get a discount, but if anything goes wrong I can get it fixed for free.
Between the two, the Subie felt like it had just a touch more power. But didn't have quite the same throttle response as the 3. The 3 also felt more confident through the corners, where the Imprezza has a lot of body roll. If you plan on auto-x-ing it (like your avitar shows) you'll probably prefer the Mazda.
But as an everyday car, it's tough to beat AWD. Or the fact that Subies regularly see 300k + miles with little drama (I personally know of 6 or 8 with that many).
Just m thoughts, though.
#9
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Thanks for the quick responses. You guys remind me why this is pretty much the only forum I go to.
I am 99% settled on the Mazda 3 at this point. Tomorrow night, I will get to see the Grand Touring trim in person (adds leather, heated seats, dual auto climate control, better headlights, & some other small changes) and drive the manual. The only thing I could imagine changing my mind at this point is if I don't like the feel of the stick.
You guys did bring up some good alternatives that I have looked at. I was leaning towards an Impreza/WRX, but the interior is not as nice, & my wife could not comfortably depress the clutch (she's 4'-10"). Until I found that out, I spent a few months staring at the Subarus. I would consider a Civic if it was available in a 5 door hatchback, but it's sadly not. It was only 1 year ago that my wife picked the Mazda 3 over the Civic. I didn't check out the Matrix/Vibe, but it doesn't seem as nice, & if it rides like a Corolla then I'd never touch it. I did consider the MazdaSpeed3, (it's actually within $500 of the GT trim) but as mmarshall stated the insurance cost would be higher and the gas cost would be a bit higher. I could probably afford it, but with an 80 mile roundtrip drive, I doubt I'd get much extra use out of it, especially considering the luxury equipment I'd miss. I have thought this through a lot over the last few months, but I wanted to make sure I wasn't missing anything before I went for it.
So, does anyone have any suggestions for purchasing across state lines? Anything extra I should watch out during the purchasing process or anything like that?
Thanks a lot for sharing your opinions & experiences.
I am 99% settled on the Mazda 3 at this point. Tomorrow night, I will get to see the Grand Touring trim in person (adds leather, heated seats, dual auto climate control, better headlights, & some other small changes) and drive the manual. The only thing I could imagine changing my mind at this point is if I don't like the feel of the stick.
You guys did bring up some good alternatives that I have looked at. I was leaning towards an Impreza/WRX, but the interior is not as nice, & my wife could not comfortably depress the clutch (she's 4'-10"). Until I found that out, I spent a few months staring at the Subarus. I would consider a Civic if it was available in a 5 door hatchback, but it's sadly not. It was only 1 year ago that my wife picked the Mazda 3 over the Civic. I didn't check out the Matrix/Vibe, but it doesn't seem as nice, & if it rides like a Corolla then I'd never touch it. I did consider the MazdaSpeed3, (it's actually within $500 of the GT trim) but as mmarshall stated the insurance cost would be higher and the gas cost would be a bit higher. I could probably afford it, but with an 80 mile roundtrip drive, I doubt I'd get much extra use out of it, especially considering the luxury equipment I'd miss. I have thought this through a lot over the last few months, but I wanted to make sure I wasn't missing anything before I went for it.
So, does anyone have any suggestions for purchasing across state lines? Anything extra I should watch out during the purchasing process or anything like that?
Thanks a lot for sharing your opinions & experiences.
#10
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It's unfortunate that the MS3 misses out on things like full leather seating and HID headlamps, but it keeps the customers limited to the true enthusiasts who want more than a "fun daily driver" and may visit the racetrack.
#11
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The goofy front styling is enough to turn me away, but if you can swallow that, it's a solid car that should last.
#12
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#13
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So, I test drove the Mazda 3 equipped how I want it last week, & I love it even more than I expected. I've been talking to the dealer for the last few days, & he's working on getting one in stock before Friday. If he can get that done, it's mine. I'll post pictures when I finally get it.
#14
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So, I test drove the Mazda 3 equipped how I want it last week, & I love it even more than I expected. I've been talking to the dealer for the last few days, & he's working on getting one in stock before Friday. If he can get that done, it's mine. I'll post pictures when I finally get it.
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#15
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Finally got my new Mazda 3. One of the dealers here was able to get the exact model I was looking for last Tuesday. I'm loving it.
Here are a few quick shots I took before it started raining. I'll post more & update my signature when I have the chance.
![](https://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs066.snc3/13357_515706288593_29201216_30596303_3057477_n.jpg)
Here are a few quick shots I took before it started raining. I'll post more & update my signature when I have the chance.
![](https://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs066.snc3/13357_515706288593_29201216_30596303_3057477_n.jpg)
![](https://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs046.snc3/13357_515706293583_29201216_30596304_7555704_n.jpg)