Predicament: shopping for a used car [Update: bought the 2007 Mazda 3 s]

[CurseTheSky]

Nice choice with the Mazda3.

The Fusion would have been a great car too - possibly a bit more reliable in the long run - but the mileage on the V6 models is poor. I averaged 22-24 MPG with my 2008 SE V6, about 60/40 city/highway. For comparison, I'm getting a consistent 27 MPG with the same 60/40 city/highway in my 2014 Fusion SE 2.5L. I expect that to even out around 28 MPG when the engine is fully broken in. Bear in mind that I don't baby my cars; when I tried hard, I could get up to 28-29 MPG with the V6, and I expect I could get 32-34 MPG on the same trip with the I4.

I also feel that even though the first gen Fusion SELs are nice, the Mazda3 will be a nicer car inside. Fusions of that era seemed a lot more utilitarian. They weren't bad at all, just a bit plain compared to the competition.

 

[destrekor]

Nice choice with the Mazda3.

The Fusion would have been a great car too - possibly a bit more reliable in the long run - but the mileage on the V6 models is poor. I averaged 22-24 MPG with my 2008 SE V6, about 60/40 city/highway. For comparison, I'm getting a consistent 27 MPG with the same 60/40 city/highway in my 2014 Fusion SE 2.5L. I expect that to even out around 28 MPG when the engine is fully broken in. Bear in mind that I don't baby my cars; when I tried hard, I could get up to 28-29 MPG with the V6, and I expect I could get 32-34 MPG on the same trip with the I4.

I also feel that even though the first gen Fusion SELs are nice, the Mazda3 will be a nicer car inside. Fusions of that era seemed a lot more utilitarian. They weren't bad at all, just a bit plain compared to the competition.

Well, all things equal, I think the Fusions were a touch nicer. The Mazda3 isn't exactly a luxury car inside. Comparing trim levels and interior finishes, I think the Fusion had the slight advantage as to how it all felt inside.

I still think I probably should have got a 2008 or 2009 Fusion, as I would have been happy enough with Sync, and I wouldn't be losing passenger legroom or cargo space. But while that generation of Fusions had a good ride, it also wasn't a sporty ride, and I think I've been looking for that for a long time now. Overall, the Fusion seemed nicer, but I've gotta give in to my sport-car craving.

If this settles things, I may or may not ever get that WRX that I've wanted for so long. If I love it and don't need more for my next ride (plus, hatchback = more space, even if it's still an economy car size), I probably will get it. But if by that time I have real needs for a larger ride, and I just cannot tolerate the lack of ride softness anymore, who knows what I'll look to at that point.

 

[bamx2]

I am the used car shopping predicament too. What other sites are out there like www.carcomplaints.com ? - Thanks

That's the website I used to figure out the 3 is a viable option (among a bunch of other sources). That sight steered me away from the G6, and was very much in favor of 2007-2009 Fusions.

 

[destrekor]

I am the used car shopping predicament too. What other sites are out there like www.carcomplaints.com ? - Thanks

Not any like it, but some similar. Edmunds.com will have consumer reviews, for instance.
I just varied between searching "2007 mazda3 reliable" and "2007 mazda3 reliability" and going down a few rabbit holes and reading on forums.

 

[monkeydelmagico]

Congrats on the new (to you) ride. Mazda 3 hatch is a great car. I had one for a couple years that was a great handling vehicle. Always enjoyed my commute on back roads. I never did find a better stereo option but it looks like you've got that figured out.

Your 17's that are on it are tweaked? Maybe 16s are the way to go.