3 Opinions

[SteveO]

The fiance and myself are considering trading in our '04 Tribute LX for a new Mazda 3.
(Due to MPG and a factory warranty)

However, we are wanting to keep the payments around the same, so that means no MS3. :sad2:
So I ask, what is the best (I know what Mazda says, but in terms of reliability, fuel economy, power, and handling) what is the best package to get?

I know we want a hatch, as I have two huge dogs that need to be hauled around on occasion (and they are not getting in my P5!). But are their any advantages on hatch vs. sedan?

What do yous guys suggest?

Thanks!

[Super Matty P]

well, you could've asked me since I've owned almost every new mazda but the mx5 in the past 8 years.


I LOVED our 3S hatch. It has the 2.3L auto with 160hp and while peppy was no "rocket". The wife was hoping for more power and a stick. She would've loved the MS3, no doubt in my mind.

The 3S hatch is a good bit bigger than the p5. You'll have no problem with the dogs if they fit in the p5's hatch.

The engine is solid, the tranny is solid but the mpg's are only so-so. If you are concerned then you should get the stick. Pocket an extra $800 and put it towards gas. double savings.

also, if you get a 3S let me know and I'll help you tweek it accordingly.

[SteveO]

well, you could've asked me since I've owned almost every new mazda but the mx5 in the past 8 years.


I LOVED our 3S hatch. It has the 2.3L auto with 160hp and while peppy was no "rocket". The wife was hoping for more power and a stick. She would've loved the MS3, no doubt in my mind.

The 3S hatch is a good bit bigger than the p5. You'll have no problem with the dogs if they fit in the p5's hatch.

The engine is solid, the tranny is solid but the mpg's are only so-so. If you are concerned then you should get the stick. Pocket an extra $800 and put it towards gas. double savings.

also, if you get a 3S let me know and I'll help you tweek it accordingly.

Hell Matt I didnt know you had one.

Which one is the s? They are all S something.

I would like to have a stick, but it will be mostly Aprils DD (unless I convince her we need a RX8, then the P5 will be) and she doesnt like driving stick (well...sometimes :jerkit:). Plus she has to deal with Hwy31 Homewood and Lakeshore traffic, so that will be alot of shifting.


Ill talk to you off here about it more, but if you get some free time maybe you could come to Med Center with me one day next week and lets check them out.

[conso]

a ms3 sport is the same price as a fully loaded 3 =P

[kansei]

a ms3 sport is the same price as a fully loaded 3 =P

I use this tactic to get people to buy MS3s lol. Every time I see that 23-24k MSRP (23k = sport, 24k = GT) I'm shocked at what you get for the money vs Subaru, Mitsubishi, etc. To be fair, a 24k Mazda3 GT hatch would have a moonroof, full leather seats, heated seats, and navi (which is an epic ripoff but w/e).

They're great cars from all my driving experience in them :)

[SATimko]

I've driven a 3 GT hatch, and an MS3 GT. My only complaint is that they "feel" bigger than a Protege5. Naturally, they are, but to me it felt alot bigger. Awesomely nice cars though.

[Raider]

I went from a P5 to the MS3. It is bigger. My 4 dogs fit in it pretty well. Since one is a great dane mix, he appreciates the extra headroom. The good thing is, the stock ms3 exhaust can be had used for cheap. Same with wheels, etc.

[Super Matty P]

3i (sedan) is a 2.0L duratec engine
3S (sedan or hatch) is a 2.3L engine

Hatch only comes in 3S.

I think these guys are right though....When I bought our 3S it was about $500 more than what a new MS3 would be now.

[PeaJay]

Working in a Mazda dealership i see 3's allllllll day long. And honestly, i cant say a single bad thing about them. the hatches get a little less mpg than a sedan, but i think thats obvious. just talked with a woman today about her 08 2.0 sedan and she has been averaging over 30mpg mixed driving. Do the regular maint. and tire rotations and you should be able to love your 3 for many many years to come.
...plus the white ones look teh sex imo....

[Z]

come to canada where you can get a 2.0L hatch ;)

but then again, the MS3's are 32k, so you might be paying a bit more =P

[CTt3P5]

Tam and I (well mostly I) have been tossing around the idea of trading the MPV in for a 3. The versatility of the van is awesome and yes we do carry 6/7 passengers on some occassions but right now 16mpg is killing my wallet. On the plus side I only fill the tank every two weeks.

But I am pretty sure that I could get into a 3 (silver of course) for the same monthly payment as the van with better mileage.

I did lol when I read that your dogs will not be allowed in the P5 but will be allowed in the 'new' 3.