Hey guys,

If all goes well (mainly with my job that is), we will probably be adding a daily driver to the stable for the wife sometime in the next few months. I want a hatch because it's better for storage and she needs an auto, since she can't drive a stick. I don't need anything with high performance (already have a supercharged BMW and an motorcycle), just something fun, reliable and that has decent mileage.

I personally really like the Germans I mentioned in the title but I'm not too convinced about their reliability and potential electrical problems.

I'd probably be buying used (2007 orso) with limited mileage (10-20k). If I opt for the Mazda, it would probably be a loaded 2.3 hatch.

Since I tend to keep my vehicles for a long time, what issues are common for the Mazda 3? Or does any of you have experiences with two or all of these vehicles.

Thanks so much!!

 

I myself would stay away from the VW, even my brother who is a VW Porche Fanatic bought a Mazda 3 in 2005 because of the problems that were plaguing his friends with VW, and for the best bang for the buck between the Mazda and the Audi, price wise it would be the Mazda, but seriously I would drive both before making the decision but I would go Mazda, since for the same price as the A3 used you can just about get a new Mazda3 GT.
BTW Welcome to the site

 

Maybe a dumb question, but which one is the GT ? I thought there was just the 2.0 and then the 2.3 s line ?

I drove my friend's 3.0 Mazda 6 with a 5 speed and really liked the way they drive and handle. Reason I'm looking at Mazda is because it seems to be great value for the money. Both Germans have beautiful styling but are also a few grand more. If on top of that, they're not even very reliable...
I did like the idea of the GTI with the manu-auto DSG. I will always buy a manual for myself but since I will drive it a lot as well, figured the DSG would be fun.

Does the Mazda have any common issues? Or not really anything? How do the higher mileage ones hold up mechanically and cosmetically (interior, paint)?

Thanks for the welcome

 

For the Hatchback or 5 door there is only the 2.3L in the US Mazda3 5door, then you have the Sport, Touring and the Grand Touring versions, with the Grand Touring (GT) the top of the line.
The Auto in the MZ3 does have a manual mode to it.
As for known issues, they had a motor mount problem and heat and air was kind of bad in the earlier ones but the 07 and up seemed to have those taken care of.
The 2.3 Liter motor has also been around for ever in some form or another.
All the 5D's have power windows and locks and like I said they all have the 2.3L motor.

 

Thanks! Seems to be pretty bullet proof if those are the only issues!

 

The Mazda 3 is also made in Japan, Hiroshima to be exact. The fit and finish to me for any car in the same class is awesome. Is it a BMW, nope, but it doesn't have a 40,000 price tag either.

 

Good to know. Well, I obviously need to drive all 3 cars but if the car is as reliable as it seems, I might very well be joining you guys. I can buy a fully loaded very low miles Mazda and it will still be cheaper than a regular used VW or Audi with more miles. I think the only way I might go with VW or Audi would be with the 10y/100k mi extended warranty.

It's indeed not a BMW but that was not the idea either. For slightly more I could buy a used 325i but that doesn't sound all that appealing and it just has a regular trunk. I wish they sold the 128i hatchback in the US.

 

Welcome to the site. You chose a nice line up of cars to purchase. I have an 05 3 4dr 2.3 auto. I've had only one problem with the car, and that being the bad engine mount. I drive the car fairly harsh, which explains my many tickets, and it still drives like new.

My bro has an 07 GTI manual. He likes it a lot, and i like it a lot. The 3 and the GTI feel just about the same, except the GTI has a different steering wheel with grips, and more bolstered seats. You can get these in a speed3, but you're not shopping for that. The advantage the GTI has is its turbo, again you can get this in the speed3. The turbo makes the drive a lot more fun. You always have that solid controlled pull whenever you press the gas, and the car is always ready to go. That is its only advantage with the GTI.

He has already had two problems the the car. One being electrical, and the other being mechanical. The car is still under warranty so it was fixed with no problem.

Before he got the GTI he test drove the A3, and i was there with him. It was a nice car with a beautiful engine note. It sounded like a six cylinder, not a four-banger. It was a few grand more than the GTI, with less amenities. You're just buying a name.

You're on a mazda forum so the answers are going to be more biased, but i think the 3 is the best one. It's cheaper, more reliable, and comes with more stuff. It's a quick and very agile car. It also looks the best. Test drive all 3, and you'll find out that the 3 is the right one.

 

You can get a new 3 with a 100k mile warranty for the price you'll pay on what you're looking at. Also, look at maintenance costs. That was the big determining factor for me when I was looking at a 3 and a Jetta.