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Sedans Mazda6 Mazda6 vs. Mazda3
8 messages, Last post on Jun 26, 2007 at 10:14 AM
You are in the Mazda6 Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens
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Hey guys, I have a question for you. I've been doing a lot of research lately and I'm having a tough time deciding what car to get. My budget for a car is ~$16,200 MAXIMUM. I really like the new 06 Mazda 3's, I can easily get an i style one for less than 16k, and I can probably buy an i Touring style one with some bargaining to knock off 1k or so. However, I can also buy a nice 05 Mazda 6 with more features: AC, power locks/mirrors/steering/windows, cruise control, ABS, etc. all for less than 30k mileage for around 16k. The only problem is all the review's I've read have all been much better for the 3 than the 6. Additionally, buying a used car is a pain in the butt if you ask me - I don't have much time due to a very busy schedule so to do all that research, go to multiple dealers, get checkups, bargaining, etc. is not for me. And as for CarMax, i've heard very mixed reviews for that place leaving me clueless. What would you do? Any help is appreciated.
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Replying to: thetrumphet (Aug 16, 2006 5:59 pm) really, the 2 cars are in different classes, but both have been pretty well reviewed against their peers (except for consumer reports which doesn't care for the 6 too much). both are a blast to drive. I own the v-6 6 hatchback and have been very happy with it. the look overall was a bit more what I was after (balanced, refined). plus the hatch had the utility of a wagon, but the look of a sedan. so....the answer is...it depends. getting 7k off a 6 would be pretty easy if you include the 1k rebate if you finance at least 5k through mazda. but you will have to negotiate and be ready to do what this entails. definitely use their internet departments to get some quotes. won't take you hardly any time and will save you thousands. and don't be aloof either...saying you won't give the other guy's price will not let you play one off another. tell them what you want and see if they can do it. for accurate pricing in your area, try www.mazda6club.com and other mazda3 sites that can tell you what others in your area have gotten. there will also be people who know what incentives are currently being offered. if your money is worth anything, take your time if you can. if you're anxious or in a hurry, a salesman will take full advantage of this. with a couple nights of research for an hour or two, another night of sending e-mails to dealers within a couple hours of you, and a full day to get the deal you can (assuming you can't seal the deal over the internet) will be all that this will take to save a lot. keep in mind, 3's are selling well so getting a deal on those will be harder than the 6. but the mazda 3 club sites will be able to tell you what the standard discount is. if you can't find a good mazda 3 site, register at the mazda6club site and ask. someone there will tell you. good luck! buying a car should not be overly stressful...as a consumer in a buyer's market, you have the leverage. it's a commodity market and it's a slowing market. be pleasant, friendly, but firm and don't be afraid to walk away (at least once). don't do the undercoating or the fabric protector or any other "services" that the dealer offers. sorry for the rambling, but hopefully some of this helps. |
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Replying to: thetrumphet (Aug 16, 2006 5:59 pm)
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There's no generic Mazda group so I'm posting this in both the Mazda6 and Mazda3 groups. The lease on my 2004 A4 1.8T quattro 6M is coming to its end next month, and I'm looking at Mazdas to replace it (can't spend that much again). But I can't decide which would be the closest replacement: -Mazda3 2.3 hatch (trunk is way too small for me). -Mazda6 2.3 sedan or hatch -Mazda6 3.0 sedan or hatch And which level: sport, value edition, touring, etc. For example, would the 4 cylinder on the Mazda6 be sufficient to match the performance of the Audi, or would the 6 cylinder be better? Mostly, the comparison should be for interior dimensions/comfort, and engine/transmission performance. I was looking at an Accord, and although its "nice", I just can't see me driving it - I'd prefer something a little different and with that, you know, zoom-zoom. Any help would be appreciated. Frank
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Replying to: leftfrank (Mar 30, 2007 7:15 pm) Coming from a 1.8T, maybe you would be happier with the speed6? This puts a turbo on the 4 cyl. It also only comes in manual transmission and has AWD. The 4 cyl Mazda6 works for me, but not sure it would seem adequate to one who is used to a faster car. |
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| I used to own a Mazda3S MT; loved it. Great handling and gas mileage (it averaged 35 mpg). I then bought a Mazdaspeed6 and sold the Mazda3 (with 35K miles on it). The main reason I bought the Speed6 was the AWD, but it is also simply more car; many added features. We also own an Audi A4 1.8 quattro AT. The Audi has 46K miles and has had absolutely no problens. We really enjoy the handling of the Audi and Mazdas; definitely superior to most cars. From my experience, all three are good choices. It depends on your priorities and the details of features and price for each car. | |
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Replying to: voicemailking (Aug 29, 2006 6:51 pm) |
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