g0lden

Hello everyone, My name is Dawud. I want to introduce my self to this fine community, and ask you guys/gals some questions if I could.

Currently I'm driving a 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser 4x4. It's one heck of a off-road rig, but the monthly payments, the not so awesome gas mileage, and also the wife can't drive it all that great are reasons to let it go. In search of a new ride I went and test drove several vehicles. I checked out the new Focus, Cruze, Honda Civic & Fit. None of these cars really made an impression like the test drive of the Mazda 3 did. I was super thrilled at how the car performs, and handles straight from the showroom floor. For the price the interior/exterior are pretty nice.

Now here comes a couple questions if ya don't mind.
- What kind of things should I expect I may not find in a test drive?
-Does the car have any major flaws that show up down the road?
-I want the technology/moonroof,BOSE,etc. package, but it is like $3000 upgrade. Do those features really make it worth the extra price tag?
-Is there any other questions I should ask?


Thanks
Dawud

g0lden

bump
Any one have any advice or help

roadster

Choose the 3 over all other options. Mazda has bullet proof reliability. They've perfected the 3 with the introduction of the 2010 model. I had a 2005, loved it, but the rear suspension had no camber adjustment and made the rear tires wear unevenly and caused bad road noise. This was fixed with the new model. I switched over to an Acura RDX SH-AWD after this car. The not so good gas mileage and bumpy ride eventually lead me to purchase a spanking new 2011 Mazda 3 Hatchback sport TODAY. WOW, do I love this car! I even opted for the 6-speed manual transmission. It is so easy to shift and the clutch is easy on the left leg! I have a 2000 Miata LS and always thought there was nothing out on the market as easy, fun, and simple to shift through the gears as this car. WRONG. The new 3 is better!!!! Regarding the Technology package; I gave up Nav and rear backup camera from my Acura and will NOT miss it. The NAV system on cars constantly has to be updated. I have a smart phone and will use google nav if I need directions for the FEW times that I actually need it. This FREE with my data package. I almost NEVER used the NAV on my Acura and, therefore, don't see the reason why to pay $3000 for it on the car. Bluetooth is a must, but guess what? It is standard on the 3. It is super simple to set up. It took 2 minutes or less at the dealership to pair with my phone and I was ready to go! PLUS, the bluetooth w/ Mazda lets you play your tunes, Pandora, Slacker radio via Bluetooth vs. the aux input jack. Sound quality is superior to aux input and you don't have to plug your phone up every time you get in and out of the car. Brilliant! Sunroof is up to you. I didn't care. Never use a sunroof. If I want sun and wind, I drive my Miata. Daily commuting, I never opened the roof on my Acura. If you get a call via bluetooth or want to make a call, you shut up the moonroof because the wind noise. Why pay extra? This car handles like a true sports car but rides like a calm family car! And I know what a true sports car handles like because I've owned several Miata's, Corvettes, Infiniti G35 coupe, 350Z, BMW Z3, etc. This car is the real deal on country roads and curve. The peppy 167 HP engine is great. Super smooth, ghostly quiet, and pulls strong throughout each gear. Yet, I averaged 29.7 MPG's on the spirited test drive. Simply amazing! The build quality is superior to anything out there right now. Best car on the market right now for $20,760!! I can throw the rear seats down and stuff a bunch of cargo in the car like an SUV but have fun and get great MPG's. Enough said. I hope this helps.

g0lden

Roadster thanks for the reply. I turned down a bunch of others cars, and have put down $500 to secure they have to get from another dealership in Austin, TX. I don't really want the navigation either. I am very interested in the push button start, the Dual HID headlights, LED tail-lights, etc. The moon roof is pretty cool on a road trip, or a cool spring...or winter night if you live in Houston, TX.

I read a couple reviews (I think the 2010 model) and heard some people saying the Mazda 3 is made with really cheap interior parts, the AT transmission was a fail, and questioned the reliability of the car.
Then I read a lot of others saying they really like the car and everything about it. I am just trying to dig up all the negatives about the car to make sure I don't end up with a mess in the end.

The positive comments out weigh the negative by far. I'm all psyched and can't wait.

Thanks
Dawud