2008 Mazda3s

[rationull]

Well, I didn't think it would actually happen but we bought my GF a new 2008 Mazda3s (2.3 engine, 5 speed manual trans) today to replace her 1993 Volvo 850. It was a tough decision but we got a great deal since it's an 08, and thought it would be nice for her to have a new car given that she's going back to school this year and will be doing more driving. I didn't want to worry about what component would fail next anymore.

It's always a little sad replacing an old car but the 3 is really nice. It's got plenty of pickup -- around town it's good but on the highway in top gear is where you can most see the difference the extra .5 liters of displacement makes as compared with my Civic.

Interior quality is great. It's got some things I like better than my Civic and some things I don't like as much, but overall I'd say the quality is about the same with the 3 taking a more conventional, classier design compared with the Civic's unconventional, "futuristic" design.

I'm looking forward to becoming more familiar with the car. Some maintenance should be easier than on the Civic given you can open the hood and actually see the entire engine.

Maybe after a few thousand miles I'll post my opinions on a comparison between the cars if anyone cares.

 

[drewjp]

Good choice. Mazda did a great job with that one.

You can also comfort her if she misses her old car by letting her know that the 3 uses the same chassis as the Volvo S40...

 

[rationull]

Originally Posted By: drewjp

You can also comfort her if she misses her old car by letting her know that the 3 uses the same chassis as the Volvo S40...


Oh, she knows that She'll miss the old car nostalgically, of course (as will I) but I'm confident that after driving the 3 around for a while she'll get over it

 

[BearZDefect]

If you don't mind, would you post the price you got the 3s MT for?

 

[rationull]

We got it for 16k out the door. Sticker was 18.4k or similar including destination charges.

 

[Solo2driver]

Great deal on a great car. My buddy has almost 90K on his 3, and has been pretty great. Their motorsports program is top-notch also, another reason to support Mazda and buy their cars.

Congrats on the purchase!

 

[bustednutz]

I have an 07 Mazda 3 2.3L. I really really like it alot. She will too. It handles great. I averaged 32MPG on a 300 mile trip where my average speed was 81mph according to the built in computer. Not too shabby. And at 80mph there was still alot of throttle left to it. These cars are most at home in the higher speed brackets.

 

[rationull]

32 mph at 81 mph is excellent. Flogging my Civic on a high speed trip I've managed to get it down to only 33 or so and the torque difference between the two cars is noticeable.

I am looking forward to seeing what kind of fuel economy she ends up getting.

 

[EricZoom]

I have a Mazda6 which I like alot, and have had good luck with. I've always liked the look and performance of the 3, and if it wasn't for the size factor, i would have bought it over the 6.