hey im new to this forum and im about to buy my first car. i've been lookin very deeply into the nissan versa and somewhat the sx4. i finally made my decision on the versa becuase of high gas milage and bang for the buck, feature wise. i asked my mother if she would co-sign with me and she said ok but have i looked at mazda. she is a huge mazda fan and had bought 2 cars from them so far. i havent looked at mazda becuase of the high price tag on their cars. but now im lookin at the 3 and its really giving the versa a run for its money. how is the 3's reliablility, and comfort on long drives. are the driver and rear passengers are comfy. also i live in ny so im worried about how it deals with winter conditions. your input would realli help wit my big decision. thanx.

 

Check this link for someexpert opinion on the Mazda 3.

http://www.edmunds.com/new/2007/mazd...act/index.html

The Nissan Versa has a smaller engine, probably would get you a bit better gas mileage. But I don't believe the ride isas solid and quietas a Mazda 3. The biggest thing about the Mazda3 versus other compacts is its impressive handling. I would advise that you test drive the cars you are considering at highway speed on a beaten up stretch of road. Some compacts are VERY noisy at highway speed on bad roads. Not saying the Mazda 3 is completely silent, but its better than most.

I have the 2.0 engine, I think it has more than enough power. I get 32 to 35 mpg on the highway, going 65 mph, with no AC on.

The back seat has enough head room for adults. Would I want to be back there for a 9 hour trip? It's a compact car, its not super roomy, so the honest answer is probably not. But for a couple hours I'd be fine.

Some have complained that the M3 is a little skittish on icy roads. From what I have read, this might depend on what tires you get (Mazda does not have an exclusive relationship with any tire maker ). Mine came with Toyo tires, it handles nicely in icy conditions.

 

Like urbanman said the best test for you to compare is for you to drive both vehicles. Definitely go to Edmunds and compare features and really look at what's important to you. I know the Versa has bluetooth phone connectivity as an option (if not standard) and it will definitely get better gas mileage, esp. if you're considering the 2.3L Mz3. I've averaged about 27 mpg mixed driving over a year.... Hmmm, I really need to total up last year now. <sigh>

 

J2,
I was in the same boat last year with the Corolla. Got the 3 and I have never driven a more responsive car. I have to travel a great deal and rent all kinds of new cars - some about 3X more money than my 3 and I can never wait to get back to the airport garage and get back in my 3!

 

test drove the 3 today with an automatic sports shifter, they didnt have any manuals. n i was pretty impressed. it performed like everyone said it would. the sticker price on the car is 19,000. is that a good buy or should i go with the cheaper manual. also is the durability of the sports shifter any good. the salesman siad it was, but you know how that goes. and finally, can it be upgraded with aftermarket parts like turbo and what not. thanks for all the help.

 

Most ppl I know w/the manu-matic are disenchanted w/it after a short time... and I see a lot of them in the city.
2 guys in the local chapter wanna change over, but do you know what that would cost and how much trouble that would be???

For my money (my opinion,)live w/the clutch, better reliability, less weight, better mileage, better power to the pavementand get the 5-sp.
You could do a lot w/the $950 you'll save too.

 

MTX vs. ATX is completely a subjective decision. If you like manuals, or you'd like to learn then the 3 is a great car. It's a pretty effortless transmission to learn on and in my opinion connects you to the car far beyond what you get with a ATX (even with a manual mode it's not the same).

Anyway what's the trim level and options on the car you quoted?

There are many a/m parts avaialable for the 3 including turbos. It all comes down to how much you want to sink into your project. I beleive one of the sponsors on another mazda forum just sunk about $4k into a turbo for his car and he's pushing somewhere around 400HP.

 

the Versa has trouble getting on the highway if you have many people in the car.

 

yea i was unimpressed with the versa's speed. but then agian its just a commuter car. its gets u from point a to point b cheap no frills. i was going to get the base model 3 becuase it has everything i want. good enough for me. and when the warranty expires i will start to hook it up. by that time i should be in a better financial situation.

 

Where are you located?...I've got an 05 3i for sale with all kinds of mazdaspeed & other stuff already on it.

I'm asking $13,500. Check the for sale section....