Love the 3, but is it worth it......

[TheProfessor]

Alright, my wife and I are having a tough time deciding whether or not it would be worth it for us to switch her P5 to a new 2005 MZ3 GT. Money aside, if anyone here has done this, I would love to hear about it. There is nothing wrong with our P5. It\'s two years old and she just hit 20,000km. I think we both just like the look of the MZ3, plus I like the idea of having another new car with full warranty again. The 3 obviously has features that the P5 doesn\'t, like steering wheel mounted audio/cruise controls, 17\" wheels, nicer gauges, more hp/tq, etc., but is it worth the switch?

[FLIPDADY]

You\'re right there\'s nothing wrong with the P5. I would keep it and wait until the Mazdaspeed 3 comes out. :D

[cstraw]

That is a very difficult question to ask. If you are the type of couple that prefer new items just for being new than do it. The P5 is a great car; reliable, fun and efficient. Their value is holding extremely well considering the Mazda 3 Sport has been out for over a year now and the awards have been piling up. You certainly wouldn\'t be missing much by not switching over to the new M3. I have the steering wheel mounted radio controls, and I really cannot understand why they would be there in the first place. Sure some will say it is \'safer since it keeps your hands on the wheel, then why not bring over the sunroof, heating, dimmer, window switches if it is for safety... sorry my rant is over. I imagine you would be losing a lot of money by turning your P5 over this soon and paying the dealer another handsome profit for a new car. That is fine if you have money to blow, personally I wouldn\'t. With the money you would save by not buying a new M3, you could find some rather nice 17\" wheels and tires for your P5 if you prefer the \'bling\' as they say. If you make a habit of often having the newest greatest items, you\'ll find yourself in the poor house quickly. Enjoy the P5 for it is a great car. With 20000 km, it is barely broken in and will last a long time if owned and driven properly.

Chris

[swales]

It\'s two years old and she just hit 20,000km

Keep the P5, it\'s practically new with only 20,000km\'s on it.


I like the idea of having another new car with full warranty again

How could your warranty be up? Unless you made a typo with the 20,000 km (forgot a zero)

[TheProfessor]

Nope, not a typo......but the car is about 27 months old, which means we have nine months left. I doubt anything will go wrong, but if we did want to switch, now would be the time as we would likely be able to ask for more money if the car still has warranty!

[keving]

Personally I would not switch. Like FLIPSPEED said, I\'d wait for a mazdaspeed 3 and then see where I\'m at then.

[///M]

Originally posted by FLIPSPEED
Coming soon....Exhaust/CAI/JDM stuff/Springs


I see you got bitten by the mod bug. :D I thought your car was supposed to remain stock. :p

[FLIPDADY]

Originally posted by autoexe



Originally posted by FLIPSPEED
Coming soon....Exhaust/CAI/JDM stuff/Springs


I see you got bitten by the mod bug. :D I thought your car was supposed to remain stock. :p
Well it doesn\'t help when you come by the shop and have something new on your car.:sarc

[wtom]

I would suggest keeping the P5 until the Mazdaspeed 3 comes out as well...

Regarding mods, I was one to say I\'d keep my car stock for at least a year before modding anything... \"Oops I modded again...\" ;)

[billyfo]

many said wait for the MazdaSpeed, but I would say who will drive the car most of the time, if you wife drive the car most and she only need a \"car\" keep the P5, but of course if she is a racer, wait for the MS3:D .

your car is almost brand new for only 20K, for this less KM, you don\'t gain any trade-in price from the dealer.

[AfterBurner]

Everyone is saying wait for the Mazdaspeed3 but I don\'t understand why. It is going to be $30,000+ (with taxes) which is well into Mazda6 territory. Stick with the P5 cause it is a great car and considering that you put few KMs on it a year it will last for some time. If you would like a new car more often then you should probably lease and not buy.

[TheProfessor]

Yeah, the Mazdaspeed 3 would not be an option.....insurance would likely be too high and quite frankly it would just be out of our price range. The car would be strictly for the wife, she likes her P5 and I like my MZ6. We both really like the 3 also. I respect that you guys are saying keep the P5, even though you all love and own MZ3\'s! I think for now we will hang on to the P5, but if Mazda ever decides to bring the finance rates down we may have to reconsider:D

Thanks for all your input guys. I\'m gonna keep posting here though, since I like the attitude of the members here, and I do own the big brother to your cars.

[Neo]

Well, Seeing as how I own all 3 of those cars (my bro and I have the 3, my pop has the Protege and I traded in the 6 for the 3), Personally I would trade the P5 for the 3. It\'s alot more refined and there\'s more power. It\'s a small 6...
I traded in the 6 because the car was way too big for my style of driving... I need to go fast at all times and ducking in and out of traffic in the 6 is alot harder than the 3.

Alot of these guys would wait for the Mazdaspeed 3 simply because they\'re enthusiasts. I\'m hoping the Mazdaspeed 3 comes in both Sedan and Hatch... Hopefully better in Sedan.. :p

I don\'t mind the Protege.. I notice it\'s a bit more rough around the edges... It feels more like an economy car.. You know what I mean? Where\'s the 3 feels a bit more refined... Better overall... This car didn\'t win all those awards for nothing! :D

Bottom line, if you\'re worried about the warranty (which we all know is BS.. ;) ) than trade up to the 3... If not, stay with the P5 and maybe later down the road she\'ll be interested in the Mazdaspeed 3... :)

Lates,

[TheProfessor]

I know the P5 is a little rough around the edges, but I think that\'s what my wife likes about the car. When she drives it, she \"drives\" it. When she drives my car she says it makes her feel old LOL! I have to admit, my car is awesome, and I love it to death, but when I get behind the wheel of her car and smash through the gears, I get a giddy smile on my face:D

Well, we\'re gonna go drive the 3 for the first time in two weeks at Avante (my 6 is due for a one year service).

[Neo]

I gurantee after the test drive you\'ll be signing papers to own the thing... lol
It\'s in between the P5 and 6... That\'s how good it is... Closer to the 6 overall..

There\'s only 3 options I miss from the 6 I wish the 3 would have... The Homelink/auto dim mirror, the Bose stereo, and the Auto Climate control... Apart from those options, I prefer the 3... Fits my style better..

I also noticed the 5th gear ratio isn\'t the same as the 6\'s ratio (in the 2.3lt engine of course...) I remember when I was about 3250rpm the 6 would be going about 125km/h. Where in the 3 to go that fast I\'m closer to 3500rpm...

Minor points I\'ve noticed.. ;)

Lates,

[TheProfessor]

Wow, thanks a lot, that info really helps. I love the auto dimming mirror too. My wife isn\'t too picky, she just wants a smallish car that is fun to drive. She feels my 6 is a little on the lethargic side (I have the 2.3).

Maybe we shouldn\'t drive the 3 for fear of loving it too much:D

[Neo]

I don\'t mind so much the dimming part of the mirror... More of the Homelink feature.. Saves you trouble of having another damn garage door opener.
If your wife likes the P5, she\'s going to love the 3.
I know what you mean about Lethargic.. The 2.3lt engine feels a bit stressed in the 6. It\'ll get it around alright, but once you start loading people in the car or carrying things, you feel the stress of the poor engine...
Not so in the 3. It\'s amazing what 300-400lbs does to a car and it\'s engine. The 3 picks up that much faster than the 6.
In the corners you can definately feel the weight of the 6. Not so in the 3. The 3 corners a bit flatter too.

First thing you\'ll notice when you drive it is the response of the steering and engine. They\'re that much quicker than the 6... The only other steering quicker in the lineup is the Miata\'s and RX-8\'s...
You\'ll have to get use to where the tach sits as opposed to the 6\'s but once you get the feel for the tach, it\'s all good! ;)
Seats hold you better, less flat than the 6\'s. And the response of the pedal is a bit quicker than the 6\'s...

You\'re gonna love the drive... I got my 3 sight on seen and I never test drove the thing. I knew how it was going to handle because the majority of Mazda\'s handle the same. With the exception of the Miata and RX-8 (their limits are higher). I just ordered mine and waited for delivery. The best thing I noticed was the handling of the car and the gas consumption. Lighter car, less fuel... :D

Lates,

[Saphress]

aight.... here is what I got from the blackbook of Canada Cars...

2002 protoge 5ES
Manual Transmission
Moonroof, A/c ....
20000k

Here are some guidelines for you to judge
************************************************** ********************

Vehicles are classified into 3 categories: Clean, Average and Below Average. In order to appraise a vehicle properly, appearance, equipment, trim level, overall mechanical condition and mileage must be taken into consideration. The following factors influence vehicle conditions:



Exterior Appearance

Overall body condition - note dents, dings, deep scratches

Paint - note fading, chipping, rust

Trim - note lose or dented trim

Interior Appearance

Overall upholstery condition - note excessive wear, tears, burns and stains

Dashboard - note dents, scratches and condition of leather or vinyl

Mechanical Condition

Noise - consider engine knocks, drivetrain noise,
grinding brakes, clunking transmissions

Oil leaks

Smoke from exhaust or engine

Tires

Check for wear - tire tread, cuts in sidewalls

Check tire size and match

Range

Though the Black Book value and classification is the average price there is within each classification a range that reflects actual prices paid. This range is offered to you to aid in establishing the trade in value you may actually recieve from a dealer.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mileage

The industry standard is 24,000 kilometers per model year, thus kilometers above or below the industry standard may influence the overall classification of your vehicle. Exceptions begin as the vehicle ages or changes owners. Vehicles over kilometer standards or 12 model years are not categorized.

If the vehicle\'s kilometers are above the industry standard, you are required to have the vehicle appraised by your dealer.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Clean

The vehicle is mechanically sound. There is very little interior and exterior wear. Matching tires have ample tread wear remaining. The vehicle will pass any emission compliance test. Some reconditioning, including minor rust problems, may be required on older model year vehicles.

Average

Visibly normal interior and exterior wear. The paint or body may need some repair. Tires may require replacing. The vehicle should pass any emission compliance test. Still a good vehicle with substantial service remaining.

Below Average

The vehicle has a below-average interior or exterior condition and /or excessive mileage. Major repairs may be required. Limited serviceable life remaining.

Reconditioning Cost

Most vehicles require at least some form of reconditioning. Even if that reconditioning only consists of a professional detailing or cleaning before the vehicle is sold.

All dealers inspect and test for appearance and performance. All mechanical parts requiring service to bring them as close to specifications as possible are serviced. The paint and upholstery is restored to like-new condition. Window chips, scratches, dents or any other item on the vehicle that may need attention, needs to be corrected by the dealer before that vehicle can be sold. The estimated cost for this work is the reconditioning and detailing cost the dealer must subtract from the value of your vehicle.

The values given here do not account for this deduction. You must consider the level of repairs or any other expenses the dealer may incur in the course of re-selling your vehicle.

************************************************** ********************

Appraisal Value

Low: $14,000.00 High: $15,100.00


As the way I see it.... If it\'s amazing condition, and you can make up the $11,000 up by cash... definately go for it if you have the money to burn!.... Warrenties are always good...

If you don\'t have the extra money, and are looking into financing the difference, do you really wanna pay more interest to someone else when you could be throwing that extra money towards a vacation... or putting more money on the MTG (if you have one that is) at the end of the year?

Anyway... Either way... up to you guys.... if you do decide... definately bargain with Avante... they are the best to go test drive the car, and definately the best to negotiate!

Good luck with the decision

[Melenium]

Originally posted by Neo


I don\'t mind so much the dimming part of the mirror... More of the Homelink feature.. Saves you trouble of having another damn garage door opener.
If your wife likes the P5, she\'s going to love the 3.
I know what you mean about Lethargic.. The 2.3lt engine feels a bit stressed in the 6. It\'ll get it around alright, but once you start loading people in the car or carrying things, you feel the stress of the poor engine...
Not so in the 3. It\'s amazing what 300-400lbs does to a car and it\'s engine. The 3 picks up that much faster than the 6.
In the corners you can definately feel the weight of the 6. Not so in the 3. The 3 corners a bit flatter too.

First thing you\'ll notice when you drive it is the response of the steering and engine. They\'re that much quicker than the 6... The only other steering quicker in the lineup is the Miata\'s and RX-8\'s...
You\'ll have to get use to where the tach sits as opposed to the 6\'s but once you get the feel for the tach, it\'s all good! ;)
Seats hold you better, less flat than the 6\'s. And the response of the pedal is a bit quicker than the 6\'s...

You\'re gonna love the drive... I got my 3 sight on seen and I never test drove the thing. I knew how it was going to handle because the majority of Mazda\'s handle the same. With the exception of the Miata and RX-8 (their limits are higher). I just ordered mine and waited for delivery. The best thing I noticed was the handling of the car and the gas consumption. Lighter car, less fuel... :D

Lates,

Honestly, the only thing that I liked about the 6 was that it has a sport \"fast-back\" version which is so increadibly handy. Aside from that I prefer the 3 no matter how you look at it. I think the 3 even is more refined on the inside than the 6, which is pretty unusual.

[Spyder01]

Yo PSIVIC !!! im in the extact same stituation as you!!! I don\'t have a P5 though, i have the 02 ES sedan...i really really want the 3 and everytime i go for oil change, i just have to go over and touch the car!! lol...but everyone i talked to says my car is too clean and new to be sold!! arrr even the sales guy that i brought the protege from told me to wait another year!! i want now!!....lol i think the sales guy was scard to even give me a quote for my car...but he said that it would cost atleast $10,000 for the upgrade...according to my own research, the price for the upgrade is actually between $10,000 and $18,000...

*sigh...i think my sedan JUST reached 23,000km 2 days ago...everything is so fricken perfect about it...but i just like the 3 look better...cool to see the mazdaspeed coming soon, but the sticker price is going to be more expensive than the Jetta 1.8T Wolfsberg...lol so no way i can afford that...

[TheProfessor]

Spyder01 - Yup, the 3 is such a leap from the Protege IMO, just like the 6 was to the 626. My wife and I might go and test drive one today at Scarborough Mazda since we\'ll be in that area for a bit. I\'ll let you know how it turns out.

Melenium - As for the 3 being more refined than the 6, it\'s understandable considering it\'s built in Japan whereas my 6 is built in Michigan. As for the 3 being better in every other way, I think that is personal preference. The back seats in the 3 are notably smaller, the trunk is minscule compared to the 6, many creature comforts are not available in the 3 such as heated power seats, Bose stereo (which I have since swapped out:D ), 6 airbags, traction control, etc..

Remember, I\'m not saying the 3 isn\'t a good car, but there is a reason Mazda makes both the 3 and the 6.

[billyfo]

Psivic, if warrenty is a must for you, probably new car every 3-5 yrs is needed, so leasing will be good for you. But usually Japanese cars don\'t need a forturne to repair/fix any parts.

I have a 3, my sister drive P5 and bro-in-law driving the LX, for me, I don\'t feel any difference between driving/ handling experience, but 3 has more hp so slightly faster and more grip due to larger tires (205/17 vs 195/16). if you and your wife don\'t care the handling, 3 is also slight larger than P5.

no matter which is your choice, you still welcome to join our meet in Spring.

[TheProfessor]

Well, the wife and I went to Avante Toronto today and test drove a Sport GT 5 speed. I have to say, it was quite nice. I had heard that it was not as much fun to drive as the P5, but whereever I read that was wrong. The car was a blast. I was a bit disappointed that they were not able to do any better on the price, considering we have bought two cars from that dealership within the last two years. We were offered approx. $500 off the price of the 6 disc in dash changer, and not a penny more.

When we were driving the car, we noticed that the clutch had an odd vibration when engaging, is this normal, or was the demo screwed?

My wife and I can\'t decide if we want to lease or finance the next car. Currently both of our cars are financed. If we lease, the rates are so high on the 3 that for about $40 more a month we can get the new 2005 Volvo S40 (base engine, but with tons of other features like dual zone climate, 340 watt 12 speaker stereo, 6 airbags, stability control, etc.). Oddly enough, insurance is cheaper for us to have a $40K Volvo than the $27K MZ3!

Next week-end we\'re gonna go talk to Volvo about going that route. Either way, I will hopefully be coming to the meets with some sort of Mazda 3 chassied car, whether it be the 3 or the S40!

Sorry so long.:zzz

[Spyder01]

hehe of course it would be cheaper in insurance, its a volvo :D lol...anyway, are you trading in your p5 for the 3?? because if you are, i don\'t think you have the option to finance or lease, you must pay in full if the trade in value is more than 50% of the car...its what i heard from my sales person..also says on the mazda website. Plus, to trade in our protege to a 3 would only cost about $15000 which is the MAX im willing to pay at the moment.

lol also, a few things should be pointed out about the S40 :D lol...great car, but designed by females, for females. Reading the reviews of the car, you\'ll noticed that the center volume control has a space behind it to hide your purse :D, i have actually never seen that before, great idea too, nice design. Also, everything is designed to fit a female such as the seats and the steering wheel. hehe but i\'d personally rather see myself in a 3 than S40...for almost $15k more, ur still riding on a 3 chassis. But then again, you got to think about the other stuff like the climate controls, do you really need it?? power seats??! how often do you even need to adjust your seat? Some of these stuff are just going to give volvo an excuse to charge you more, like some of those cabin filters...remember everything in a high priced car will have parts more expensive too..

[///M]

I wouldn\'t get an S40. If you\'re moving up to 40k territory I\'d rather get a TSX, 325i, A4 1.8t or a base G35.

[TheProfessor]

I had actually already priced out cars like the TSX, 325 and G35, and they all turn out to be quite a bit more expensive then the S40. No matter, my wife and I sat down and did some serious thinking, and we will likely hang on to the P5 and when/if the rates come down to reasonable levels we would consider the 3. So for now we will stick with what we\'ve got, and who knows what\'ll happen;)