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Looking for a compact sedan (Mazda3, Civic, Elantra, Impreza, Focus) - READ ONLY

19 messages,  Last post on Oct 03, 2012 at 9:10 AM

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What is this discussion about? Mazda MAZDA3, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Sedan

Messages Page 2 of 2

#10 of 19 Favorite car ever just traded in...get it while you can! by gr8mazda3

Sep 22, 2012 (12:47 pm)

I just had to trade in my 2008 Mazda3 GT not because I wanted to, but I had to due to health reasons. I can no longer safely operate a manual transmission safely due to back/left leg problems. The car has under 45k miles on it and I swear it was my favorite automobile I've ever owned/rented/driven, etc. For the money, there is no better vehicle on the road.
 
I do remember back in 2008 that finding a GT loaded out with a manual transmission was difficult, so if you are interested in such a car, it's for sale right now in East Tennessee and if you want details, respond to this post. I don't think it will last long, as it is copper red mica and everyone seems to love the car. I know I did, and I'll miss it. Getting used to my new 2012 Mazda 3 I Touring with SkyActiv engine and 6A. So far, it's very good, but it's a sad day for me to have to give up that slick manual for a slush box. Respond if interested in exact location of the car. Zoom zoom!

#11 of 19 Re: Looking for a compact sedan (Mazda3, Civic, Elantra, Impreza, Focus) [backy] by autonomous

Sep 22, 2012 (1:12 pm)

Replying to: backy (Sep 22, 2012 10:52 am)
Another great post by backy!
 
A few side notes:
- A new powertrain (like the Skyactiv) would be considered a substantial change. In the case of the current Mazda3 the non-Skyactiv versions have been around for a while and have a stellar reliability record, so if you have any lingering doubts about the Skyactiv, just choose a non-Skyactiv version. That's what I did last year (i.e. 2011 Mazda3 hatchback with 2.0 engine and automatic transmission) and I have had no regrets.
 
- The point of the Consumer Report article was that many auto manufacturers have not worked out all the kinks in a new model when it rolls off the production line initially. Eventually, they are addressed but most consumers would prefer not to be the guinea pigs in the meantime.
 
All the best and let us know what you've finally chosen!

#12 of 19 Re: Looking for a compact sedan (Mazda3, Civic, Elantra, Impreza, Focus) [autonomous] by scwmcan

Sep 22, 2012 (8:33 pm)

Replying to: autonomous (Sep 22, 2012 1:12 pm)
I think it should be mentioned that besides equipment changes ( ie USB for the stereo or whatever) that there will very likely be little difference in the reliability of a car built at the end of the 2012 model year and the beginning of the 2013 model year. The changes to fix the bug are generally applied as they are found, so except for possibly some minor issues the cars should be identical as far as reliability goes, I would go for the 2012 model and enjoy the savings if it were me, unless the equipment changes for 2013 as must haves for you. Just MHO
Scott

#13 of 19 Re: Looking for a compact sedan (Mazda3, Civic, Elantra, Impreza, Focus) [scwmcan] by autonomous

Sep 23, 2012 (7:16 am)

Replying to: scwmcan (Sep 22, 2012 8:33 pm)
car built at the end of the 2012 model year and the beginning of the 2013 model year
Raises a good point about production date of vehicles. A car sitting on the lot could be months old. My 2011 Mazda3 was built in Japan in September 2010 and purchased in March 2011 (roughly 6 months difference). The easy way of finding the production date is to check the plate affixed to the interior of the driver's door.

#14 of 19 Re: Looking for a compact sedan (Mazda3, Civic, Elantra, Impreza, Focus) [autonomous] by scwmcan

Sep 23, 2012 (6:32 pm)

Replying to: autonomous (Sep 23, 2012 7:16 am)
I do agree if you are going to buy the 2012, make sure it is a later build by checking the date on the door plate. As long is it is pretty recent there should be no extra woories over a 2013. I've had good luck with Mazdas, ours have needed nothing but oil changes, tires and brakes, besides that they have been very reliable, despite the postings you see here about transmissions etc. I think if you let the Internet overrule your decision you will be sorry, if you like both the cars equally ( Honda and Mazda) then get the one you can get the best deal on, the reliability on either should be very good ( there are very few bad cars nowadays), if not get the car you prefer, no the one the Internet says you should get because there is a chance that you will have .2 problems less with it in a year. Again MHO

#15 of 19 Automobile Magazine compares 2012 Mazda 3 to 2013 competiton by gr8mazda3

Sep 27, 2012 (12:44 pm)

I just found this article that compares 6 cars in the compact car class, and since I just purchased the 2012 Mazda 3 i Touring with the SkyActiv engine and 6-speed Automatic, it certainly reinforced my own thoughts about the Mazda. It's the best car in it's class, period. IMHO, it's the best car for the money in any class. Copy and past this address into your browser to see why many other people agree with that assessment. Zoom zoom indeed, with exceptional fuel mileage to boot!
 
http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/driven/1208_2012_2013_compact_sedan_compari- son/fuel_economy.html

#16 of 19 Re: Automobile Magazine compares 2012 Mazda 3 to 2013 competiton [gr8mazda3] by toonsngraphics

Sep 27, 2012 (2:54 pm)

Replying to: gr8mazda3 (Sep 27, 2012 12:44 pm)
Just bought a mazda grand touring. Test drove it 2 times. Love the car. Just love it. It does seem to be the best in class...hands down. The only thing I don't like and this may be very minor is that when playing music via Bluetooth from my phone it plays but the volume is very low and fades out. Anyone know why?

#17 of 19 Re: Automobile Magazine compares 2012 Mazda 3 to 2013 competiton [toonsngraphics] by gr8mazda3

Oct 01, 2012 (7:01 pm)

Replying to: toonsngraphics (Sep 27, 2012 2:54 pm)
I have not had that issue, but a couple of phone calls have been dropped by the car while remaining on my phone. I have not even read that part of the manual and never paired my phone, so that's probably on me.
 
After looking at the Grand Touring Models, which were not available for me locally, I wish I would have gotten the "i" GT, as it would only have been about $2000 more and I might have gotten a little more discounted. My old Mazda3 is now for sale here, and while I loved that car, I'm pleasantly surprised by how fun the manual transmission mode on the automatic operates. Best one I have experienced. But the real deal is at this link, and that price is just $1000 over what they gave me for it on trade in. Original MSRP was $25K, so what a deal it will be for some lucky buyer.
 
http://www.gatewayfordmazda.com/used/details/JM1BK323681150129/2008_mazda_mazda3- - s_s_grand_touring

#18 of 19 Re: Automobile Magazine compares 2012 Mazda 3 to 2013 competiton [toonsngraphics] by aviboy97

Oct 02, 2012 (7:04 am)

Replying to: toonsngraphics (Sep 27, 2012 2:54 pm)
The only thing I don't like and this may be very minor is that when playing music via Bluetooth from my phone it plays but the volume is very low and fades out. Anyone know why?
 
Did you try turning up the volume on your audio device? If the volume is not 75% or higher, the sound tends to be weak even when turning up the volume on the car.
 
Congrats on your purchase. The Mazda3 is a great car. I'm sure you will enjoy it!

#19 of 19 press request by kirstie_h HOST

Oct 03, 2012 (9:10 am)

A reporter would like to speak to a small car buyer/shopper. If you've recently purchased a small car or are shopping for a small car, please send your daytime contact info to PRedmunds.com no later than 1 p.m. PT/ 4 p.m. ET Wednesday, October 3.

Messages Page 2 of 2

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