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-   -   TC or 3? (https://www.mazda3club.com/mazda3-mazdaspeed3-98/tc-3-a-38785/)

czr March-1st-2005 09:21 AM

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

Roddimus Prime March-1st-2005 09:51 AM

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.

czr March-1st-2005 10:32 AM

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.

Roddimus Prime March-1st-2005 11:23 AM

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.

Roddimus Prime March-1st-2005 11:40 AM

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

czr March-1st-2005 11:57 AM

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.

Roddimus Prime March-1st-2005 12:46 PM

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

Dragonbreath March-1st-2005 12:53 PM

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! :)

Roddimus Prime March-1st-2005 01:06 PM

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.

Stueck March-1st-2005 01:53 PM

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.

czr March-1st-2005 02:08 PM


Originally Posted by Roddimus Prime
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.

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

Roddimus Prime March-1st-2005 03:00 PM

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.

Jeffro426 March-1st-2005 03:12 PM

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.

Bluehatch32 March-1st-2005 07:54 PM

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.

winning3 March-2nd-2005 07:41 AM

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!

Speed 2000 March-6th-2005 11:15 AM

I looked seriously at the tc before even looking at the 3. I was initally put off by the cheap feeling parts in the interior, that radio cover is flimsier than an early ninties GM cupholder! Nice looking car for the money and mechanically, should hold up for years.

Once I looked at the 3 hatchback, I was surprised by how nicer all the interior surfaces looked an felt. While not quite up to Audi/BMW standards as far as materials used, they were much better than what is available in the sub $20K segment.

Once I drove the thing, I could not believe how nice and tight it felt. Eyes closed, a passenger would guess they were riding in a $35K vehicle at freeway speeds.

Needless to say, I bought the 3 hatchback, with HIDs, ABS, side airbags, driveout for just under $19K.

macdaddyslomo March-6th-2005 01:59 PM


Originally Posted by Roddimus Prime
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 the 3 was given a best in class review by a womens magazine and voted "most female friendy" also

Roddimus Prime March-6th-2005 04:28 PM

My wife drives the 3S and loves it....of course so do I. So it's a draw.

She also thinks a Camry is "cute"....i do not....score one chick vote toyota!


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