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Mazda3 vs Nissan Sentra - READ ONLY

41 messages,  Last post on Jul 04, 2007 at 2:12 PM

You are in the Nissan Sentra Forum.

What is this discussion about? Mazda MAZDA3, Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3, Nissan Sentra, Car Buying, Sedan

Messages Page 1 of 4

#1 of 41 Please help me convince my brother to buy a 2004 Mazda 3 by radical_dreame

Sep 05, 2006 (1:17 am)

Please help me convince my brother to buy a 2004 Mazda 3 over a 2002 Nissan Sentra. Please!
 
My family is currently car shopping and for some weird reason my brother to get a nissan sentra. Ugggg. Ewwwww.
 
Anyways, the one he found is 2002 Nissan Sentra with 40K miles for $9,000.
 
I found a 2002 Mazda 3 S, with 20k miles for 15,000. Please what do i need to do to convince him. We gotta travel 100 miles to test drive both.
 
Also what do i need to do to convince my parents that the 3 is much better than the sentra even with that huge price difference.

#2 of 41 3 vs. sentra by thenebean

Sep 05, 2006 (11:27 am)

if he likes it, why do you feel the need to convince him otherwise? the sentra is a good small car. how old is your brother? also, what is his budget with regards to a car purchase? sometimes, the nicer cars just aren't in your price range. there's no point in stretching yourself thin for no reason. the sentra will get your brother from point A to point B just like the mazda 3...
 
just my opinion though!
 
-thene

#3 of 41 Re: Please help me convince my brother to buy a 2004 Mazda 3 [radical_dreame] by moparbad

Sep 06, 2006 (9:59 am)

Replying to: radical_dreame (Sep 05, 2006 1:17 am)
The only problem with a Sentra is the lack of legroom in the back seat. $9000 sounds a bit high for a 2002, however it is difficult to price without more details.
Sentra will deliver better mpg, Mazda 3 will deliver better handling.
Other than personal preference, what is your argument for or against each vehicle?

#4 of 41 Re: Please help me convince my brother to buy a 2004 Mazda 3 [moparbad] by thenebean

Sep 06, 2006 (11:07 am)

Replying to: moparbad (Sep 06, 2006 9:59 am)
the sentra is kinda small in the back seat, but most compact cars are like this - the mazda 3 doesnt have THAT much more room, in my opinion. i own a sentra, and a friend of mine has a mazda 3. both great cars!
 
either way, i think a lot of it will have to do on how much your bro wants to spend, and what you can negotiate for prices on the two cars.

#5 of 41 Used To Own A Sentra by sandman46

Sep 17, 2006 (7:48 pm)

The wife has a '05 3s and it's way better than the '03 Sentra I traded this past June. No comparison in my opinion. Contrary to what others say, the Sentra's mileage was pretty lousy and the only things good about it were the standard non-ABS brakes and the Road Trip Package sound system. Besides those 2 things, the car was as bland as can be. The 3 is a much better vehicle hands down.
Good luck!
 
The Sandman

#6 of 41 Re: Please help me convince my brother to buy a 2004 Mazda 3 [radical_dreame] by comp386

Sep 18, 2006 (5:27 am)

Replying to: radical_dreame (Sep 05, 2006 1:17 am)
Just read the Mazda 3 vs Honda Civic review if they need any convincing. "The 3 did things at the track that would have impressed us in a car that cost $10,000 more." $15,000 sounds a little high for the 2004 Mazda 3 though unless it's fully loaded. The base Mazda 3 S is pretty nice by itself if you don't need features like leather seats, moonroof etc. I remember I was checking out a new 2005 Mazda 3 I touring a year ago and it was 15,000 out the door.

#7 of 41 Re: Please help me convince my brother to buy a 2004 Mazda 3 [comp386] by aviboy97

Sep 18, 2006 (8:40 am)

Replying to: comp386 (Sep 18, 2006 5:27 am)
I remember I was checking out a new 2005 Mazda 3 I touring a year ago and it was 15,000 out the door
 
Wow, that's cheap. The base Mazda3 i with a 5-speed manual started at $15,150. The Mazda3 i Touring with manual close to $17,000, $18,000 with an automatic...before taxes.
 
Back in 2005 they didn't offer the Touring model. It was the "power package" in 04-05.

#8 of 41 SE-R and Spec V by moparbad

Nov 03, 2006 (2:47 pm)

The performance models of the Sentra should be compared to the higher price Mazda 3 models.

#9 of 41 Re: SE-R and Spec V [moparbad] by rorr

Nov 03, 2006 (4:16 pm)

Replying to: moparbad (Nov 03, 2006 2:47 pm)
"The performance models of the Sentra should be compared to the higher price Mazda 3 models."
 
Hmmmm, well considering that for 2007, there is NO SE-R or Spec V, then you're talking about the '06 models.
 
From a pure performance standpoint, the SE-R and Spec V are probably a better deal (particularly if you can find a dealer trying to blow out his remaining '06 models with the '07 models hitting the lots).
 
But, according to the Edmunds review of the '06 Sentra:
 
"It's still one of the fastest economy cars on the market in SE-R, but it's outclassed by its peers in most other areas. The Sentra's biggest drawback is its cramped cabin. It's hard to find a comfortable driving position and legroom is almost nonexistent in the backseat. A decent features list and the solid performance of the SE-R models still make the Nissan Sentra a viable choice, but most small-car buyers would be better served by the Civic or Mazda 3".

#10 of 41 Re: SE-R and Spec V [rorr] by moparbad

Nov 03, 2006 (4:38 pm)

Replying to: rorr (Nov 03, 2006 4:16 pm)
Hmmmm, well considering that for 2007, there is NO SE-R or Spec V, then you're talking about the '06 models.
 
No rorr, I'm referring to the 2007 SE-R and SE-R Spec V models. Not 2006. Not 2008.
They will be officially released at the end of this month at the LA Auto Show.
 
quote-
All-new for 2007, the Nissan Sentra will once again have SE-R high performance models; both SE-R and SE-R Spec V. As a pioneer model in the field of sport compact cars, the 2007 Nissan Sentra SE-R offers more power, performance and technology to this highly acclaimed model. The SE-R Spec V model will be powered by a specifically designed high-output version of Nissan’s 2.5-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine. Additional information on the SE-R with be announced at the LA Auto Show on November 29th.
-end

Messages Page 1 of 4

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