I know I've seen about a billion threads on this type of thing before - but I'm in the market for a new car. I really like the Mazda M3 5-door hatchback - does anyone have one or has heard things about them I should know? I'm looking for a replacement for an old Nissan Maxima, preferably with the same amount of passenger room and the potential for "future-child-adaptability" - i.e., more cargo space. If anyone has any other recommendations, I'd greatly appreciate it. I've also looked at the M6 wagon, which is the best wagon on the market as far as I can tell (that does not cost a fortune anyhow). I've also checked out the Yaris and the Versa, but the M3 seems much better, and is based on the Focus so there is some previous-model experience within the design, which I like. Any help/comments would be awesome. Thanks.
I've known 3 people with Mazdas...all have had problems...one of them took it back. The other two had to constantly take em to the shop. I wanted an RX-8 but after all that, I changed my mind.
The Pontiac Vibe. That's my next vehicle. I've researched and researched and cannot find a better car for the money. Fuel efficient. Reliable. Affordable. Pretty close to the same amount of room as an SUV. Same engine and transmission as the Toyota Corolla. Same exact vehicle (other than cosmetics - which look nicer on the vibe in my opinion) as the Toyota Matrix. Good Luck! Brock
Are you married to the idea of the five-door? Because you really have three choices in varying degrees: wagon, mini-van, and mini-SUV. None of these choices especially appeals to me because they're all either overpriced, underpowered, ugly, or all three. When I was a kid, the sedan was our family car and we liked it. Then again, I can understand that's not always possible. But it's hard to beat a sedan for every day driving.
Also, if you're really considering a kid, plan on at least twice as much space as you estimate. It's amazing how much space the car seat, diaper bag, changing pad, bottles, food, extra clothes (for the kid, mom, and dad), and other necessities take up. You'll also want to keep an open area in the trunk for laying the kid out and changing those diapers. You might want to check out the Subaru Legacy and Outback wagons... lots of folks out here in the high altitude west get Subarus because of the AWD and everyone seems to like them OK... you can't drive around Colorado or Idaho without seeing abunch of them. http://www.edmunds.com/new/2007/subaru/legacy/wagon/midsize/index.html http://www.edmunds.com/new/2007/subaru/outback/100773422/researchlanding.html# Legacy Outback Also, you might want to consider a Toyota Tacoma... you can get a Pre-Runner V6 SL 2WD double cab for under $25k. The benefit here is you can throw a bed cover or camper shell on the back and have more than enough storage area and the back seat is high enough to where you are not stooping over too much everytime Jr. goes in and out of his carseat. http://www.edmunds.com/new/2007/toyota/tacoma/100793718/researchlanding.html Finally, looks like there might be some rebates for the ones you're considering... http://www.edmunds.com/incentives/R...id=edmunds.n.incentivesindex.incentives.1.1.*
I'm not really married to anything. I'm just looking for something with more room than your stereotypical sedan, but I absolutely refuse to buy a SUV.
I think they're excessive and ugly. And even that ford hybrid SUV-thing still gets crappy gas mileage. What happened to the sig hayes? BTW - you have a fan.
I have a Mazda3, not the hatchback version though. I haven't had any problems with and really love it. I'm up to about 40000 miles so far and no problems as of yet.
Tacoma's are great. Mine's an extended cab, cheaper than the double cab (which I really didn't need at the time) but has the option of turning off the passenger side airbag in case you need to put a baby up front (which I will need to do very shortly). So you get the best of both worlds. I'd say when the time comes to get a new truck, and a family size...I'll probably go with the Tacoma double cab...I don't really like SUV's and I HATE mini-vans.
Was there ever any doubt...I'm still waiting to take delivery of the GT500 that DaDa is going to hook me up with when his newest business venture takes off...
I have both a Mazda6 and a Mazda3. I love them both. No problems at all in the 1.5 years I've had them. I actually got my 6 cheaper than the 3... If you are looking for more cargo space then definitely get the 6. It may not look like it, but it's got a lot of interior. It's a very smooth ride with great handling. You can get the value edition right now for about 17-18k. If you got specific questions, feel free to ask. You might want to check out these forums www.mazda3forums.com http://www.mazda6club.com/
Well, the wife and I test drove one this weekend. Enjoyed it, got a great deal and bought it. Thanks for the heads up Brock!
