Mazda3 Prices Paid and Buying Experience

5091 messages,  Last post on May 04, 2013 at 7:27 PM

You are in the Prices Paid - Buying & Leasing Experiences Forum.

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

#2613 of 5091 What do you think? by vppc

Jun 14, 2006 (5:52 pm)

Hi, everyone!
 
I test drove FIVE new cars today! Here is a brief description of each one:
 
1. 2005 Suzuki Verona (leftover) - $15,999 - nice, but don't want something that gets the same gas mileage as my Taurus, and the stereo sucked.
 
2. 2006 Ford Fusion SE - $19,800 - Auto + Sport Package - excellent vehicle and great 4-cylinder power, but not quite enough right leg room after seat was pushed all the way back.
 
3. 2006 Mazda 3i Touring - $17,825 - Auto + Rear Spoiler - LOVED IT! Great power and the 26/34 MPG rating really has me going. Solid, stable, smooth and great handling, SEXY!
 
4. 2006 Honda Civic LX - $18,060 - Auto - Did not like how the transmission felt, sound system not great and kind of a reach, but did have smooth ride, and still not quite enough right leg room.
 
5. 2006 Chevy Cobalt LT Coupe - $16,415 - Auto + Rear Spoiler - Comfortable, smooth, zippy, but not exciting to me at all.
 
In the end, I LOVED THE MAZDA 3! However, I currently have a 2001 Ford Taurus SES (silver) w/118,000 miles and runs excellent, but really want something new, refreshing, and excellent gas mileage! What kind of trade-in do you all perceive on this car? My zip code is 45710 and I owe $5,500 on the car.
 
I priced out a 3i Touring online, and only want the Auto + Side Airbag/ABS package = $17,845 MSRP.
 
Do you think I can acheive $18,000 OTD after everything? That is my goal.
 
I also was thinking of the Ford Focus SES, since it shares the same platform as the Mazda3 and comes with all the features I'd like including Side Airbags/ABS for $17,485 - not to mention 0% APR for 72 mos and $1,000 rebate or $1,000 gas card!
 
What do you all think?
 
- Alex
 
P.S. My Taurus is silver and does not have moonroof, leather, or Duratec V6.

#2614 of 5091 Re: andygray [z71bill] by mrblonde49

Jun 15, 2006 (6:44 am)

Replying to: z71bill (Jun 13, 2006 6:03 pm)
If they treat you this bad as a prospective customer - Imagine what they will do for you after you buy the car! "
 
My dealership experience has been flawless. Just have to find a good one

#2615 of 5091 Re: andygray [mrblonde49] by andygray

Jun 15, 2006 (8:05 am)

Replying to: mrblonde49 (Jun 15, 2006 6:44 am)
"My dealership experience has been flawless. Just have to find a good one"
 
I think we disagree here. Dealerships must be minimally competent. If a dealership does not even take the chance to earn my business, I think there is a problem. The last instance I was there, the salesperson was someone by the name Bambi or Brandi (or something along those lines), rather unprofessionally dressed, and generally did not seem to care for my business. I fault Mazda for franchising with outfits like this.
 
There is no excuse for such poor service.

#2616 of 5091 Re: Is this a good deal? [cellneuron] by aviboy97

Jun 15, 2006 (11:09 am)

Replying to: cellneuron (Jun 14, 2006 5:29 pm)
considering the 2007 model is around the corner.
 
What is your definition of "around the corner"? We are looking at September before 2007's are here

#2617 of 5091 Re: andygray [andygray] by aviboy97

Jun 15, 2006 (11:19 am)

Replying to: andygray (Jun 15, 2006 8:05 am)
The last instance I was there, the salesperson was someone by the name Bambi or Brandi (or something along those lines), rather unprofessionally dressed, and generally did not seem to care for my business. I fault Mazda for franchising with outfits like this.
 

 
First off, it is not easy to get a Mazda franchise. And if you do, there is extensive back ground checks involved among other things. Also, a manufacturer has very little to do with how a particular franchise conducts business. They are not there 24/7 to monitor how they dress, talk, or how educated they are. Mazda evaluates each franchise every year to see how they conduct business. Ones that stand out in satisfaction are awarded various titles such as "Performance Champion", "Gold Cup Certified", "President's Award". You should locate a dealer on Mazdausa.com and see which ones near you have earned Mazda awards for customer service.
 
My father bought a Honda Accord from one of the worst Honda dealers in the north east. They have HORRIBLE customer service, treat you like you are lower then dirt. He bought because he got the price so low, it made sense. He does not service the car there, he goes to where he is treated like a human being.

#2618 of 5091 about college cashback by cellneuron

Jun 15, 2006 (4:32 pm)

Does anybody know how much is mazda college cashback and what's the condition for it?
 
Thanks

#2619 of 5091 mrblonde49 by z71bill

Jun 15, 2006 (7:29 pm)

What do you think your flawless Mazda dealership would do if I brought my Mazda3 in and ask them to fix my weak defective AC system?
 
What would they do if your AC system was weak and defective? (same thing NOTHING)
 
They would no longer be considered flawless after they told you to take a hike.
 
Its easy to say good things when you have had no problems -The true measure of customer service is what happens AFTER you have a problem.
 
Find me one customer who has had their weak AC fixed and let me know what the flawless dealership did to solve the problem.

#2620 of 5091 Re: mrblonde49 [z71bill] by mryum

Jun 15, 2006 (9:21 pm)

Replying to: z71bill (Jun 15, 2006 7:29 pm)
Ya know Bill...I very well may tick off the mods of these forums for actually singling you out. But, you brought your usual deriding manner to a forum completely unrelated to car problems.
 
If you're THAT unhappy...why not sell or trade in the car and be done with it? These cars seem to be holding their value pretty well so your loss should be minimal if any. Just makes no sense to continue coming here and bad mouthing anything and everything you can find about Mazda.
 
Bottom line is all car companies can have problems. All car companies have some unhappy customers whose expectations weren't met. Think it was you that said they should have designed the system to cool down the car on a 110 degree day in a few minutes. The A/C in my 02 Avalanche struggles on some days. There are some days...GASP...when I have to actually use the highest fan speed. The new A/C systems in cars simply aren't as strong as they were back in the old un-environmentally friendly days.
 
I won't deny that there are obviously some problem A/C cars out there. But, there are also a LOT of very happy customers. Is it really that tough for you to simply let some people enjoy their cars?
 
I don't know if Mazda has fixed any of the weak A/C systems. And frankly, I don't really care since my system works flawlessly. If and when I do have a problem, I'll deal with it like I have every other car problem I've had over the years. And that certainly won't include coming to a forum and literally jumping on every thread where someone has something good to say about their car or the dealership where they bought their car. It WILL include working with the dealer/reps/manufacturer and if no resolution is found...selling the car. This is a sub $20k car...not a huge deal to sell it and start over.
 
Good luck to ya Bill...

#2621 of 5091 Re: mrblonde49 [mryum] by heel2toe

Jun 15, 2006 (9:52 pm)

Replying to: mryum (Jun 15, 2006 9:21 pm)
I understand that Bill has had a bad experience, but someone said exactly the same thing to him in 2004. He's been singing the same tune for nearly two years.

#2622 of 5091 Re: mrblonde49 [z71bill] by mrblonde49

Jun 16, 2006 (6:13 am)

Replying to: z71bill (Jun 15, 2006 7:29 pm)
What do you think your flawless Mazda dealership would do if I brought my Mazda3 in and ask them to fix my weak defective AC system? "
 
Sorry, I can't answer. My AC (and everything else) has been perfect. I do know they are very courteous when I bring it in for scheduled maintenance
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