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I'm researching replacement cars for my 13 year old Pontiac Vibe. It's taken me a while but I've narrowed down my chooses to four cars, the Mazda 3 Touring is one of them. My plan is to save towards the replacement car and keep an eye on the used car market for them in case anything pops up that's a good deal. I'm looking at 2014-2016, used.
Anyway, if anyone could provide feedback on the Mazda 3 Touring, that would be great. It seems like a good little car based on what I read, but I'd really like some feedback from owners (not just car magazines). Thanks!
For the money in that price range you won't find a more fun car to drive in that price range in that market and they are VERY reliable as well. Still on my maybe list for my next car. make SURE to get the 2.3 liter engine though and a manual tranny!
I find Mazdas to be underpowered, but fun to drive, reliable, and undervalued. If you can't score a good deal on a new Mazda3, consider a used off-lease vehicle. In my area of Orange County, Ca, a 2014 Mazda3 Touring with 40K miles goes for just under $11K...and there are many to choose from.
I find Mazdas to be underpowered, but fun to drive, reliable, and undervalued. If you can't score a good deal on a new Mazda3, consider a used off-lease vehicle. In my area of Orange County, Ca, a 2014 Mazda3 Touring with 40K miles goes for just under $11K...and there are many to choose from.
Speed is relative I can hop in a Miata that hasn't been modified and where I live you'll be hard pressed to keep up with it on these roads up here. When I say that it's because the roads here are extremely tight with turns that something like a vette would almost have to stop going into. The car would spend more time using it's brakes then anything else.
Speed is relative I can hop in a Miata that hasn't been modified and where I live you'll be hard pressed to keep up with it on these roads up here. When I say that it's because the roads here are extremely tight with turns that something like a vette would almost have to stop going into. The car would spend more time using it's brakes then anything else.
I believe you. I find lateral acceleration and a balanced car to be more impactful on my enjoyment than straight-line raw power. I've got a 130hp VW Golf TDI with a Torsen, coilovers, and sport tires for a daily driver. I'd much rather drive a Miata, S2000, or Boxster compared to a 5.0 Mustang, Camaro, Viper (I'd probably wrap it around a pole), or Vette. I'm not the best pilot around the corners and value a balanced car to keep me from limiting my mistakes. My comment about Mazdas being underpowered is relative to their competition in each class. But we all know that horsepower numbers are mostly for marketing these days. There's so much more than horsepower that makes a car fast and fun. ie. drivetrain components, tires, torque, power curve, suspension geometry, weight distribution, brake bias, etc.
I believe you. I find lateral acceleration and a balanced car to be more impactful on my enjoyment than straight-line raw power. I've got a 130hp VW Golf TDI with a Torsen, coilovers, and sport tires for a daily driver. I'd much rather drive a Miata, S2000, or Boxster compared to a 5.0 Mustang, Camaro, Viper (I'd probably wrap it around a pole), or Vette. I'm not the best pilot around the corners and value a balanced car to keep me from limiting my mistakes. My comment about Mazdas being underpowered is relative to their competition in each class. But we all know that horsepower numbers are mostly for marketing these days. There's so much more than horsepower that makes a car fast and fun. ie. drivetrain components, tires, torque, power curve, suspension geometry, weight distribution, brake bias, etc.
In the real world going from 40 MPH to 60 MPH is more important these days things like getting onto a on ramp or passing some one on a two lane road etc.
Hatchback or sedan are you thinking? I think the 3 hatch is easily the best looking.
Beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder, Peregrine. I find the back end of the new 3 hatch to be big and fat, reminiscent of the old VW Corrado. I also don't like the huge C pillar, which has to limit rear visibility when inside the car.
Of course it is, manyroads.
And my comment was referring to the PREVIOUS Gen 3.
Actually hated the new gen 3 when I saw it on the web. In person I changed my mind. It's pretty and the interior is impeccable. Mazda nailed the new 3 IMO.
STILL prefer gen 1 exterior, but as you said, that's only my opinion.
I believe you. I find lateral acceleration and a balanced car to be more impactful on my enjoyment than straight-line raw power. I've got a 130hp VW Golf TDI with a Torsen, coilovers, and sport tires for a daily driver. I'd much rather drive a Miata, S2000, or Boxster compared to a 5.0 Mustang, Camaro, Viper (I'd probably wrap it around a pole), or Vette. I'm not the best pilot around the corners and value a balanced car to keep me from limiting my mistakes. My comment about Mazdas being underpowered is relative to their competition in each class. But we all know that horsepower numbers are mostly for marketing these days. There's so much more than horsepower that makes a car fast and fun. ie. drivetrain components, tires, torque, power curve, suspension geometry, weight distribution, brake bias, etc.
The s2000 is not as forgiving as the vette. The vette is one of the best handling vehicles out there, as well. Excellent dynamics. The 5.0, I get it, and yeah, vipers are absolutely bipolar and unforgiving.
Beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder, Peregrine. I find the back end of the new 3 hatch to be big and fat, reminiscent of the old VW Corrado. I also don't like the huge C pillar, which has to limit rear visibility when inside the car.
I saw a red one today on the way to work. They look very unbalanced from some angles in person. I wasnt a fan.
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Still on my maybe list for my next car. make SURE to get the 2.3 liter engine though and a manual tranny!
