SomeGuy

Hi everyone,

I do not own a Mazda 3, but i am looking in to one to replace my current vehicle.
I drive a 2000 Ford ranger 4wd Auto and its a Pos. 12mpg on a good day, bad trans. I have done nothing but put money in to it since i bought it (in august). Lets say I'm sick of it.
I am a college student and i am looking for a reliable car with minimum repairs that gets good mpgs. I have been doing some research and from what i have read and heard is the mazda 3 is rated more reliable then a civic. If thats true (my parents own an 2010 civic with 25k miles and no problems) then i think i want one.

I have found several Mazda 3's for good deals at my local mazda dealer. I will be buying used because I don't have the money for a new one. I found an 04 Mazda 3i 92k miles auto trans (with manual shift over ride) for 7400 and an 05 Mazda 3i with 88k miles 5 speed stick for 7500. Im leaning towards the 04 because i do alot of city driving and an Auto seems easier to me. I do know how to drive a stick shift but i have very limited experience (1 year on an old beat up 2wd pick up) and it was a pain in the butt in the city (lots of hills and stops and go) im surprised the clutch didnt go. I have heard alot of good things about these 3's. I would like to ask all of your opinions and things i should watch out for with these model years. Also how are these cars in the snow, i live in wisconsin and good handling in the snow is important (i do alot of city so the roads are mainly plowed and salted before i have to go anywhere, some times not)

Thanks you for any imput
A Possible Mazda 3 owner

Ps: This would be my first Mazda (i have only ever had fords) my families 2nd. My dad had an old mazda pick up back in the 80's before i was around

Parabolous

Smart choice looking at Mazda's. I've heard the earlier years of the first generation Mazda 3's, 04-06, have a rusting problem so maybe check the fenders and the wheel wells for that jazz. Personally I have an '04 3s and it's pretty fun. The VTCS in the intake manifold has gone out, that's the only thing I've had to deal with so far. You'll prefer the handling of the Mazda over the Civic, although the Civic might get more MPG's. Maybe. The interior of the newer Civic's are crap, a couple of coworkers have 2009 and 2010 Civics and it feels like the dash is in the hood. In my opinion the Mazda looks better and feels better than a Civic but it just depends on what you're looking for and what you're used to. The Civic's i-vtec engine is probably more reliable though and will last longer. Listen to the engine's of the Mazda's you're looking at really good to hear if they sound worn out or weak. Oh, and I hope either if those Mazda's are Titanium Gray Metallic because we all know that's the fastest color.

I hope this helps!

SomeGuy

Ones whiteish gold the others black. Both cars are super clean no rust. I thought they were new cars, not used lol. Mileage isn't that important to me, coming from a truck that averages 10-12, the 20-25 I'd probaly get in a Mazda is doubling my current mileage. Sounds good to me. I'm basically looking for a good reliable car to get me around. I test drove the 04 and that was a blast, alot more Getty up then my truck, with half the engine. I have to agree about the civc. I hate the digital speed display. How are these cars in the snow? If they are anything like the civics, I might have found my new car. Love the styling of the 3's

SomeGuy

Another question popped into mind, how long should I expect these cars to last? I realize they both have close to 100k miles, I don't mind repairing parts as long as it's not in the shop every month. Would 150-200k be a resonable expectation?

Parabolous

I live in New Mexico so I'm not too sure how they do in snow, haha. I guess from my standpoint it just depends on the wheels and tires of your choice. They handle great though on black ice from what I've found out. I'm not really too sure how long they last seeing as how they're not even a decade old, I've seen a couple of people on a few forums that have taken them past 100k miles and still run like new. All just depends on how you take care of them and how well the previous owners took care of them. Mazda'a are crazy fun too!

SomeGuy

Would it be safe tO say that they handle as well as a civic or a ford focus in the snow? The one I test drove was fun. Love the stiffer suspension, makes feel more like a sports car.

deadeyedevon

i dont know from personal experience but from reviews they do well in the snow when they have the right tires(as stated above). I havent had my 3 for long but im averaging 25mpg with a lead foot and city driving.

Since i just went thru the comparison deal myself i can tell you(my opinion) the focus doesnt handle,accelorate or look half as good as the 3. the civic was a close 2nd but again just wasnt as fun to drive or look at.

SomeGuy

I have heard the focus doesn't even hold a candle to the mazda 3 in the fun to drive category. but i heard they are very simalar (mechanicly) and an 01 that i beat the **** out of and it kept asking for more. so if the mazda is anything like that, i think ill be very happy. I do agree the civic isnt as fun to drive and i personaly dont' care for the design. But im really looking for a car more for better mpgs then my truck... i would be willing to scrafice a few mpg for some fun to drive aspects. even if i average 22-24 in the mazda id be doubling my current mpg.

Parabolous

I agree with deadeye, the focus doesn't compare. The Civic has definitely lost any visual value since they changed the design in '06. I might be biased when I say go for the 3 but you'll like the car no matter what we say.

SomeGuy

Well i just put money down on an 04 mazda 3i with 92k miles on it. so good bye ford ranger, hello mazda 3.

Just one thing, what causes the blinker not to turn off when you make a turn? When i make a right turn the blinker doesn't click off. And sometimes it doesn't do it to the left. Any ideas?

Parabolous

It might be a fuse or the blinker box has been worn down. Let the dealer know so they can "owe it to you" and fix it before you drive it off the lot.

SomeGuy

They won't fix it, unless im paying for it. They are already taking an 1800 dollar hit on this car because they are running a promotion. Lowering all the prices on their cars so they can get new customers. Most of their business is based on repeat customers. Their idea is (because its mazda dealer ship and mazda no longer has a pick up truck) is to have cheap cars, because of the time of year (winter, its truck season) and get people cars for good deals, so hopefully the people who buy come back to them first next time they are looking. I'll ask them and see what they think it is but ill probaly just deal with it for a few months untill i can save up a little money. car purchases are hell on my bank account

deadeyedevon

ya know, when i bought my 2010 just a few weeks ago the dealership gave me the same line...my center console luck/lever was broke and my wife told them we wouldnt buy it unless it was put on the we owe slip. they haggled for a minute but eventually put it on there. dont let them strong arm you, they want to sell the car way more than you want to buy it (no matter how bad you want the car)

SomeGuy

To be honest its not that big of a deal. I'm use to living with out a few things when it comes to cars. My current ride the drivers side window doesn't work. Hasn't since I bought it. I think I can live with the blinker. I'll talk to them, see what they say.

rangermutt

I would check the turn signal module in the steering column. There s/b a cam of some sort attached to the steering shaft that engages and disengages the switch.

Enjoy your Mazda!