Hey there! Well, yesterday (tue) my dad's Civic blew its head gasket, among a couple other things going wrong, and we've been quoted $2500 + labor to fix it. It's a 94 Civic DX hatchback - stripped down model - with nearing 200,000 miles on it, and it's actually the first major mechanical problem we've had. Unfortunately, the value isn't even as much as how much the repairs would cost, so we're gonna have to get a new car... Mazda3 is among our top choices, used as we're gonna pay around $15,000 or so, no more... What are the ups and downs?

All 3 of us (me, mom, and dads) have different values and needs... I want something fun, cool, sporty, and stylish... dad wants something that gets good gas mileage, is reliable, and a great commuter (he commutes about 80 miles to and from work each day - most of which is on the free way)... and my mom wants something that's comfortable, and large enough that she doesn't have problems getting in or out and has enough room - she's got a bad back, bad hips, and both knees replaced...

Anyway, so, what's the ups and downs of this car? Reliability? Will is pretty well suite us all? And is there much of an aftermarket support for it (or up-and-coming support...)

Thanks again!

Hiro

 

well so far its FAR SUPRIOR TO THE CIVIC! except in gas mileage. 28/35 to the gallon, better standard features depending on what trim, but all in all its better and cheaper than the civic. oh and dont forget to search the questions you think come standard to a newbie, sorry dont mean to be an a$% but so far there's been 3 of these in the last 4 days

 

[] oh, woops, duh... shoulda done a search... my bad, sorry... I usually do, but got caught up in the moment when I found out we'd have the $$ to possibly get a Mazda3 lol Anyway, thanks, and sorry I didn't search,

 

eh dude its cool, im not mad or anything, i've been burned before on forums and i know how it feels, oh and welcome to the community

 

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Thanks!

And there are some freakin awesome smilies on here! I think this is the best overall forum I've been to smily-wise... [sm=smiley17.gif]

 

Hey Chiefy,

The only down side to the mazda 3 that i can think of ...and it would probably be the one your dad doesn't want to hear,..the gas mileage is NOT as good as it claims...atleast mine isn't and not from what i have read from other members as well. Other wise,..the car is GREAT! I bought my 2006 Mazda 3 Hatchback..fully loaded GT model, for just a commuter,..but love the dang thing so much i had to start tricking it out...it is a BLAST to drive..mine has the 2.3L...so i can't speak for one with the 2.0L but from what it sounds like..the 2.0 is about as fast as the 2.3L ....? Great car tho..so far..and it got great reviews from every car magazine that i've read. Good luck to ya dude.

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Thanks for the input... and great looking car!! [sm=drooldude.gif]

 

The aftermarket support at the time is very liitle but increasing at a steady pace, the only problem in your case is the gas milage.