I'm buying a new car for use by my wife and daughter. Mostly used around town, but a few highway (100+ mile) trips. Choice comes down to a Mazda3 5-door or a Mazda6 sport sedan.

Comments from those who may already have thought about this?

Thanks.

 

It all comes down to how much room you really need, and how much you're willing to spend. I don't really need that much room, because I went with a 3 5-door. They both look great and are reasonably priced. If you want speed, go with the 3 and get hiboost's turbo kit they're coming out with next month. They claim 250 whp! 250whp goes a lot further in a 3 than a 6.

 

In Canada it is the same engine in both. Interior and exterior looks are different and you gain about 75 litres cargo space in the 6, pricier is the 6 so there is you choice. Of course the 6 is fancier inside a little but heh <shrugging shoulders> I like the 3.

 

The 3 is the way I went and I am loving every minute of it.
I would highly recommend the s series. The 6 is nice but I noticed a lot more road noise from the back end.

 

I say the 3 also....the 2.3L engine is great in the 3 and only ok in the 6. Getting a V6 6 would mean a $5-6K difference in price. It's not worth it.

 

i agree with prime... though you do get more creature comforts with the 6, wich if its for your wife/daughter that may be the route you would want to go...?? just my 2 cents...

 

Dealer discounts on the 6 were 4 thou, which really made the pricing attractive. An entry 6 about the same price as a loaded 3S. I bought the 3S with manual and ALL the other options worth having (no navi). A 6 with side airbags and sunroof would have pushed the price too high.

 

Well I was considering the 3 and 6 as well. We went with the 6 b/c we got it for only a $1000 bucks more than the 3. We got the sports sedan with the 2.3L. It still has good power even with the extra weight. But in the mazda 6 line the sports sedan is the way to go. It comes with all the trimings.

 

I think you guys neglected to consider the first part of this post....it's for his WIFE and DAUGHTER. Granted, he would much rather have the 3 with the 2.3L and a 5spd for himself, but it will likely have to be an automatic since it's damn near impossible to find two women in the same 10mile radius who can drive stick proficiently. So you're loosing your sporty feel all together anyhow. Furthermore, women are going to be much more partial to the smoother riding, larger capacity 6 than the 3. Honestly, let your wife drive both, and see which one she likes. I bet she'll want the 6, but leave it up to her...it'll be worth it rather than having to hear her tell you how much she really likes the 6, 3 months after you get her the 3.