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Mazda3 Hatchback

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What is this discussion about? Mazda MAZDA3, Coupe, Hatchback, Sedan

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#2680 of 2744 Re: Looking for some input on the 3 [roadburner] by bottgers Sep 28, 2007 (6:08 am)
Replying to: roadburner (Sep 28, 2007 5:46 am) As the price of gas goes up (and it will continue to do so), that number gets bigger. I'm not saying cars that put a smile on your face should go away. I'm saying auto makers should be more focussed on building more fuel efficient vehicles than they currently appear to be.
#2681 of 2744 Re: Looking for some input on the 3 [roadburner] by autonomous Sep 28, 2007 (9:36 am)
Replying to: roadburner (Sep 28, 2007 5:46 am) Look, I've done the math; if I drive 15,000 miles per year and average 22 mpg I'll use 682 gallons of gas. At $3.50 per gallon that works out to $2387 ... a fuel sipper that will average 35 mpg. In 15,000 miles I will have used 429 gallons, which at $3.50 per gallon would amount to $1500- a savings of $887.   Remember that the Mazdaspeed3 uses premium fuel and the Mazda3 uses regular; the fuel savings would be around $1000 per year.   Since most drivers keep their cars for more than one year, one should also calculate the difference over a longer period (like 3 or 5 years). So, that would mean the Mazdaspeed3 is now $3000 to $5000 more than the Mazda3.   Also, one should also factor in the additional maintenance required for the turbo speed.   But, as you say, to each his own. The Mazdaspeed3 is an impressive machine. Replies to this message: iz24too (Sep 30, 2007 7:11 am)
#2682 of 2744 Re: Looking for some input on the 3 [autonomous] by iz24too Sep 30, 2007 (7:11 am)
Replying to: autonomous (Sep 28, 2007 9:36 am)
#2683 of 2744 Ground clearance change by iz24too Sep 30, 2007 (7:23 am)
I notice that the 06 and older models ground clearance is a little higher -5.90 vs. 4.8 on newer models, 4.8 does seems low to me since we have snow/slush 5 months out of the year just wondering your take!?
#2684 of 2744 Re: Air Dam Option [jazzmin] by igozoomzoom Oct 06, 2007 (1:13 am)
Replying to: jazzmin (Sep 26, 2007 1:38 pm) Quick suggestion, before you order one (if the dealer will even do that)- use the inventory search tool on Mazda's website. It requires a zip code and will search up to a 150 mile radius from it. If you want to expand your search beyond 150 miles, look up a zip code that is roughly 200 miles away or so. Of course, you'll have to travel to wherever you locate it to buy it but it might be worth it.   That's exactly what I did back in 12/05 when I was looking for my MZ3 5-door. I'm in Atlanta, but the closest ones I could find in Titanium Gray with manual transmission were in Knoxville TN and Charlotte NC. I ended up getting almost $2k off sticker from the dealer in Knoxville and it was well worth the three hour trip to get exactly what I wanted and not wait for it.   Your chances of getting much of a discount on an ordered car are pretty low, too. Buying one on the lot will always be a better deal as long as it's what you want.
#2685 of 2744 Re: Looking for some input on the 3 [bottgers] by gib11 Oct 08, 2007 (6:05 am)
Replying to: bottgers (Sep 28, 2007 3:59 am) Not sure. Some people will be fine with plain vanilla ice cream, others will want a little more like chocolate coating, more expensive but much better, By the way Mazda rose its sale almost 30% in 2007 in the US selling almost 100k MZ3, not bad for a 4 year old style. Thats double the sale since 2004. The MZ3 has bigger motor (more HP and torque), bigger tires, and heavier cars, and still manage to be more fuel efficient than the elentra, focus, VW rabbit, jetta, Astra, caliber, optra, kia rio, rondo, sentra, cobalt (170hp, and even thge Honda fit (cruising at 70mph). IMO, the MZ3 is still a very fuel efficient car for what you get.
#2686 of 2744 Re: I thought I'd get.... [bottgers] by socal2006 Oct 08, 2007 (5:03 pm)
Replying to: bottgers (Sep 23, 2007 3:45 am) The reason why you probably didnt get many responses is because this topic has been covered quite a bit on these forums (you have to do some digging).   In any case, there's a topic about people's real world fuel economy and one also about the differences between the 2.0 and 2.3 engines.   Briefly, the 2.0 is fairly fuel efficient and looking at Consumer Report's numbers it's not that far off from the Civic in real world use. The 2.3 will not net you tons more power but it is noticeable. For me, the biggest difference is in the smoothness of the 2.3 engine. It often feels more like a v6 than a buzzy i4.   As for whether Mazda is behind Toyota and/or Honda in engine tech, it probably is considering the relative size of the R&D departments (even taking into consideration being partnered with Ford). Still, Mazda really is not dramatically behind. You have to remember that Mazda tends to design their engines with a flatter torque curve; their gearing is more aggressive as well. Some people find driving Honda i4 to be frustrating as they need more revs (in general) to achieve the same power. Thus, there are tradeoffs for the increased fuel economy observed in say a Civic vs. a Mazda3.   If what you really care about is fuel economy, then a Mazda is probably not the way to go. I would venture you should look at a hybrid if you are saving the world or a Civic (maybe even a B class vehicle) if you are saving money.
#2687 of 2744 Road Racing 3s Hatchback by outingsinc Oct 11, 2007 (8:15 am)
I am going to be road racing my 3s hatchback this coming summer and I'm wondering if anyone else is currently racing one? If so has anyone run into problems installing a SCCA approved rollcage such as driver seat movement, visability and if you can still use the rear seat or is that lost?   Any help or information would be greatly appreciated as the purchase and installation is forth coming this winter.   Thanks Replies to this message: roadburner (Oct 11, 2007 7:18 pm)
#2688 of 2744 Re: Road Racing 3s Hatchback [outingsinc] by roadburner Oct 11, 2007 (7:18 pm)
Replying to: outingsinc (Oct 11, 2007 8:15 am) If so has anyone run into problems installing a SCCA approved rollcage such as driver seat movement, visability and if you can still use the rear seat or is that lost?   I don't know about the 3 in particular, but installing a roll cage almost always compromises or eliminates rear seat accomodations. You also must remember that even a padded cage can present a danger to a passenger who isn't wearing a helmet. You might need to check some boards that are more competition oriented.
#2689 of 2744 Rear quarter windows by gordonwd Nov 10, 2007 (7:44 pm)
Dumb question maybe, but do the small triangular rear "quarter windows" in the 5-door hatch open? I forgot to check this when we test-drove one today. Replies to this message: roadburner (Nov 11, 2007 9:24 pm)

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