hey guys, i'm new to the forum and interested in a used mazda3. they look great, seem up to par for gas efficiency compared to a corrolla and civic, and seem pretty reliable. anyone know how maintenance on these cars? are parts/service pretty expensive compared to these other cars? thanks in advance...

 

Hey!!And Welcome!!
Maintainance imo, is about the same cost as anything else these days... EXPENSIVE!! But not really anymore than anything else either.
I own a 2.3L, 5-sp, drive in city traffic and w/my right foot into it as much as traffic allows get between 25 (A/C on)-28 (no A/C) mpg. 32.3 on our last trip (my wife drove part of the time, or it would've beenhigher I'm sure.)
I've had only minor problems w/mine... mostly because of the first year production (in North America.) Improvements have been made over the years. Motor mounts are a weak link for sure. Warranty is a help w/these, but AM mounts are available.
The engines and tranny's are strong and very reliable. Less so if you decide to turbo charge an N/A 3.
If the car you buy still has the factory tires on it, especially the Bad-Year's, DUMP 'EM ASAP.
In nearly 4 yrs, I have no squeaks or rattles that are an annoyance to me, just a window lift that drives me nuts. But again, a problem that was fixed by '05-'06.

And remember please, only the hatchbacks look GREAT. The sedans are just OK. But they do look better w/a Sharkfin antenna than the HB's do.

 

thx V1,

i had one other question, how do u think the trunk space is? i've heard some complaints that it's small, do you think it'll hold a set of golf clubs/bag?

 

By that comment, I'dassume you were talking about the sedan. Yes, I think a bag o' clubs would fit, but take 'em along to the stealership anyway to make sure.
They would certainly fit in the HB though!!*Hint, Hint*