Why I LOVE my Car, and would HATE a refund

[TheProfessor]

Well, there seems to be quite a few people giving negative reviews of the 3 here lately (or is it the same bunch of people whining day after day?) and I thought I\\\'d post up my postitive experiences with our 3\\\'s:

Well, I don\\\'t know if my wife and I could give the car a bigger endorsement than owning two of them! We both have pretty much the same car....white, 5 spd, GT, (basically everything but auto tranny and leather) hers a hatch and mine a sedan. I still can\\\'t believe what a great value this car is. For me the fit and finish has been great, the quality of materials used is above average for this segment IMO, it\\\'s a comfortable car to drive, and it feels much more solid than other cars in the same category like Sentra\\\'s, Corolla\\\'s, etc.

We both also think the car is a blast to drive.....the shifter has fairly short throws, the engine pulls pretty decently, and best of all the car handles amazing out of the factory (kudos to Mazda engineers on that last one).

The styling is another great aspect of the car(s).....both interior and exterior are just gorgeous. If you\\\'ve ever seen the inside of a Corolla, Sentra, or anything domestic you\\\'d know how good we Mazda3 owners have it.

Lastly there\\\'s the service......from buying the car from Jeff at Avante, to getting parts for it from Flipspeed and servicing it at MofT, all have been pleasant experiences. I can\\\'t give these guys enough praise.

Insurance is cheaper (for us anyways) than other similar cars like the Civic, service is cheaper than similarly priced European cars (which are no better made I might add), and Mazda3 owners are just generally a nice bunch of people :D

Whenever I drive somebody who hasn\\\'t been in a Mazda3 they always leave the car complimenting it....whether it be on the interior styling, the ride, the features, or whatever.

So for anyone who may be reading this and is contemplating buying one....go for it, you won\\\'t regret it (just don\\\'t get any of those ugly white colours ;) ). If you don\\\'t believe me, go take one for a test drive.

[Cardinal Fang]

SHILL!

:D

Nice review PSIVIC.

[majic]

Originally posted by PSIVIC


Well, there seems to be quite a few people giving negative reviews of the 3 here lately (or is it the same bunch of people whining day after day?) and I thought I\\\'d post up my postitive experiences with our 3\\\'s:


kudos and i\'ll chime in too..


Originally posted by PSIVIC
Well, I don\\\'t know if my wife and I could give the car a bigger endorsement than owning two of them! We both have pretty much the same car....white, 5 spd, GT, (basically everything but auto tranny and leather) hers a hatch and mine a sedan. I still can\\\'t believe what a great value this car is. For me the fit and finish has been great, the quality of materials used is above average for this segment IMO, it\\\'s a comfortable car to drive, and it feels much more solid than other cars in the same category like Sentra\\\'s, Corolla\\\'s, etc.


only have 1 of them but i agree on the fit and finish.. EXCELLENT for 1) the little money you pay (relatively) 2) compared to its competition..

i\'ve taken in on road trips of ~800km (non stop) and it was a comfortable ride with the lower back support and cruise control


Originally posted by PSIVIC
We both also think the car is a blast to drive.....the shifter has fairly short throws, the engine pulls pretty decently, and best of all the car handles amazing out of the factory (kudos to Mazda engineers on that last one).


handling is GREATLY improved by ANY aftermarket tire, including my high performance winter tires (hankook W300) that handle way better in dry than RS-Ass.. the progress sway bar is a nice addition as well but the stock ride is \'as good as it gets\' for a stocker..

engine does pull nicely throughout the entire RPM range.. i never noticed this on the stock setup, but with the simota intake there is a sweet spot at around 3400RPM when you get an additional jolt of power (i am pretty sure it\'s not the variable valves as they kick in at around 5000-5500RPM, not sure on the exact #)


Originally posted by PSIVIC
The styling is another great aspect of the car(s).....both interior and exterior are just gorgeous. If you\\\'ve ever seen the inside of a Corolla, Sentra, or anything domestic you\\\'d know how good we Mazda3 owners have it.


gotta love the sleek yet aggressive lines of the sport model (i am biased), the two tone red/black interior and an amazing gauge cluster with tri-luminescent gauges gives a nice touch of luxury..


Originally posted by PSIVIC
Lastly there\\\'s the service......from buying the car from Jeff at Avante, to getting parts for it from Flipspeed and servicing it at MofT, all have been pleasant experiences. I can\\\'t give these guys enough praise.

Avante RH (Jeff), MoT (Joe and Noah) cannot be beat in terms of customer service..


Originally posted by PSIVIC
Insurance is cheaper (for us anyways) than other similar cars like the Civic, service is cheaper than similarly priced European cars (which are no better made I might add), and Mazda3 owners are just generally a nice bunch of people :D

insurance on a new mazda3 was about the same as one for a used \'95-\'97 integra GS/LS that i was considering prior to mazda3.. and the difference b/w hatch and sedan (insurance wise) is almost negligible..


Originally posted by PSIVIC
Whenever I drive somebody who hasn\\\'t been in a Mazda3 they always leave the car complimenting it....whether it be on the interior styling, the ride, the features, or whatever.


+1 :D

and ladies always comment on the \"Hello!\" :hoho



Originally posted by PSIVIC
So for anyone who may be reading this and is contemplating buying one....go for it, you won\\\'t regret it (just don\\\'t get any of those ugly white colours ;) ). If you don\\\'t believe me, go take one for a test drive.

a test drive is a must!!! in my case, it prevented me from getting leather seats as i found them a little too slippery - YMMV though..

go out and buy it!! have fun!

[vanpatrick81]

Kudos for the great review.

All i can say is I LOVE THIS CAR.

And yes, the car looks very good for its price range. I drove my friend\'s corolla and I found the interior is missing a lot of nice features found in our 3.

[g_g]

I couldn\'t agree with you more. I bought my car a year ago, and I keep it clean, and i praise it all the time at work. Due to that, I have inspired 4 other ppl at my office to purchase the car. All are completely satisfied! :D

[SIM SIMMA]

Great review.

I bought this car knowing what \"class\" it was in and I by no means compare it to Mercedes or BMW etc. like some people do. When comparing to it\'s own class it in my opinion easily holds its own. The car is the best bang for the buck... and looks the best EASILY.

I have no complaints and everyone that has seen the new car are amazed at what I got for the price.

The car drives well, looks good and I love it.

:)

[Jeff-TheBiz]

AND THE THUMBS UP AWARD GOES TO
PSIVIC!!!

</Crowd goes wild>


http://www.crystal-fox.com/webart/products/731_b.jpg

Really I love this car. Being in the industry, I really could have gotten any car really, I have friends at several other makes, or I could have kept a demo and not had to pay for a car....

Yes I like the 3 that much!

[TheProfessor]

Takes a bow

I\'m just glad that there are so many who still enjoy this car and love it for what it is.....a great, inexpensive, fun-to-drive car!

[Cardinal Fang]

Originally posted by majic
and ladies always comment on the \"Hello!\" :hoho


Moms don\'t count majic.

:D

[TheProfessor]

^^^ Ahahah, that was funny! Woohoo 2000 posts for me!

[Cardinal Fang]

Congrats PSIVIC.

[Kevin@nextmod]

Well it\'s a good chance for me to write a review about my car. I\'ve had my car for ummm about 2 and a half months. This is my first car that I ever own under my name and I have to say this is one of the best car I\'ve ever driven so far. I drove several cars before because my parents own a few the past few years. Before my parents bought this car for me i drove a 2002 Corolla S and I can tell you that car was pretty crappy for its price. My dad got that for $30k on the road with extended waranty and the other options. I got my current car for $30k on the road but this car offered more then the corolla. The corolla is really over priced just like buying a Sony tv IMO. That car was loud inside and excluded the 4 disc brake i have now and the 17 wheels, the amazing look of the dash, the seats I\'m not too sure because i can\'t really tell the difference. One thing is the corolla is slow with its 130hp and 120 torque (give or take). That was also an auto and the corolla didnt have the tiptronic which is one of the big thing I like about the Mazda 3.

So far the mazda 3 have 5200 clicks on it and maybe it\'s too early for me to say theres any problem but so far the car is running amazingly good. One thing I remember when I drive the mazda3 out during the wait at an intersection i realize there are more people interested in looking at my car then the corolla. My girlfriend often tells me some ppl that drive by my car often takes a look at it and points sometimes. I\'m not sure if the comments are good or bad but at least it attracts ppl on the road.

I recommended a friend to get this car but he decided to go for the Mazda5 which is basically the same car with the same price, but have even more options. Everytime i see him he keeps saying the same thing over and over again. \"Good thing I didn\'t go for the Matrix because this offered another row of seat and with this price i even get side curtain airbags for the kids at the back.
The main point I\'m trying to say in this review is this car is really worth it, in terms of price, quality, looks, speed, and the size of it. And I love it every tiny bits and bites of this car.
(please excuse my bad english and thanks for reading this. )

*thumbs up for mazda*

[Cardinal Fang]

Originally posted by Pearl_Hatch

My girlfriend often tells me some ppl that drive by my car often takes a look at it and points sometimes. I\'m not sure if the comments are good or bad but at least it attracts ppl on the road.


Are you sure the comments and looks aren\'t for your girlfriend? ;)

Either way I would take it as a compliment.

[Whos ur dadd]

Let\'s say that I was so happy with my car that I ended up selling it after 6 months and 6500kms.

[Jeff-TheBiz]

Originally posted by Whos ur dadd


Let\'s say that I was so happy with my car that I ended up selling it after 6 months and 6500kms.

Yeah what ever happened there? Or is that happy of a story?

[Whos ur dadd]

Originally posted by TheBiz



Originally posted by Whos ur dadd


Let\'s say that I was so happy with my car that I ended up selling it after 6 months and 6500kms.

Yeah what ever happened there? Or is that happy of a story?

I miss the 3.

Yes, the 6 has more power and the leather and radio are nice, but the v6 sucks gas like Bubba on beer. And the handling... it sucks. It cannot compare to the 3 at all.

Told you to get me a deal on the 8. It would be a gas guzzler too, but at least it handles like a Miata!!!

[RedRaptor]

I\'m going to chime in as well on this since I only have good things to say about this car. I\'ve had mine for a year & change and I\'m still loving it. I look forward to driving to work everyday and I still have the same \"love\" towards her as I did when I picked her up.
The only complaint I have was the interior rattling issues (which are pretty much solved pending the glovebox replacement goes well this week). I talked to another co worker who bought a Audi A4 and he was telling me how cool that he had Auto Wipers, Auto Lights, HID Lights, and ALC Volume feature. I told him that the Mazda3 comes with all those things standard except for HIDs which you can easily add on for a few hundred dollars. He\'s got a great sense of humour and said \"What\'s the difference between a A4 and a Mazda3?\" ;)

I have 23,000km on her so far, taken a handful of road trips with her this past year and she\'s never let me down.

I love my 3! :D

[TheProfessor]

Yeah, my bro just bought the new TL and was raving about all its features, and I was just like \"the 3 has that, the 3 has that, and the 3 has that\". I think I sorta took the wind out of his sails for a bit then we both remembered that the TL is still a wicked car!

[Kevin@nextmod]

Originally posted by PSIVIC


Yeah, my bro just bought the new TL and was raving about all its features, and I was just like \"the 3 has that, the 3 has that, and the 3 has that\". I think I sorta took the wind out of his sails for a bit then we both remembered that the TL is still a wicked car!

Totally. I love the TL. Love driving my dads TL. I usually get so cocky in it haha. :)

[Mica3SGT]

I\'ve owned three Mazda\'s so far - and the 3 is the best yet! It brings a huge leap forward from the old Protoge5 with tighter build quality and luxury appointments not found on the earlier model.
My brother also drives a 3S hatch(pumpkin) - bought just weeks before I acquired mine.
We find the level of equipment, features and styling second to none in this price range.
Add reliability, exceptional build quality, great dealer/manufacturer support and lots of friendly owner folk - and you have a benchmark car in the industry. It must be working as there are LOTS of these Mazda3\'s on the road today.

The ability to extensively modify the Mazda 3 with aftermarket parts was also key in my decision to add features to the overall package I felt were missing. Everything is available for the Mazda3 from cosmetic to performance alterations - very reasonable and available from a variety of sources.

I feel I stole this car for the money I\'ve spent so far - I love the styling, engineering and delivery of performance in a vehicle that seems so right for the times we live in. To test it out on a long term test this year, we drove to South Carolina for our summer vacation. With 2 kids in the back watching the portable DVD player, and plenty of room in the hatch for all our suitcases/toys and stuff, no one felt cramped. Pedestrians in Mrytle Beach were taking admiring glances at the 3 - and there were plenty of tricked out SUV\'s, Pickups and RV\'s. The Mazda3\'s handling and comfort features compared to these more expensive modes of transportation weren\'t sacrificed. Freeway jaunts were enjoyable with excellent controls and a tight gearbox that snicks with the best of them. It has the DNA of a european/japanese hybrid - I really like to DRIVE this car!

Best of all - the recent increased fuel prices haven\'t bothered me whatsoever. I look like the intelligent driver at most fillup stations - the one with Zoom Zoom!:D

[Ex-Rolla]

Well said P.

[FLIPDADY]

Hey the 3 didn\'t get the 2004 \"Canadian Car of the Year\" award for nothing.

[Caz]

Originally posted by FLIPSPEED


Hey the 3 didn\'t get the 2004 \"Canadian Car of the Year\" award for nothing.






There are too many awards to list.

[Jeff-TheBiz]

http://www.ctgilles.net/images/pictars/bump.gif

Bump cuz the Mazda3 rules!

[Zaku_4]

i love my car,

without it, i would be without many many rememberable moments.

yay i cant spell

*WTF IS THE KINKED DEMAND CURVE!??!!*

[///M]

^ oligopoly?

I don\'t remember much from economics...

[TheProfessor]

Another \"kudos\" I received on my car last night: went out to dinner with some co-workers who are here from out of town. One of them is a die hard Honda fan, drives an Accord and loves it. He gets into the passenger seat, and almost immediately starts to notice the fit and finish, the sporty interior styling, the short shifter throws, the ride, and no kidding, by the time we reached our restaurant downtown, he said \"it really makes you wonder why anyone would spend more money\" and said that he would seriously consider a Mazda as his next car. I think he was a bit miffed that our 3 came much better equipped than his more expensive Accord :D

[akherad]

Samething here. I love my car. I cannot wait to drive it everyday I go to work. ZOOM ZOOM.:)

[Alan]

I hate to bring up an older thread but I\'m going to! :p

Two Mazda3\'s !!

That\'s awesome Psvic!! lol

[TheProfessor]

Originally posted by alant6219


I hate to bring up an older thread but I\'m going to! :p

Two Mazda3\'s !!

That\'s awesome Psvic!! lol

Yup, we love the car that much!

[pepsi]

I love my Ti-gray gfx :D. Just need a few little mods thats all.

[Flagrum_3]

I have to agree with the previous two posts \"I LOVE MY 3\". I just turned 12k and so far not a problem...a couple of times I thought I did have problems, like noisy brakes, weak engine response and fuel economy but everything has worked its way out and now it runs like a charm....and now also, Its Spring time and time for some performance enhancements....first sway bar and springs I think or maybe intake and exhaust!? ooooooh I\'m excited :D


_3


.

[Xenon]

My car is nearly 60,000 KMs old and turning 2 years on May 14th. The ONLY problem that I have with my car is a small issue with the fuel Purge Solinoid, which was repaired in a timely fashion, under warrenty by Westowne Mazda.

What can i say about my car? Great acceleration, swift brakes, and of course the handling; in my opinion it\'s unparalleled in this price bracket. I think Mazda has done a fantastic job with the 3. It deserves no less than to wear the same emblem as the beloved protege, RX brothers and the Miata.

In 2004, when I was looking at buying a car, I had my heart nearly set on a Civic Si Coupe. It tooke 3 days of negotiating with my Dad to get me to test drive anything else. I tried the 04 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart. The handling was very \'dead\" and the car didn\'t have a sporty feel. Of course I drove the Civic and thought it was the best car of the group. But the day before I planned to go with my parents to purchase my new Civic, My Dad and I went to Oakville Mazda to test drive the 3.

Needless to say, I was blown away by the handling, the stock sound system (I know, it\'s not THE best, but you have to admit, it\'s one of the best stock ones in this price range!) and the interior was just impecible. It was clear which car was better.

So I have my 3. 60,000 Kms later, and nearly 2 years of ownership, I love my car. It\'s one of the BEST looking cars on the road, better than some of the cars that cost twice as much. yes, the paint may chip, but I can honestly say that I have yet to see a colour on ANY car better than Winning Blue Mica (my opinion, of course).

As the 3 has progressed since 2004, especially seeing what\'s in store for 2007, the Mazda3 is hard to beat. Since it\'s introduction, it\'s main competitor (The Honda Civic) has been redesigned and it STILL isn\'t better than my 04 Mazda3.

People around the world can say what they want about the 3, But NOTHING will make me love my car any less than I already do.

[TheProfessor]

^ Very well said!

[Jeff-TheBiz]

Originally posted by Xenon

I have yet to see a colour on ANY car better than Winning Blue Mica (my opinion, of course).



+1

Go team Winning Blue!!

[FLIPDADY]

The look on a higher end vehicle\'s driver when I pull up beside them in my 3.

Priceless!

[BLKOUT]

I agree with everyone\'s thoughts on the 3. I have had my 3 since September \'05 and just like someone else mentioned previously, I can\'t wait to drive to work in the morning! I love our cars.

[Caz]

Originally posted by 2005BLKMAZDA3


I agree with everyone\'s thoughts on the 3. I have had my 3 since September \'05 and just like someone else mentioned previously, I can\'t wait to drive to work in the morning! I love our cars.

I can\'t wait to drive mine home. :D

[Broli]

my turn to say i love my car!

one year old now!
and she is still a beauty!
she had 28000K
she hasn\'t had any problems that weren\'t my fault!
she runs smooth
she turns heads
she is great!

i am Zoom Zoom!!

:D

[Xenon]

Originally posted by Broli

she hasn\'t had any problems that weren\'t my fault!

lol... sorry but I have to laugh at this line :D

[Cardinal Fang]

Originally posted by Broli
she hasn\'t had any problems that weren\'t my fault!


The mantra of females all over the world.

[TheProfessor]

Originally posted by Cardinal Fang



Originally posted by Broli
she hasn\'t had any problems that weren\'t my fault!


The mantra of females all over the world.

LOL!

[Fuman]

hhaha fang...

has anyone notice a \'growl\' during 2-3K RPM on the 2.3L?
I find it soo hmmmm, i can\'t find the verb for it. but i love that noise

[Cardinal Fang]

Originally posted by Fuman


hhaha fang...

has anyone notice a \'growl\' during 2-3K RPM on the 2.3L?
I find it soo hmmmm, i can\'t find the verb for it.

1. Arousing?
2. Enthralling?
3. Exilarating?

I got \"wood\" when I heard that so Number one would be my answer.


Originally posted by Fuman
but i love that noise

Couldn\'t agree more.

[bluntman]

Are you guys sure you\'re not driving a \"Mecury Mistress\"?

[Fuman]

Originally posted by bluntman
Are you guys sure you\'re not driving a \"Mecury Mistress\"?
huh? whats that..

cardinal fang, I saw you today on west beaver creek...
you drive with the zoom zoom spirt :p
my car is dirty again =(...

is the 06 mazda speed limiter suppose to be at 180 or 188?

[bluntman]

Originally posted by Fuman



Originally posted by bluntman
Are you guys sure you\'re not driving a \"Mecury Mistress\"?
huh? whats that..



It\'s an SNL skit about a car that you can actually have sex with.

[Fuman]

Originally posted by bluntman



Originally posted by Fuman



Originally posted by bluntman
Are you guys sure you\'re not driving a \"Mecury Mistress\"?
huh? whats that..



It\'s an SNL skit about a car that you can actually have sex with.
ahhhhh that car should have a good noise indeeeeed!

[chunkinstien]

Well I\'m a newbie here, and a proud owner of a 3 sport GT, winning Blue. Just about 1.2 months in.

I have to say that coming from a 1995 Ford Tauras, which was a lemon from day one (spent enough to buy it twice over). So bad I gave it away to charity when I got my 3, I didn\'t have the heart to sell it, as it would cause the new owner a ton of grief.

I just love my new 3, it is a blast to drive, handles like stink, and really catches eyes on the road. It\'s auto, but since I commute a lot in traffic, that\'s what I had to go with.

I onjly have a tiny problem with the computer for remaining KM\'s(gas remaining thing) , but I will get that fixed at the first service.

The car is very easy to handle, and after I broke it in, I have really pushed it pretty well. I was pretty damm close to going with the new VW Golf, but I don\'t regret my choice at all.

[Chuckie]

Welcome to the club bud.
It\'s awesome of you to give to charity instead of selling it. Giving is good.

[Broli]

Originally posted by Chuckie

Giving is good.

the mantra of slutty females all over the world


lol

u know who they are!

[Chuckie]

Originally posted by Broli



Originally posted by Chuckie

Giving is good.

the mantra of slutty females all over the world


lol

u know who they are!



giving it up to Broli is bad

[justin]

Originally posted by Chuckie

giving it up to Broli is bad

Ouch. I have to say, that\'s a pretty good one. Nice, Chuckie. :D