YACT: Any reason NOT to buy a Mazda3?

[WobbleWobble]

It's economical car with plenty of features. 160HP should be enough to make the car peppy. 17" wheels, moonroof, well-designed interior with little nice features like automatic sensing headlights and windshield wipers all for $24,500 Canadian before taxes. It's looking like a pretty good deal.

Insurance for this car is relatively cheap. It's only $2000 Canadian for me compared to $3300 for the Civic SiR and the RSX insurance is even more than that. Gas is expensive so I don't want a gas guzzler.

I still kind of question Mazda quality. It's not because of Ford's involvement as they aren't really involved. This is a first year car but it hasn't seen any major defects. I'm wondering if the reliability will be up there with the Hondas and Toyotas. I see myself taking good care of the car and running it for 5 years or so.

I would also like to drop in a new deck with some amps and subs. It doesn't seem like it'd be easy or cheap if even possible to replace the stock deck since it's integrated into the console.

I've looked at the alternatives and at the price it's hard to pass by the Mazda3. Scions aren't available in Canada so please don't post "Get a Scion tC" or such.

Thanks!

 

[Spooner]

160 HP? Icky.

 

[Red]

Have you considered buying a well taken care of used car to help offset the depreciation?

 

[WobbleWobble]

Originally posted by: Red
Have you considered buying a well taken care of used car to help offset the depreciation?

If I'm looking at a fairly newer used car the price difference is minimal. I don't get a Graduate Rebate, finance rates are higher by 3-5% and I don't get free gimicks like free oil/filter changes for 5 years. Little things like that add up so the price difference is minimal.

I have looked at some used cars and have seen some I liked, but it doesn't seem worth it when I can buy a new car and not worry about any problems. I don't have any family/friends selling cars that I would want. I have had a mechanic (friend) come out and look at used cars with me, but nothing good so far and I've been passively looking for months.

 

[Ryan]

If you live in the US - yes: the Scion tC is reason enough not to buy one

 

[PowerMac4Ever]

get a Scion tC

 

[Savarak]

how about the WRX non-sti version(still around 22k US, might be in your range if you buy used)

 

[WobbleWobble]

Originally posted by: PowerMac4Ever
get a Scion tC

Do you guys not read the entire post? Am I not clear? Or are you guys simply making of us Canadians because we can't get Scions here?

 

[WobbleWobble]

Originally posted by: Savarak
how about the WRX non-sti version(still around 22k US, might be in your range if you buy used)

Even the cheapest one I've seen is still a few thousand more than a new loaded Mazda3. But yes, I've looked at it and wouldn't mind one. Insurance on that I bet will be super expensive.

 

[PowerMac4Ever]

Originally posted by: WobbleWobble

Originally posted by: PowerMac4Ever
get a Scion tC

Do you guys not read the entire post? Am I not clear? Or are you guys simply making of us Canadians because we can't get Scions here?

nah man I'm just messing with you because you specifically said you didn't want the tC

 

[WobbleWobble]

Originally posted by: PowerMac4Ever

Originally posted by: WobbleWobble

Originally posted by: PowerMac4Ever
get a Scion tC

Do you guys not read the entire post? Am I not clear? Or are you guys simply making of us Canadians because we can't get Scions here?

nah man I'm just messing with you because you specifically said you didn't want the tC

It's not that I wouldn't want one, it's just not available

 

[nakedfrog]

I can think of no reasons. Go ahead.

 

[BigSmooth]

The only *possible* negatives as I see it with the Mazda 3 are resale and reliability. Reliability should be relatively good based on the Protege's history. Resale is not a Mazda strong point but the 3 is an excellent product and its popularity, particularly in Canada, should help increase resale values as opposed to its predecessor. It might not match Civic/Corolla but it should be OK.

I'd say if it fits your needs, go for it. :thumbsup:

 

[WobbleWobble]

Originally posted by: BigSmooth
The only *possible* negatives as I see it with the Mazda 3 are resale and reliability. Reliability should be relatively good based on the Protege's history. Resale is not a Mazda strong point but the 3 is an excellent product and its popularity, particularly in Canada, should help increase resale values as opposed to its predecessor. It might not match Civic/Corolla but it should be OK.

I'd say if it fits your needs, go for it. :thumbsup:

Good point. This was something I looked at and figured the SiR would have a better resale value. If i didn't care about this, I'd instantly buy a Hyundai Tiburon (I love that car!). If you lived where I live you'll see that the Mazda3 here is very popular. It's the best selling car in Canada right now so it may not be a huge issue. It's not going to be worth as much as a Civic a few years down the road, but it shouldn't be that much less I think.

 

[Actaeon]

FWD is no fun, but other than that, you're good to go. Mazda 3 is a great car.

Scion tC is a great choice too, but you're in canada, and are unable to buy one. Can you get one from the US and drive it over to Canada?

 

[xEDIT409]

Have you considered lookin at the GMC Yukon Denali XL?


very economical


Jus kiddin. I think the Mazda 3 is a great car. My friend has one, and he's had no problems yet.

 

[Jeraden]

This is probably the wrong thread to ask, but whats better about the Scion tC than the mazda3? The scion tc looked kind of plain. The mazda looked like it has more personality.

 

[WobbleWobble]

Originally posted by: Actaeon
FWD is no fun, but other than that, you're good to go. Mazda 3 is a great car.

Scion tC is a great choice too, but you're in canada, and are unable to buy one. Can you get one from the US and drive it over to Canada?

The Impreza TS Sedan is AWD, but I'm sure that's not as fun either. The only RWD cars I can think of is the older 240SX (too old) and the IS300 (too expensive).

I'm not sure if I can drive it over. Can anyone help me answer that or tell me where I can find out?

 

[Ryan]

Originally posted by: Jeraden
This is probably the wrong thread to ask, but whats better about the Scion tC than the mazda3? The scion tc looked kind of plain. The mazda looked like it has more personality.

Keyword is "looked"

 

[tennisflip]

Originally posted by: Jeraden
This is probably the wrong thread to ask, but whats better about the Scion tC than the mazda3? The scion tc looked kind of plain. The mazda looked like it has more personality.

Plus it only has 2 freakin' doors. I hate cars like that.

 

[acemcmac]

I think the real question is, why arent you looking at a Miata?

 

[WobbleWobble]

Originally posted by: acemcmac
I think the real question is, why arent you looking at a Miata?

Eh, my friends, parents and girlfriend all think it's a girl's car and too small for me. I personally do want one though!

 

[SoyBoy004]

Originally posted by: Savarak
how about the WRX non-sti version(still around 22k US, might be in your range if you buy used)

he doesn't wnat 18-20mpg like i'm getting.

=(

 

[sman789]

Originally posted by: WobbleWobble

Originally posted by: acemcmac
I think the real question is, why arent you looking at a Miata?

Eh, my friends, parents and girlfriend all think it's a girl's car and too small for me. I personally do want one though!

then get one, they are really fun cars...and if youre wanting to autoX...

 

[sman789]

Originally posted by: SoyBoy004

Originally posted by: Savarak
how about the WRX non-sti version(still around 22k US, might be in your range if you buy used)

he doesn't wnat 18-20mpg like i'm getting.

=(

hah!, 14-15mpg in my 90 rx7