YAM3T

[foghorn67]

Looking into getting a Mazda 3. I know they are in the higher end of the compact cars, and the resale is high compared to other compact cars except the Civic and a few others.
I intend to get one used, and I am looking into upgrading my 03 Focus ZX3.

Tell me about the 2.0L vs. the 2.3L. What did you go with and why?
The HP don't differ much, I imagine it's torquer due to the difference of the stroke.

Option packages? What's the best 'deal'? I like creature comforts, but I don't need leather, GPS, moonroof, fog lamps. Although I would like foglamps and moonroofs if the price is right.

Reason I am ditching the focus?
-Planned on buying a new Mustang or Camaro for a weekend car, and selling my 67 Mustang. The Focus would have soldiered on as the daily beater. I am thinking I shouldn't now. New pony cars are going to be bargains for what they are, but 30k is still 30k. Now I am leaning towards keeping the 67 stang, and selling the Focus.

-Focus option packages suck for those that want the manual and what upgraded models. I couldn't find a 5 speed with power locks, windows, fog lamps, etc. All automatics. Plus this was the first car I financed, so I was scared to bite off more than I can chew. Now I realize my car payments can be a bit bigger. The terms were for 4 years, and I am a couple of months of paying it off early (bought it used in 05)
I did look at Mazda 3's then, but they were too new to be readily available of used market.

-Vanity, Focus isn't bad to me, but it would be nicer to get a 3.

Also thinking about a Golf/Rabbit 06 and up. The resale stinks on a VW, so advantage buyer? Are the warranties good on VW's?

 

[Shawn]

Well the Mazda 3s are fun yet practical cars. I plan on getting a Mazdaspeed 3 when I graduate from college and get a job. Don't get a Golf. They are garbage. My roommate has a 2002 GTI and it is literally falling apart. Dash is cracking/peeling, engine problems, AC problems, clutch problems, etc. I have a 2001 Civic and my car still looks and runs like a brand new car.

 

[KDKPSJ]

Rule of thumb for VW: If you have enough money (let's say, half of full price of the car) in your saving account that you can spend anytime, go ahead. There's always a reason if resale value is low when it comes to car.

 

[foghorn67]

Originally posted by: Shawn
Well the Mazda 3s are fun yet practical cars. I plan on getting a Mazdaspeed 3 when I graduate from college and get a job. Don't get a Golf. They are garbage. My roommate has a 2002 GTI and it is literally falling apart. Dash is cracking/peeling, engine problems, AC problems, clutch problems, etc. I have a 2001 Civic and my car still looks and runs like a brand new car.

Do you know anything about 2.0 vs 2.3? I am curious about this.

 

[theeedude]

I went with 2.3L only because hatchback only comes with 2.3L. If it came with 2.0L, I would have gotten that. The fun of that car is not from acceleration, it's from handling. Acceleration of 2.3L with manual tranny feels like my previous 3L V6 with auto tranny, which is pretty good, but again, the fun of this car is from handling, so 2.0L should not take away from that at all.
Also, if you go for MT, it's better geared for 2L, and geared a bit short for the 2.3L, because they could have gone with taller gearing to take advantage of more torque of bigger motor, but instead just used same gearbox.

 

[foghorn67]

Originally posted by: senseamp
I went with 2.3L only because hatchback only comes with 2.3L. If it came with 2.0L, I would have gotten that. The fun of that car is not from acceleration, it's from handling. Acceleration of 2.3L with manual tranny feels like my previous 3L V6 with auto tranny, which is pretty good, but again, the fun of this car is from handling, so 2.0L should not take away from that at all.
Also, if you go for MT, it's better geared for 2L, and geared a bit short for the 2.3L, because they could have gone with taller gearing to take advantage of more torque of bigger motor, but instead just used same gearbox.

Informative! thanks!!!!