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Thinking of a Mazda3 hatchback for the wife

alkemyst

alkemyst

No Lifer
Need to drive the 09 vs 10 to see the differences still, she's not sure on the SPEED3 or not, they are pretty close in price.

Anyone have experience? Any other alternatives?

She wants 4 doors and a hatchback.

She likes the Mini and the Countryman looks like a good candidate too, but it's another $10k+ even prior to options so that's not going to work.
 
the speed3 is a really good deal. The only reason I can see for getting the non speed hatch is if you're too lazy to learn how to drive manual.

I love mine, with a few tweaks it gets even better - the Cobb AP just came out so yeah... (being too broke to buy one helps keep the mod monkey away)

you have to get the 2.5 for the hatch mz3, and it's just so much better to drive with a manual, then you might as well get a speed3 if she's ok with the wonky clutch

Fit, Matrix, Versa, Cruze hatch apparently coming, Fiesta hatch, Focus hatch

lots of choice (surprisingly for USA), you're just gonna have to test drive and see which on you like the best. They all have pretty good reliability and similar mileage (~25/~35)
 
I was actually just checking out the new Focus. It's a totally different beast now...however, the titanium prices out about $28k.

The Fiesta may be a little too small for her, I had actually thought of possibily picking one up for myself and commuting. I am going to be doing about 1500 miles a month and at 40mpg and $3.40 gas vs a Charger SRT8's 20mpg and $3.80 gas...I'd save about $170/month. Decent savings, but don't think it'd be worth it. I may be able to squeek out more from the SRT8 as all but a 1/2 mile of my 31mile commute each way is highway and no lights.
 
The Focus will get better mpg's than the 3, and probably equatable in 'fun factor', just don't tick the box for every option and you can have a decent one for low 20's.
 
I think the Titanium level of trim is the real equal to the Mazda level though. Even the SES is pricing out to 24k with the options she'd want.

a Mazda3 was coming out to $20kish and the SPEED3 about $24k loaded....the Focus is about $4k more at both trim levels....

I like the looks of the Focus better.
 
Also depends on how soon you want this car. Focii are suppose to be arriving sometime this month/next month, but who knows how many are going to be available. There might not be a Focus to buy.
 
My moms got a 2010 and she is crazy happy with it. Gets great mileage, is roomy enough for all her crap, has decent performance, and is fun to drive.

Cash for clunkers ftw
 
i have an 05 mazda 3 sport sedan and love the car. its been super reliable. the updated model though is horrendus with that stupid smiley face on the front.
 
alkemyst said:
I think the Titanium level of trim is the real equal to the Mazda level though. Even the SES is pricing out to 24k with the options she'd want.

a Mazda3 was coming out to $20kish and the SPEED3 about $24k loaded....the Focus is about $4k more at both trim levels....

I like the looks of the Focus better.
Click to expand...

You're misleading yourself. The Titanium hatch STARTS at 23.5k. Its only 28k if you add junk like rain sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors, rear view camera, and automatic parallel parking.

And the speed3 is definitely NOT loaded for $24k, thats its base price. Its more like $27k "loaded" with the tech package

The 3 hatch starts at $20k, not $20k after options. I don't get how you're comparing a base 3 to a brand new focus with options out ot the optioned moonroof, but its not really a fair comparison

And keep in mind, the 3 is quite bad on gas for some reason. Like 22/29
 
yh125d said:
You're misleading yourself. The Titanium hatch STARTS at 23.5k. Its only 28k if you add junk like rain sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors, rear view camera, and automatic parallel parking.

And the speed3 is definitely NOT loaded for $24k, thats its base price. Its more like $27k "loaded" with the tech package

The 3 hatch starts at $20k, not $20k after options. I don't get how you're comparing a base 3 to a brand new focus with options out ot the optioned moonroof, but its not really a fair comparison

And keep in mind, the 3 is quite bad on gas for some reason. Like 22/29
Click to expand...

Don't know dude, I just priced them both out....

Mazda3
True Market Value® Base Price $18,544
Moonroof, 6-CD & Bose Audio Package $1,200
Rear Aero Flares & Rear Center Under Skirt $440
Rear Bumper Guard $40
Cargo Net $32
In-Dash 6-Disc CD Changer $400
Compass & Auto-Dimming Mirror w/Homelink $220
Celestial Blue Mica
Dune
Front Air Dam $440
Destination Fee $795

Regional Adjustment $31
Color Adjustment $92
Total Price $22,234

MazdaSpeed3
True Market Value® Base Price $21,979
MAZDASPEED3 Tech Package $2,163
Black w/Red Trim
Compass & Auto Dim Mirror w/Homelink $220
Celestial Blue Mica
Cargo Net$32
Destination Fee$795
Regional Adjustment $37
Color Adjustment $109
Total Price $25,303

Focus Hatch Titanium
True Market Value® Base Price $22,765
Titanium Handling Package $595
Parking Technology Package Discount ($405)
Charcoal Black
Cargo Area Protector $75
Parking Technology Package $1,100
SEL/Titanium Winter Package $470
Cargo Management Package $115
Power Moonroof $795
Stainless Steel Door-Sill Plates $95
Kona Blue Metallic
Rapid Spec 400A
Exterior Protection Package (Late Availability) $245
Destination Fee $725
Regional Adjustment $0
Color Adjustment $0
Total Price $26,575

dropped leather and the technology stuff...you lose a lot doing that. It was showing up around $27,000+ when my wife configured it the other day. Don't know what she added. edit: edmunds wasn't adding the options on correctly in my last post for the Focus.
 
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