2011 Mazda 3 or hold out for the 2012?

[Sean80]

My wife and I are looking to buy a new Mazda 3. There are great deals on the 2011's right now, but I'm pretty excited about this new skyactive engine/tranny. I'm just wondering if anyone else out there is holding out for the 2012. It should only be a couple more months until they are out.

[surfguy17]

personally i wouldnt buy the 2012 right away (i always wait until the next year) since its that new engine/tranny cuz people dont know much about it or if its going to have problems and what type of problems and all that junk so personally i would go 2011 since u could probably get a good deal on one.

[Kiyomi]

personally, i like the 2010-2011 look now and would not buy the 2012's even with the new gas saving engines...

[SonicBoy]

The Sky-acitve stuff is pretty new for the 2012 so there could be some issues being the first generation.

As for the 2011's stock is starting to go so your choice of colours/options will begin to get difficult.

The 2012's are hopefully on track for later next month.

[Jclark]

I would wait for the new 2012, i'm new here and my opinion is probably not as creditable as others but Mazda is a "smaller" dealership. the test their engines and put them through the pretty rough testing. i don't think they would release an engine that would be unreliable for customers. The new engine is supposed to be more fuel efficient and have 10 more HP with a very high compression ratio. transmission is also supposed to have quicker shifting. if you wait out even longer the next batch of 2012s (2012.5) are supposed to have a more rugged chassis while being 200KG lighter than the current version.

personally i would wait but thats just my opinion...

[Jclark]

apparently i cant type either... *they test their engines and put them through pretty rough testing

[The Wolf]

I think the 2012 look better than the 2010/11. But new gen kinks are the norm.

Hold out and cross your fingers for the twin turbo diesel haha

[Fuyuzora]

Everyone's touched on the more important points first, but a note on colours:

If you happen to like Celestial Blue, Gunmetal Blue, or Copper Red, these colours are being dropped for the 2012+ MY.

New colours being added to replace them are Sky Blue (similar to but darker than celestial blue), Newport slate metallic (available on the CX-9, grey/green/blue shade), and indigo lights mica (a very dark indigo shade).

[Scottobot]

I'd take the deals on the 2011's now. As others have said the first model year may have some unexpected issues to address so I'd wait a year or two before buying a Skyactiv engine.

[SatoTatsuya]

It is hard to say, because I like the aesthetics of both the 2010/2011 as well as the 2012 model, however the thing that I am pretty sold in is the fact that the 2012 model will have an improved structural integrity. Having said that, I think I am still liking the 2010/2011 look a LITTTTLE bit more. I can't really choose between the two either...this question has been going through my head over and over again as well...hmmm!!! If only the 2.5 engine is being updated as well...that's too bad!!!

[Sean80]

I'm not too worried about issues with the new motor. This will be my 3rd Mazda and I'm pretty sure they put their motors through rigorous testing, not to mention it will have warranty. I also like the idea of the 2012's having a more rigid chassis. The way the price of gas has been fluctuating the past couple of years, I'm going to go for fuel economy!

[Scottobot]

I'm not too worried about issues with the new motor. This will be my 3rd Mazda and I'm pretty sure they put their motors through rigorous testing

As much as I love the RX-8, it's proof that no matter how much R&D goes into a car there's stuff that won't show up until it's on the road, in the real world.

[Fuyuzora]

As much as I love the RX-8, it's proof that no matter how much R&D goes into a car there's stuff that won't show up until it's on the road, in the real world.

Not sure Wankel engines, which are only developed by Mazda and further ironed out by die-hard rotary enthusiasts, can be reasonably compared to a reciprocating piston design.

I do agree with exercising caution with the first year or two of a new design, though.

[gomac]

I'm not too worried about issues with the new motor. This will be my 3rd Mazda and I'm pretty sure they put their motors through rigorous testing, not to mention it will have warranty. I also like the idea of the 2012's having a more rigid chassis. The way the price of gas has been fluctuating the past couple of years, I'm going to go for fuel economy!

The SKY-chassis won't be available on the 2012 Mazda 3. It's debut will be on the CX-5 first then the other models. The Mazda 3 will only get the SKY-G motor and SKY-Activ transmission

[SatoTatsuya]

The SKY-chassis won't be available on the 2012 Mazda 3. It's debut will be on the CX-5 first then the other models. The Mazda 3 will only get the SKY-G motor and SKY-Activ transmission

Seriously?!! dang...I thought they were going to realize it with the updated chassis as well?! Where did you hear it? I want to read up on the article as well.

[Jclark]

The SKY-chassis won't be available on the 2012 Mazda 3. It's debut will be on the CX-5 first then the other models. The Mazda 3 will only get the SKY-G motor and SKY-Activ transmission

Where did you hear this. I'm no sales rep but i do work at a mazda dealership and i was told that the 2012.5 would have a new chassis

[gomac]

I'm a salesperson at a Mazda dealership in Ottawa. We get periodic information from MAzda Canada that most people won't get.

They stated that the CX-5 will be the first Mazda with all the new SKY Activ technology in it from the SKY-G and SKY-D motors to the SKY Activ transmissions to the chassis. The 2012 MAzda 3 with only be getting the SKY Activ-G motor and SKY Activ manual and auto transmissions first along with a mild bumper refresh.

I imagine that they will get the chassis when they do the redesign in 2014-2015, but I'm not clear on that. Also, the 2013 Mazda 6 when it gets redesigned will more than likely offer a diesel as an optional engine

[Jclark]

guess i stand corrected... That really sucks i was hoping for the lighter chassis

[SatoTatsuya]

^indeed! I was really looking forward to the improved chassis as well...if that's the case, then there's no point waiting to purchase the 2012 Mazda3...I guess unless you wanna get the improved transmissions...hmmm!!!

[TheMAN]

there's every point to wait for the 2012... the engines are a completely new design and are 100% mazda, unlike the current engines... the transmission is all new and I'm not even sure if it has anything in common with ford... the new auto is so efficient, it acts like a DSG while still being a "slush box"... it will shift fast and the torque converter will lock up often to improve fuel efficiency and driving response

the engine will run not only cleaner but will be way more fuel efficient... the torque curve is also flattened which makes actual drivability much improved... the numbers alone don't mean everything
with gas prices so expensive now, about 40 US MPG that rivals the sub-compact econoboxes running around, it's a win-win for a "large" car like the 3

the 2012s are about a month into production and probably in another month we'll see them in show rooms... that's just my guess, so don't quote me on that!

[Sean80]

Here is a little more info: http://www.mazda.com/mazdaspirit/skyactiv/

[SatoTatsuya]

I wonder if Mazda will be releasing a Skyactive version for the 2.5L engine? I would very much like to get an updated 2.5L in Skyactive!!

[TheMAN]

rumor has it they're working on the 2.5, but it'll probably be another year before we see it... who knows if it goes into the 3... definitely the 6 though

[Jeff-TheBiz]

rumor has it they're working on the 2.5, but it'll probably be another year before we see it... who knows if it goes into the 3... definitely the 6 though

I have heard no such rumour...

Personally, until the VIN on a 6 begins with a 'J'.. I would never buy one.

[Timbits93]

Actually, anyone know how the financing rates would end up on the 2012 MY?

It'll ultimately decide for us if we get one really soon or wait it out.

Thanks!