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Thread: First Car, Considering a Mazda 3. Advice?

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    Default First Car, Considering a Mazda 3. Advice?

    Hey Everyone.

    First Post!

    First off, Sorry if this is in the wrong spot, or If I am missing any forum etiquette.

    I am graduating from High-school this year, and moving on to post-secondary. As a graduation present, My parents are offering to buy me a cheap car, or pay for part of a more expensive car.

    They are willing to throw $4000 in the pot, anything beyond that I have to come up with myself.

    So! I am willing to add a few thousand myself, but the less i can spend the better, as I am starting school next year, and don't want to spend anymore then I have to.

    In this price range, have seen a few 2004 Mazda 3's for 5-6 thousand on autotrader.ca

    However, all of these cars seem to have at least 150 000 kilometers on them.

    In your opinion, am I better off finding an cheaper, older honda civic? Or is it worth the money for a 3 with higher milage.

    I really like the look of them, and for a 2004, they are really miles above the competition in styling.

    Thanks for your opinions!

    Ben,

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    Default Re: First Car, Considering a Mazda 3. Advice?

    Hey Ben,

    Mazda3s are definitely great cars the trick is just to look privately on kijiji and whatnot as well as Autotrader and snag a deal when the opportunity occurs. Your insurance on a Mazda will also most likely be even cheaper than on a Civic, considering their track record with theft and break-ins.

    I don't regret my Mazda purchase one bit and if you do end up getting a 3 I'm sure you won't either.

    --- CURRENT - 2012 BMW 328i 6MT :: White on Red ---


    --- OLD - 2006 Mazda3 GT GFX 5MT :: Black on Black ---

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    Default Re: First Car, Considering a Mazda 3. Advice?

    Thanks for the reply!

    It does seem like the car for me, but should high millage be a concern?

    I see many of them go by in my price-range, but they almost all have between 200 000 to 250 000 Kilometers.

    Should I not even bother with these cars? or are the 3s known to keep going fine longer then that. I know thats a hard to answer question, as each car will be different, but I am just trying to get a general sense of the life-span of these cars.

    Thanks in advance,
    Ben

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    Default Re: First Car, Considering a Mazda 3. Advice?

    It depends how it was/will be taken care of. I've heard of people on these forums driving for over 250,000km and their cars are still going strong, so reliability isn't an issue. Then again the car came out in 2004 so people have only had 6 years to drive around, and 250,000km in 6 years is quite a bit.

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    Sr Member Fuman's Avatar
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    Default Re: First Car, Considering a Mazda 3. Advice?

    04-05 have rust issues. If you look at them, make sure you inspect them with extra effort.

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    Default Re: First Car, Considering a Mazda 3. Advice?

    Also, be sure to check the classified cars for sale here on the TM3 forum. You can often get a very well maintained modified mazda 3 for an awesome price.

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    Default Re: First Car, Considering a Mazda 3. Advice?

    somone on the forum is selling an 04 mazda 3 sedan for 8800 i think? maybe your parents will throw in an extra 800 so you only have to spend 4000 yourself?
    2004 Mazda3 Sport GT

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    Default Re: First Car, Considering a Mazda 3. Advice?

    Quote Originally Posted by theguy View Post
    Thanks for the reply!

    It does seem like the car for me, but should high millage be a concern?

    I see many of them go by in my price-range, but they almost all have between 200 000 to 250 000 Kilometers.

    Should I not even bother with these cars? or are the 3s known to keep going fine longer then that. I know thats a hard to answer question, as each car will be different, but I am just trying to get a general sense of the life-span of these cars.

    Thanks in advance,
    Ben
    In terms of reliability, these cars use a chain instead of a belt, and oil changes are VERY important on cars with chain. Depending on how well the previous owner treated the vehicle, it may be a lemon for you or it may be as reliable as your average VTEC. One thing I'll tell you, IF and WHEN you get a 3, I suggest you get it in Manual instead of Automatic, I've learned from personal experience and friends, when buying used, there seem to be less problems with Manual cars than Automatics.

    Also, I know this is a lot to consider, but the 2007+ models are more refined and the chassis feels more rigid, so consider that too if you want a sturdier 3.

    This car here is not bad at all, I am not sure if its in your budget, but have a look. Although it is in Ottawa.

    http://www.autotrader.ca/used_cars_C...v=Ontario&r=40

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    Default Re: First Car, Considering a Mazda 3. Advice?

    Thanks for the replies everyone.

    Yes, I prefer to drive a standard anyways, so I don't mind avoiding automatics.

    As for the auto-trader link, 8800 is a little more then I was planning on spending. The thing that originally appealed to me about the 3 is the fact that you could get an older inexpensive car, that still looks and feels like a modern vehicle.

    I am not planning on buying until closer to the end of August, so I will see where I am at financially then.

    I really appreciate everyone's advice, and if at the end of the summer, who knows, maybe I will be up for spending $9000 on a car.

    Anyways, thanks again for your advice guys,
    Ben

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    Default Re: First Car, Considering a Mazda 3. Advice?

    All I can say from experience is take your time and don't rush into it, once you find the right car you'll know its the right car.

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    Default Re: First Car, Considering a Mazda 3. Advice?

    Another thing to consider is how well the interior was taken care of. If the person smoked or the interior smells like crap you may not notice it right away and then hate yourself later. So I definately suggest driving whatever you look at on a hot day without the ac for a bit to check it out. Good luck finding something!

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    Default Re: First Car, Considering a Mazda 3. Advice?

    Welcome to the boards, good luck on your search!

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