TC or 3?
 

Hey all,

I'm shopping for my sister and we are between a 3s and a tc. I priced both of them auto and they are both at $18k with similar amenities. Insurance is only a $1 difference.

I think they are very similar and good cars. The 3 handles a little better but the tc is a tad quicker. Both have good reputations and are also very good looking cars. I know this is a 3 forum, but does anyone regret buying their 3 or also considered a tc? What made you choose one over the other? The search only brings up old news. Does anyone have any links to media that ranks or compares either? It has to be auto so, auto 3 drivers please feel free to express your thoughts. Thanks

The mazda3 has been voted "best in class" by EVERY automobile reviewer. The same can't be said for the budget-toyota.

Are you a female? If so, the toyota is for you.

Actually, it is for my sister so based on your review Toyota is one up. Also, one is a coupe and one is a sedan so they really don't review against each other. That's why I'm going to actual owners who considered both.

you should REALLY look into the hatch....the 3S hatch is a GREAT car. Go get this month's copy of Motor Trend...they have a nice write up. Do some searches on websites like www.edmunds.com www.kbb.com www.caradndriver.com www.motortrend.com www.automobile.com etc....unbiased reviews...thats what you need.

http://motortrend.com/roadtests/wago..._first_mazda3/

http://www.edmunds.com/new/2005/mazd...rch.0.2.Mazda*

http://www.kbb.com/kb/ki.dll/ke.kb.s...ZDA3;05MASH;SH

http://www.caranddriver.com/article....&page_number=1

Thanks for the links, I have not read a couple of those. Did now know it was based off the S40 frame and safety features.

yup, it's a mazda/ford/volvo global vehicle.....part of the reason why it's so nice! Volvo chasis, mazda suspension, ford engine!

My wife's 3 is an automatic, and she is nuts about it. Great platform, great handling. Personally, I don't have a lot of use for coupes - if you don't need a backseat, get a two-seater! :)

czr, were are you located? I possibly have a 3S hatch for sale in the next week or so. sticker was $21K 3 months ago I could sell it for $17.5K and I'd deliver wherever you are (in the us). It's a fully loaded 2.3L automatic, leather, sunroof, 6-disk, 17" wheels, sport package,etc....everything but NAV.

my mother has a 04 matrix from toyota. VERY nice, i would get one but the pro is on my mind... i would say she needs the 3. did ford make the 02 pro 2.0L? i hope not..no offence to ford finatics, i just dont like ford/chevy.

Tampa bay area. Build date? How many miles? Color?

build date?? I have no clue...it's an 04 though. Titanium grey with black leather, 7500 miles. It also has the electro-luminescant interior stuff....the red and blue accent lighting throughout...not sure but I think this is standard on the Hatchback.

Go drive the TC and the 3 back to back and tell me which one you like more...my moneys on the 3! I drove ALOT of cars before i bought my 3...not a single one under 20,000 bucks had the refinement and comfort feel of the 3...most wouldnt pony up to the performance either.

I don't know about the auto but as far as the manual goes they have exactly the same 0-60 times and the 3 is roomier, more comfortable, and looks nicer inside then the tc. I considered both cars and unless your sister wants a coupe go with the 3. It the much more fun car. Plus if your sis ever did choose manual the tc's stick tranny can't even compare with the 3's. The 3 is so much smoother and just as fast.

TC or 3
 

Alright guys.... enough of the stereotyping :rolleyes: . This "chick" bought the 3 for its performance and tossability (and yes, it's a 5 spd). It was a driver's car and that's what I was after. But then, hey, I work for a racing publication, so it's in my blood.

Considered the TC, Sentra SE-R Spec V, and the 3. The Civic is ancient. Then again the Sentra seemed ancient, too (loved my 92 SE-R). The 3 seemed to have a higher quality interior and the fit and finish was better than the TC. Take a look at some of the TC message boards and you'll seem some seriously scary stuff happening in terms of build quality. People are having those glass roof windows shatter while driving, etc. Really weird stuff.

Bought my new 3S 5 dr a couple of weeks ago. Just love it (except for the winter issues, but that's another thread..lol). Can't wait for winter to end so that I can really enjoy it.

After owning cars like the CRX Si, 16V Scirocco, Sentra SE-R, RX-7's, etc., this is the first car that brought back that 1980's, early 90's pocket rocket feeling for me, but has all the new technology.

Hope your sister enjoys whatever she buys.
The 3 rules!