First Car! Mazda 3 GX??

Hello,

I am totally new here, and I am totally not a car guy. My primary goal is to purchase a car that is cost efficient as I will be driving from Brampton to Scarborough everyday for work. I've been talking to all of my car friends and have narrowed down my options to the Mazda 3 GX, or the VW Jetta (both automatic transmission). I am leaning towards the GX but I cannot decide if I want the 2015, 2014 with low kms, or buy an older model.

My friends told me to check out forums and find out which models (year) were the most reliable. Can anyone help me with identifying which model years were the best for the Mazda 3? Once I can narrow this down further, then I can look to compare the value for and older car vs a newer car

Also, I see the price for the 2015 is approx $19,000 + Frieght, DPI, and Taxes/Fees. What would be the estimated total cost for the default model here?

Thanks!

Unless you're planning on buying a diesel, don't get a VW. More expensive to maintain and fix.

And if you don't have your mind made up between a new or used car then you gotta think about that first as you'll be spending quite a difference in money.

The 2.0 non-sky active has been around for a while and is a pretty tough motor. The 5 speed automatics are also quite good but can be very harsh on the fluid.

I debated between getting a 2.0 sky vs. a 2.0 non sky and ultimately chose the non sky purely in terms for reliability. The 2.0 skys are still too new for my tastes and until they've been around for a little longer Id feel more comfortable with a pretty fuel efficient motor with a good history.

I also love the way the 5 speed autos shift, smooth yet firm.

I would avoid 2004-2007 vehicles due to the rust issues and avoid the 2.3 motor since many have been known to burn oil


Best go out and test drive a few and decide for yourself

The OP should talk to the Jeff the-Biz at Mazda of Toronto for pricing.

Or better yet, move to the east end - commuting from Brampton to Scarlem is going to be hell! ;-)

Grab yourself a 2009 2.0 motor, I've put over 100,000km on this engine in just two years since I got it and she's just as awesome as the day I got it. (regular maintenance only) still great on gas. With my 90% hwy driving I get well over 600km/tank. Plus it's just stupid fun to drive around tbh.

Make a poll and you have +1 for used Mazda3

Also Christ you can pick one up for like 6 grand AND pay that guy Jimmy at garage16 to look it over to make sure it's in good condition. Just saying

Dude...Jimmy is at Street Performance! :P

#INJIMMYWETRUST

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Originally Posted by ValdesX

Also Christ you can pick one up for like 6 grand AND pay that guy Jimmy at garage16 to look it over to make sure it's in good condition. Just saying

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does the $19,000 2015 base model come with A/C? is it standard or auto?
personally i cant live without a/c anymore

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Originally Posted by staax

The 2.0 non-sky active has been around for a while and is a pretty tough motor. The 5 speed automatics are also quite good but can be very harsh on the fluid.

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I agree with you on both counts. I have a 2010 Mazda 3 Sport GX and the engine is very solid, but the transmission fluid was dark brown at 84,000 km. That's not something I generally expect, but apparently it doesn't have a transmission cooler. Other than that the transmission has been pretty good and it's quite smooth. Other than that it's been nothing but regular service appointments and a new set of front brakes.

Buy new if you need financing, otherwise used is a good option. The 2004-2013 non-skyactive 2.0L cars all have the same MZR engine.

Well. Kill me off these forums. I made a mistake, might as well go chill with that yellow speed3 now. Mods wanna edit my embarrassing post? Haha, but in all honesty. Get a 2.0 engine plus. 1st gen looks WAY better. We aren't smiling all the time. #SHOTSFIRED

Welcome to the forum OP. :)

If your primary goal is cost efficiency, the Mazda 3 is your choice vs. the VW (in terms of maintenance and part pricing). You can get a 2.0L engine in a Gen1 GX sport or GX/GS sedan , in a Gen2 GX sport or GX/GS sedan. The Gen2 models (both sport and sedan) also came out with a 2.0L Skyactiv engine which they say is fuel efficient. (feel free to correct me on trim errors guys)

If you plan on keeping the car for a long time, you may want to consider getting a 2015. Year is almost over and I am pretty much sure that there will be great deals on both leasing and financing terms.

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Originally Posted by staax

I would avoid 2004-2007 vehicles due to the rust issues and avoid the 2.3 motor since many have been known to burn oil

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Don't generalize. Mine is 2007 and have no rust. It depends on how the owner maintain it. I park indoor, wash and rince every 2 weeks and rust proof yearly.
Mine is a 2.3L turbo from MSP, and no issue with oil neither. :)


It seems OP is looking for a new vehicule, so 1st Gen is out of question anyway.

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Originally Posted by SKYMP3

Don't generalize. Mine is 2007 and have no rust. It depends on how the owner maintain it. I park indoor, wash and rince every 2 weeks and rust proof yearly.
Mine is a 2.3L turbo from MSP, and no issue with oil neither. :)


It seems OP is looking for a new vehicule, so 1st Gen is out of question anyway.

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And you are of the maybe 2-5% that take care of their vehicle so that's awesome good for you, keep it up as few others will.

I didn't single out your car so what does it matter? Plenty of 2004-2007 cars are rusty which is why I'm telling him to avoid those years and save some time.

I also said many 2.3l are known to burn oil, not all.

Oh and we have no idea what he is looking for, he hasn't replied back since his first post.