chexmix78

2 years ago. i was looking at getting the 3sedan, and instead i came across a 2003 protege5 that was certified pre-owned, so i picked that up instead and saved me thousands as it already came with extended warranty....plus i always wanted a p5...

well, the car, was fun at first, but it came with alot of gremlins, too many trips to the dealer and it left me stranded too many times, twice when the temp was below zero....

long story short, at 4am this morning, i crunched some numbers and figured i could get a 3sedan for not too much more a month and i would get a smooth, trouble free(here's hoping) car.

so i went to the dealer today and signed for a New i Touring Value 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
it was so new, it was still plastic wrapped....i have to pick it up tomorrow.

i opted for nothing more than what was already included on the value version.

i got it in the galaxy gray. (i think, the darker gray.)

krs2fer

That sux. the p5 is a nice car.

Sux you had to get an i/

kargoboy

2.0 or not, still a nice purchase and faster than the P5. Congrats.

ahightower

Congrats! I also have a galaxy grey 2008 3i 5M. Loving it so far. Washed and waxed yesterday, love how that paint shines in the sun. I find the 2.0 to be more than adequate. I test drove both, no doubt the 2.3 was even smoother and faster, but the 2.0 has not left me wanting for more. Definitely better than the Mitsu Lancer 2.0 that I considered buying. I am averaging 31.4 mpg over the first 5,000 miles (admittidly driving like a grandpa and hitting the road early to avoid traffic). I do wish the Value Edition had been around when I bought mine back in November 2007, as I'd have liked the leather steering wheel and fog lights. However, I think I prefer my 16" wheels. Not as flashy looking, but they're handsome alloys, and I think these tires will last longer, cost less to replace, and give a smoother ride. That's how I console myself anyway!...

Please do share your buying experience, price paid, etc.

chexmix78

yeah, but surprisingly all i miss is the fender flares... i guess i am getting old, as i am appreciating the smoother ride the 3 offers and it's quicker....and the p5 at 60k miles and at 5 years old, is definately getting outhandled by this 3...


and yes it is an i, but it doesn't look like an i, it has from my understanding all s updated parts, 17" alloys, fog lamps, tail lights etc...just the 2.0 from the i

chexmix78

i agree the 2.0 is all i need. the value addition is awesome, i got the leather wheel, the for lamps as you mentioned, 17" wheels, power windows, locks, i-pod hook-up, but no cd changer, no spoiler or sunroof... i wanted to keep cost down.

16,170, ...what is everyone else paying? msrp was like 17600 and invoice was like 16600 or something, but i don't think i got a great deal, but at the same time there is no other car on the market that offers what this car offered for that price...i wasn't super excited yesterday when i bought it as i "settled" for it, when i would have prefered the ms3 or other higher priced cars...but today, today was a different story, i love my new car... the color imo was the best available but i wasn't thrilled about it....but seeing it in the sun for the first time, how it glimmers almost pearl-like...

like i said i love it, it already feels like my car...more than the p5 did. maybe i didn't appreciate the p5 as i didn't buy it new...it was a good car, but really digging my 3

i may later opt for the lips spoiler, as that screwed on, or is it 3m tape adhered?

chexmix78

it's paid for! and at under 50,000 miles, I think I am keeping her for a while. I just swapped the seats for the mazdaspeed leather. huge improvement. more upgrades to follow. brakes this month, suspension this year. and finally go faster mods.

I am thinking of swapping the ms3 calipers.

eggynatey

Congrats on paying off your ride!

chexmix78

I haven't really posted. I realized I have been on mazda forums since I bought the p5 in 2004. good times. also my rx-7 turns 25 this year. I've had it almost 17 years? need to get it driveable.