Mazda 3

[Bertuzzied]

Originally posted by pekka@Mar 9 2005, 10:14 PM
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.

Does the stereo sound system sound good? I know my parents protege 5 had the worse sound for a 4 speakers car ever! My honda's sound totally kicks it ass. Hopefully they made that change for the Mazda 3.

[BigOilFan]

Well if you haven't noticed already I am a VW sales guy. I have been one for a couple years and all my info is first hand.
So I do know for a fact that our techs are not trained properly to fix our cars. Unfourtanatly it is true. We hope that this gets better as it appears to be with the new car. So there goes your 'myth' theory Hack&lube..
As far as consmers report the Passat has been on there almost since it has been introduced to North America. I understand that the Jetta is not on there 'list' and I take that with a grain of salt as I do the Passat report rating. People do put a lot of stock into that magazine, a little too much.
Truth be told, the A4 Jetta has had its fair share of problems no doubt, but the drive, finish and safety of the car is superior to most. I have sold hundreds of Jettas over the years and literally have only had a very few costumers that really didn't like their car.
There are a lot of good cars out there including the mazda but of course im partial to my car...when u spend that much money its important to get the car you want/need.

[TheCommodoreAfro]

Living near Hiroshima, Mazda's HQ in Japan, Mazda had a tough few years because when Ford bought them out, they killed their Japanese R&D and relied on Ford. Lots of those engineers went and helped turn Nissan around.

In the last three or four years they've restarted their R&D, and their smaller end cars (Civic class) were higher rated than all but one Toyota model of recent. So I guess you could say they have made a quality comeback at least here in Japan. I own a Demio - not sure if the equivalent exists in Canada - and have been very happy with the way it runs.

[Fobby]

I have been driving my mazda 3 GT GFX for over a year. It's an awesome car.

Controlling intersets is different the ownership.. that's what ford has over mazda. and all mazda 3 are made in Japan.

Also, it shares the euro focus platform, which is a totally different platform then the NA platform. The focus in euro is highly praised for it's handling.

hmmm what else... For this car, i would opt for the GT because of the VVT. I purchased my 04 OTR for 24600.

Also, if you want more information, www.mazda3forums.com is a good place to go.

[Bend it like Bourgeois]

I'm curious why no one has brought up the Civic yet as an option compared to a Mazda3.

Are civics not up to snuff these days? Too expensive? Too common? Too bland?

I have a 2001 that I'll be looking to sell and replace in the next few months, so I need to know if I'll be completely uncool if I get another civic (Actually it's an Acura El - a tarted up civic - but same deal)

[Mango]

Originally posted by Fobby@Mar 9 2005, 05:54 PM
I have been driving my mazda 3 GT GFX for over a year. It's an awesome car.

Controlling intersets is different the ownership.. that's what ford has over mazda. and all mazda 3 are made in Japan.

Also, it shares the euro focus platform, which is a totally different platform then the NA platform. The focus in euro is highly praised for it's handling.

hmmm what else... For this car, i would opt for the GT because of the VVT. I purchased my 04 OTR for 24600.

Also, if you want more information, www.mazda3forums.com is a good place to go.

Thanks for the info on the forum

[Pagal4321]

Originally posted by Bend it like Bourgeois@Mar 10 2005, 10:17 AM
I'm curious why no one has brought up the Civic yet as an option compared to a Mazda3.

Are civics not up to snuff these days? Too expensive? Too common? Too bland?

I have a 2001 that I'll be looking to sell and replace in the next few months, so I need to know if I'll be completely uncool if I get another civic (Actually it's an Acura El - a tarted up civic - but same deal)

Even after reading all of this, I think I'm gonna stick to trying to find a new Civic, just can't see myself buying a brand new car for god knows how much mark up....

[Bend it like Bourgeois]

Originally posted by Pagal4321+Mar 10 2005, 10:18 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Pagal4321 @ Mar 10 2005, 10:18 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-Bend it like Bourgeois@Mar 10 2005, 10:17 AM
I'm curious why no one has brought up the Civic yet as an option compared to a Mazda3.

Are civics not up to snuff these days? Too expensive? Too common? Too bland?

I have a 2001 that I'll be looking to sell and replace in the next few months, so I need to know if I'll be completely uncool if I get another civic (Actually it's an Acura El - a tarted up civic - but same deal)

Even after reading all of this, I think I'm gonna stick to trying to find a new Civic, just can't see myself buying a brand new car for god knows how much mark up.... [/b][/quote]
hehe ...let me know if you're interested in a 2001 EL in a month or two

[TimSJ]

consumers reports is a crock of shinguard..... intellichoice is a much better way to research car reliability.

[albertGQ]

I am leaning towards the Mazda 3 GS now.

What do you guys think the odds of the dealership throwing in the AC and the sports package for free? I want to negotiate that in

[Incinerator]

Originally posted by albertGQ@Mar 10 2005, 05:51 PM
I am leaning towards the Mazda 3 GS now.

What do you guys think the odds of the dealership throwing in the AC and the sports package for free? I want to negotiate that in

You might get A/C if you're lucky, but I highly doubt it since the Mazda 3s are selling like hotcakes right now, you might even have trouble negotiating down the MSRP itself if anything.

[Mango]

Originally posted by albertGQ@Mar 10 2005, 10:51 AM
I am leaning towards the Mazda 3 GS now.

What do you guys think the odds of the dealership throwing in the AC and the sports package for free? I want to negotiate that in

The A/C will be hard, but they try and tack on some sort of "Air Conditioning Tax", so I'd see if you can get that removed.

The packages are hard to get free, because then they'll have to bring in a totally different car.

It's easier to get accessories free, so try for tinting, moonroof or fog lights.

[Mango]

Will you be completing any sort of post secondary education this year? If you are this year or you did last year, you'll get a $600 dollar graduate rebate.

Make sure you tell them this though. They never ask.

[Incinerator]

Originally posted by Pagal4321+Mar 10 2005, 05:18 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Pagal4321 @ Mar 10 2005, 05:18 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-Bend it like Bourgeois@Mar 10 2005, 10:17 AM
I'm curious why no one has brought up the Civic yet as an option compared to a Mazda3.

Are civics not up to snuff these days? Too expensive? Too common? Too bland?

I have a 2001 that I'll be looking to sell and replace in the next few months, so I need to know if I'll be completely uncool if I get another civic (Actually it's an Acura El - a tarted up civic - but same deal)

Even after reading all of this, I think I'm gonna stick to trying to find a new Civic, just can't see myself buying a brand new car for god knows how much mark up.... [/b][/quote]
The '05 Civic LX is a pretty good deal, comes loaded with a moonroof, power everything and 15 inch alloys. Way more bang for the buck comparing to Mazda 3 and the Corolla. The only downside is that it's a little gutless, but the Civic is so light it shouldn't matter anyways...great on gas too. I'm looking at one right now but I think I'll buy after the '06 redesign comes out...

[albertGQ]

Originally posted by Mango@Mar 10 2005, 10:55 AM
Will you be completing any sort of post secondary education this year? If you are this year or you did last year, you'll get a $600 dollar graduate rebate.

Make sure you tell them this though. They never ask.

I graduated from the U of C in 2002. Does that count?

[Mango]

Originally posted by albertGQ+Mar 10 2005, 11:11 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (albertGQ @ Mar 10 2005, 11:11 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-Mango@Mar 10 2005, 10:55 AM
Will you be completing any sort of post secondary education this year? If you are this year or you did last year, you'll get a $600 dollar graduate rebate.

Make sure you tell them this though. They never ask.

I graduated from the U of C in 2002. Does that count? [/b][/quote]
I'm not 100% sure when their graduate rebate when into place - make sure to ask.

[albertGQ]

Originally posted by Mango+Mar 10 2005, 11:15 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Mango @ Mar 10 2005, 11:15 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>

I graduated from the U of C in 2002. Does that count?

I'm not 100% sure when their graduate rebate when into place - make sure to ask. [/b][/quote]
Thanks alot for your help Mango

[Incinerator]

Originally posted by albertGQ+Mar 10 2005, 06:18 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (albertGQ @ Mar 10 2005, 06:18 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>

I'm not 100% sure when their graduate rebate when into place - make sure to ask. [/b]

Thanks alot for your help Mango [/b][/quote]
Yes you are eligible, you will need a photocopy of your official final transcript showing the graduation date. Keep in mind though make sure you've already negotiated the lowest possible price before you bring that up.

<!--QuoteBegin-Mazda.ca


Graduate Eligibility:
Canadian residents who have graduated between January 1st, 2001 and December 31st, 2005 from an accredited Canadian university or college — a list is attached for reference. The eligibility period is determined from the date shown on the graduate's official transcript.

[/quote]

[albertGQ]

Originally posted by Incinerator+Mar 10 2005, 11:49 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Incinerator @ Mar 10 2005, 11:49 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>

Thanks alot for your help Mango [/b]

Yes you are eligible, you will need a photocopy of your official final transcript showing the graduation date. Keep in mind though make sure you've already negotiated the lowest possible price before you bring that up.

<!--QuoteBegin-Mazda.ca


Graduate Eligibility:
Canadian residents who have graduated between January 1st, 2001 and December 31st, 2005 from an accredited Canadian university or college — a list is attached for reference.# The eligibility period is determined from the date shown on the graduate's official transcript.

[/quote] [/b][/quote]
Thanks incinerator. I will do that

[Bertuzzied]

After all this talk on CP, I told my cousin about it and he went and bought the Mazda 3 with the GFX package from my ex-roommates dealership. Cost + $700! He was telling me about the new Mazda 6 speed coming out in 3 months. AWD!