Mazda 3

[I-Hate-Hulse]

Originally posted by hulkrogan@Mar 9 2005, 01:01 PM
And if you hate domestics, maybe you should know that a Mazda 3 is a Ford Focus.

Whoa, whoa, whoa..... the Focus / Mazda 3 / Volvo S40 are not simple "badge engineering" clones of each other like your typical GM product. (Sinfire-Cav, Montana-APV-Silohuette) They are built on the same platform but do not necessarily share the same components. The term platform is a bit vague but it generally goes to items like dimentions, and engine / suspension hardpoints. It's a popular means to reduce the costs of devloping a new car. It's the same philosophy as VW and the Golf / Jetta / Audi TT / A4 (older gen) / Beetle.

Ford was very careful to not dilute the brands involved so for instance, Mazda was not allowed to raid Volvo's safety cupboard and vs. vs. Powertrains are quite different between them all, the S40 has AWD Haldex and a 222HP Turbocharged 5 cylinder available I think. Driving the Mazda / Focus / Volvo are all very different experiences.

Reviews on the new Focus / Mazda 3 / S40 have all been stellar - dynamically it's a great car. Build quality will be determined by the respective companies building them (Volvo makes the S40 in Sweden I think).

Definately cars on my list I'd consider.

[albertGQ]

I am definately leaning towards getting a Mazda 3 now.

But this raises a new question

GX, GS, or GT???

[Mango]

What sort of features are you looking for?

[albertGQ]

Originally posted by Mango@Mar 9 2005, 01:43 PM
What sort of features are you looking for?

I want AC. I have a CD deck, but if i put it in, does it void the warrenty?

if it does, then I want a CD player

I want PS, PW, PL

I'd like a moon roof, but that is not mandatory

[Mango]

Originally posted by albertGQ+Mar 9 2005, 01:58 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (albertGQ @ Mar 9 2005, 01:58 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-Mango@Mar 9 2005, 01:43 PM
What sort of features are you looking for?

I want AC. I have a CD deck, but if i put it in, does it void the warrenty?

if it does, then I want a CD player

I want PS, PW, PL

I'd like a moon roof, but that is not mandatory [/b][/quote]
It will be pretty hard to put in a CD deck in the Mazda 3 due to how the current stereo system is set up.

According to what you're looking for, your best bet is to go with a GT. A/C is only standard with the GT (it's an extra 1,000 with the other models). With the GT you get the following:

CD Player +2 Speakers, Power Locks, Remote Keyless Entry, Steering Wheel Audio Controls, Illuminated Entry, Power windows, Steering Wheel Mounted Cruise Control, Power Adjustable Body Coloured Heated Mirrors.

Leather seats are avaliable on the GT for an extra $900.

The moonroof is extra on all models. If you purchase the GTX package, which is $1,095, and only avaliable with the GT, you will receive: 17" Alloy Wheels, 205/50R17 Tires, Sporty bumpers, Side Sills, Body Coloured Grille, Sport Fog Lamps, Power Moonroof.

[Bill Bumface]

2 Speaker stereo? You've got to be kidding me.. that must be a typo, or be implying it adds another 2 speakers.

[Mango]

Originally posted by hulkrogan@Mar 9 2005, 02:14 PM
2 Speaker stereo? You've got to be kidding me.. that must be a typo, or be implying it adds another 2 speakers.

That's additional speakers. Sorry, the Mazda website isn't overly clear on that.

[albertGQ]

I do want the GT, but that looks like its out of my price range. I will prob go for the GX or GS

[Mango]

I don't know if you're in Calgary, but I'd head to Northill Mazda. The service there was great. They bent over backwards to help me.

[Bill Bumface]

Originally posted by albertGQ@Mar 9 2005, 03:19 PM
I do want the GT, but that looks like its out of my price range. I will prob go for the GX or GS

Are the '06's out soon? If so you might be able to cut a sweet deal on an '05

[albertGQ]

Originally posted by Mango@Mar 9 2005, 02:21 PM
I don't know if you're in Calgary, but I'd head to Northill Mazda. The service there was great. They bent over backwards to help me.

I live in the NE so I will prob go to the Sunridge Mazda dealership. Aren't all Mazda dealerships the same?

[Mango]

Originally posted by albertGQ+Mar 9 2005, 02:25 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (albertGQ @ Mar 9 2005, 02:25 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-Mango@Mar 9 2005, 02:21 PM
I don't know if you're in Calgary, but I'd head to Northill Mazda. The service there was great. They bent over backwards to help me.

I live in the NE so I will prob go to the Sunridge Mazda dealership. Aren't all Mazda dealerships the same? [/b][/quote]
I went to all of the dealerships, but Northill was the only one who was willing to budge on a price etc. That's just from my personal experience - I purchased my 05 in December.

[Mr. Ski]

Mazda Dealer A vs. Mazda Dealer B... The cars they sell are going to be the same, but your buying experience and service after the fact can be a very different issue. My first-hand experience is with various Ford delers in town and there are some big differences out there.

[Bill Bumface]

Originally posted by albertGQ+Mar 9 2005, 03:25 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (albertGQ @ Mar 9 2005, 03:25 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-Mango@Mar 9 2005, 02:21 PM
I don't know if you're in Calgary, but I'd head to Northill Mazda. The service there was great. They bent over backwards to help me.

I live in the NE so I will prob go to the Sunridge Mazda dealership. Aren't all Mazda dealerships the same? [/b][/quote]
I've heard some really crappy things about one of the Mazda dealers and I THINK it was sunridge.

A crappy dealer can make a big difference, they are not all equal.

[albertGQ]

Wow. Thanks guys. Maybe I will go to the NorthHill one then afterall

Mango, how much did you pay for yours?

[Mango]

I have a Automatic GS and I paid $22,500. It has A/C and I purchased an extra year on the warranty.

I had an excellent experience at North Hill. They constantly call to follow up and see how the car is working out. I received it in prestine condition. I could go on and on about how positive the experience was. Each member of the staff, from sales to managment, was very respectful and patient. They understood I was young and a first time buyer. I thought they would jump all over me to make a sale. It was the opposite.

Good luck. Let me know if you have any questions.

[albertGQ]

Originally posted by Mango@Mar 9 2005, 02:51 PM
I have a Automatic GS and I paid $22,500. It has A/C and I purchased an extra year on the warranty.

I had an excellent experience at North Hill. They constantly call to follow up and see how the car is working out. I received it in prestine condition. I could go on and on about how positive the experience was. Each member of the staff, from sales to managment, was very respectful and patient. They understood I was young and a first time buyer. I thought they would jump all over me to make a sale. It was the opposite.

Good luck. Let me know if you have any questions.

I do have one. Can I try to negotiate a lower price? Or even negotiate some options for free? or are they a stickler?

[pekka]

I just purchased a mazda 3 sedan last friday and love it.

I spent alot of time looking over the options and it seemed like the best car in that price range.

Mine is a Manual GS ($22,170) with the power package, which came with a moonroof, CD, etc. The only things missing in mine from the GT is the 2 extra speakers, the 17 inch wheels and the larger engine.

Living out of town I was looking for something with good gas mileage becase driving an explorer all the time adds up at 81.9.

I would stay away from Sunridge, I spoke to them on the phone and lets just say I would never even phone back there. I also spoke with a guy at Kramer Mazda and he was very helpful, I just thought it was better to shop local so I bought mine from Garry Moe Mazda in Red Deer and was very happy with the service.

[Mango]

Originally posted by albertGQ+Mar 9 2005, 03:13 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (albertGQ @ Mar 9 2005, 03:13 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-Mango@Mar 9 2005, 02:51 PM
I have a Automatic GS and I paid $22,500. It has A/C and I purchased an extra year on the warranty.

I had an excellent experience at North Hill. They constantly call to follow up and see how the car is working out. I received it in prestine condition. I could go on and on about how positive the experience was. Each member of the staff, from sales to managment, was very respectful and patient. They understood I was young and a first time buyer. I thought they would jump all over me to make a sale. It was the opposite.

Good luck. Let me know if you have any questions.

I do have one. Can I try to negotiate a lower price? Or even negotiate some options for free? or are they a stickler? [/b][/quote]
I got a lower price and a free full protection (interior/exterior) from them. That said, they also offered the moon roof and tinting. Sunridge did not budge on the price whatsoever (they said they sell it too close to cost to go lower).

[Hack&Lube]

VW reliability isn't that great. That North American mechanics are somehow "less trained" to service these vehicles is a myth and it'd be a pretty stupid blunder for VW to have this system for all these years.

Check most automotive magazines and especially consumers reports, you'll see that there are no VW's on their list of reliable used cars.

In fact, the Golf, Jetta, Passat, and Beetle are all on the Consumer Reports "Bad Bets" list of cars to avoid as they have shown several years of much-worse-than-average overall reliability. I have the article right here and can scan it if you want.

The good list is mainly populated by Acura, Honda, Toyota, Lexus, Infinity, and Mazda. Toyota rakes up all across the board but domestics don't do that badly either. (Most of the Toyotas and other "imports" are built in North America anyway) but the Buick Regal, Chevy PT Cruiser, Ford Crown Vic, Ford Escort, Lincoln Town, and the Mercury Grand Marquis all make the good list where the VWs are all bad listed.

The Mazda 3 is a great choice, with great reliability and satisfaction, one of their recommended cars. I had the old Protege and that was a great car as well but that was a different platform so I can't speak about the new car.