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I have had a 2008 Mazda 3 for two days now and I am in LOVE!
This car has EVERYTHING. Fully loaded, so fun to drive, perfect size for me. All my friends who own more high end cars like Lexus and Infiniti are shocked on how many features I have for the price.
If you're looking for good value in terms of leather, gadgets etc on a small reasonably priced car this is the way to go.
Congrats on your new car! Aren't they fun to drive? I think it's the most overused expression but it is SO true. And you are right about the features- I had never heard of a mazda 3 until I did some online research before purchasing- it just seemed like it had everything I needed in a car. When I actually went to test drive, I was surprised with all the extras. It's well worth it and I'm glad I went with it. What color did you get?
Congrats on your new car! Aren't they fun to drive? I think it's the most overused expression but it is SO true. And you are right about the features- I had never heard of a mazda 3 until I did some online research before purchasing- it just seemed like it had everything I needed in a car. When I actually went to test drive, I was surprised with all the extras. It's well worth it and I'm glad I went with it. What color did you get?
Have had? Yes I've heard the 'reliability' issues too but what exactly is meant by reliability problems? I know people who have had the mazda 3 since '03 and I still can't pinpoint which problems they have (specifically). I don't know if it makes a difference but the Mazda 3 is the replacement of the Protege.
Mazda:MAZDA CLAIMS TOP SPOT IN RECENT RELIABILITY REPORT (http://media.ford.com/mazda/article_display.cfm?article_id=25480&CFID=3532723& CFTOKEN=4b51d4bd4216c404-EBF85F10-EABA-2208-2CF2CD8F10A0F34E - broken link)
The thing that I hate about statistics in the media is that it is poorly translated to (and poorly interpreted by) consumers. When the car industry reports 'reliability' ratings, thats a term that could mean 'consistency' (anyone familiar with research methodology??).
Anyway, that means when something is tested over and over (and over again), they are recording the number of times that it can produce the exact same result. If it produces the exact same result after the 100th time (for example) then it has 'high reliability' (high consistency). If it does not, then it has low or poor reliability (low consistency). But its so confusing when that term is applied to a vehicle- are they testing the engine, the brakes, the overall problems of a car (from something minor as a bad a/c to something terrible as the number of times the brakes will fail). If you lump those problems into one report and claim a car has poor reliability or reliability problems, it doesn't really say much.
I am leasing a 2007 vw jetta and LOVE IT! I got it in Jan. and Its the best car Ive ever had! Lots of power, feels very "sturdy" I test drove other cars and they felt like I was in a tuna can. My last car was a Honda Civic and I had it for 9 years and never had it in the shop. So I guess so far ive been lucky (Knock, knock) but I feel safer in my jetta. And where I live The honda civics are the most stolen cars.
I go with the newer honda civic (2006-2008) or the subaru impreza (2006-2008) Why?
1. good fuel mileage
2. excellent safety rating...I think safest small car.
3. excellent resale value
4. known excellent reliability...you don't want to spend thousands fixing it after warrenty is up.
Subaru impreza
1. AWD on Subaru impreza (excellent in rain/snow)......
2. excellent safety rating....
3. Known good reliability
4. not as good fuel mileage as civic but decent.
5. not as good resale as civic.
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Congrats on your new car! Aren't they fun to drive? I think it's the most overused expression but it is SO true. And you are right about the features- I had never heard of a mazda 3 until I did some online research before purchasing- it just seemed like it had everything I needed in a car. When I actually went to test drive, I was surprised with all the extras. It's well worth it and I'm glad I went with it. What color did you get?
