Buy a 2005 Mazda3 Hatchback?

[Mermaidman]

I thinking of exchanging my 9-month old 2005 Tribute for a new Mazda3 hatchback.

A local dealership has a 2005 Mazda3 left on the lot.
Pros:
-Potential good deal
-Has the color and options I want

Cons:
-It has almost 200 grueling test-drive miles
-Lower resale value
-It has a 4-speed transmission (2006 models have 5-speed)

So you think it's a good or bad idea to buy "Last Year's Model?"

BTW, I got the Tribute new (loaded V6 2WD) for less than $19K and I can sell it used for close to $19K!

 

[tfinch2]

Automatic = :thumbsdown:

 

[Juno]

go for 2006 model.

i actually regretted when i bought a brand new '04 nissan xterra. i should've waited for four months to buy a brand new '05 model.

 

[Mermaidman]

Originally posted by: tfinch2
Automatic = :thumbsdown:

Loving Wife=:thumbsup:

Originally posted by: Juno
go for 2006 model.

i actually regretted when i bought a brand new '04 nissan xterra. i should've waited for four months to buy a brand new '05 model.

Did the '05 have more features? The '06 Mazda3 has better fuel econ due to the extra gear.

 

[Tu13erhead]

.

 

[Mermaidman]

Originally posted by: Tu13erhead

Originally posted by: Mermaidman

Originally posted by: tfinch2
Automatic = :thumbsdown:

Loving Wife=:thumbsup:

Loving Wife who drives stick = :thumbsup::thumbsup:

Drat!

OK then, how about--
Being able to talk on cell phone and eat a burger while driving=:thumbsup:

 

[Tu13erhead]

Originally posted by: Mermaidman

Originally posted by: Tu13erhead

Originally posted by: Mermaidman

Originally posted by: tfinch2
Automatic = :thumbsdown:

Loving Wife=:thumbsup:

Loving Wife who drives stick = :thumbsup::thumbsup:

Drat!

OK then, how about--
Being able to talk on cell phone and eat a burger while driving=:thumbsup:

Being able to talk on cell phone and eat a burger while driving stick=:thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[Mermaidman]

Originally posted by: Tu13erhead

Originally posted by: Mermaidman

Originally posted by: Tu13erhead

Originally posted by: Mermaidman

Originally posted by: tfinch2
Automatic = :thumbsdown:

Loving Wife=:thumbsup:

Loving Wife who drives stick = :thumbsup::thumbsup:

Drat!

OK then, how about--
Being able to talk on cell phone and eat a burger while driving=:thumbsup:

Being able to talk on cell phone and eat a burger while driving stick=:thumbsup::thumbsup:

OK, I've been pwnd

 

[Tu13erhead]

Originally posted by: Mermaidman

Originally posted by: Tu13erhead

Originally posted by: Mermaidman

Originally posted by: Tu13erhead

Originally posted by: Mermaidman

Originally posted by: tfinch2
Automatic = :thumbsdown:

Loving Wife=:thumbsup:

Loving Wife who drives stick = :thumbsup::thumbsup:

Drat!

OK then, how about--
Being able to talk on cell phone and eat a burger while driving=:thumbsup:

Being able to talk on cell phone and eat a burger while driving stick=:thumbsup::thumbsup:

OK, I've been pwnd

You're welcome.

 

[Juno]

Originally posted by: Mermaidman

Originally posted by: tfinch2
Automatic = :thumbsdown:

Loving Wife=:thumbsup:

Originally posted by: Juno
go for 2006 model.

i actually regretted when i bought a brand new '04 nissan xterra. i should've waited for four months to buy a brand new '05 model.

Did the '05 have more features? The '06 Mazda3 has better fuel econ due to the extra gear.

'05 nissan xterra has 265hp while '04 xterra only has 180hp.

 

[WolverineGator]

"'05 nissan xterra has 265hp while '04 xterra only has 180hp"

This does wonders for fuel economy.


FYI, 06 Mazda 3 has variable intermittent wipers and cabin air filter standard. 05 does not.

Mazda North American Operations - January 2006

Month-To-Date Year-To-Date

January % January %
...........2006 2005 Change ...........2006 2005 Change

Mazda3 6,109 5,258 16% 6,109 5,258 16%

- MAZDA3 Achieves Best-Ever January -

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda North American Operations
(MNAO) today reported sales of 18,177 vehicles in January -- a 7.0 percent
increase versus the same period last year.
January sales were led in volume by continued strong sales of the MAZDA3,
which reported sales of 6,109 units, accounting for a 16.0 percent increase
versus last year. MAZDA5 continues to be a strong seller as it posted sales
of 1,220 units while the MX-5 Miata posted sales of 1,067 units.

 

[codeyf]

You didn't say much as to if you take advantage of the bigger vehicle. I like the 3's, but I have been REALLY happy with our '01 Escape we bought last year. So, if you use the space of the bigger car, I say keep the Trib.

 

[Mermaidman]

Originally posted by: codeyf
You didn't say much as to if you take advantage of the bigger vehicle. I like the 3's, but I have been REALLY happy with our '01 Escape we bought last year. So, if you use the space of the bigger car, I say keep the Trib.

Good point. I got the Tribute to have a 'useful' car because our other car is a highway cruiser. But now I miss having a fun ride. I don't care if the Tribute is the best handling SUV, it just ain't the same. So I figured the Mazda3 would be a compromise of stuff hauler and racecar wannabe. It's also cheap and easy on gas.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Something wrong with the Invisible Boatmobile?

 

[Mermaidman]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Something wrong with the Invisible Boatmobile?

I always forget where I parked it.

 

[JoPh]

06 mz3s