SDS Posted June 26, 2009 Posted June 26, 2009 I just a need a commuter car to get me to work/hockey and the kids to school. The wife already has a nice to car for us to drive if needed and we have a mini-van for trips and moving lots of people. I don't want to put long term miles on the van because I never want to buy another one, although I can drive it short term for quite awhile if necessary... It seems like the Mazda3 5-door is fairly good car that is funnish to drive and gets reasonable gas mileage. It would certainly be a step up from my deceased Malibu... Any thoughts?
ajzepp Posted June 26, 2009 Posted June 26, 2009 I had a 2000 Protege, which was the precursor to the 3, and I loved it. Very roomy, nice pep, good gas mileage, and not bad in the style department either. I put over 100,000mi on mine and never had a problem.
Lurker Posted June 26, 2009 Posted June 26, 2009 It seems like the Mazda3 5-door is fairly good car that is funnish to drive and gets reasonable gas mileage. It would certainly be a step up from my deceased Malibu... Any thoughts? I've got a 2004 Mazda3 5-door and I would heartily recommend it. It's a solid commuter car (I average 30 mpg) that's also a lot of fun to drive--very good acceleration, nimble handling, solid all around feel for a small car. It's got a surprising amount of rear seat room, so it's not bad for hauling the kids around as well. As a FWD, I was concerned about its ability to handle WNY winters, but it does well in the snow with a good set of Michelin All-Weathers. I'm thinking of picking up a 2009 model and giving my old one to my daughter to take to college. Not a big fan of the 2010 model's new look, but maybe it'll grow on me.
The Senator Posted June 26, 2009 Posted June 26, 2009 I just a need a commuter car to get me to work/hockey and the kids to school. The wife already has a nice to car for us to drive if needed and we have a mini-van for trips and moving lots of people. I don't want to put long term miles on the van because I never want to buy another one, although I can drive it short term for quite awhile if necessary... It seems like the Mazda3 5-door is fairly good car that is funnish to drive and gets reasonable gas mileage. It would certainly be a step up from my deceased Malibu... Any thoughts? Well if it's just a commuter car you need, you can't go wrong with the... brochure
The Dean Posted June 26, 2009 Posted June 26, 2009 Well if it's just a commuter car you need, you can't go wrong with the... brochure Beautiful! But not as cool as my old DS21. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citro%C3%ABn_DS Fearless Leader, what's the warranty on the Mazda 3? They get really good reviews, as does the Toyota Corolla and of course the Honda Civic (which is really big inside). Hyundai and Kia both have great warranties, right now, and the cars are pretty sweet, too.
ajzepp Posted June 27, 2009 Posted June 27, 2009 I've got a 2004 Mazda3 5-door and I would heartily recommend it. It's a solid commuter car (I average 30 mpg) that's also a lot of fun to drive--very good acceleration, nimble handling, solid all around feel for a small car. It's got a surprising amount of rear seat room, so it's not bad for hauling the kids around as well. As a FWD, I was concerned about its ability to handle WNY winters, but it does well in the snow with a good set of Michelin All-Weathers. I'm thinking of picking up a 2009 model and giving my old one to my daughter to take to college. Not a big fan of the 2010 model's new look, but maybe it'll grow on me. Just out of curiosity, did you happen to test drive the "sport" version of the 3? It's analogous to the Si version of the Civic, and it's supposed to be a pretty nifty little car. I still like the VW GTi in that class, but would love any one of the three.
Lurker Posted June 27, 2009 Posted June 27, 2009 Just out of curiosity, did you happen to test drive the "sport" version of the 3? It's analogous to the Si version of the Civic, and it's supposed to be a pretty nifty little car. I still like the VW GTi in that class, but would love any one of the three. No, I didn't try the Si. I did drive the GTI and had a woody for it, but ultimately decided to save the extra dough.
ajzepp Posted June 27, 2009 Posted June 27, 2009 No, I didn't try the Si. I did drive the GTI and had a woody for it, but ultimately decided to save the extra dough. Yeah, that GTi is a nice little car....a bit pricey, though, as you mentioned. I'd be pretty happy going back to a Mazda 3, myself. I often really miss my Protege ES...with the spoiler....and the moonroof....lol.
sullim4 Posted June 27, 2009 Posted June 27, 2009 The Civic is one of the best commuter-type cars out there. Gas mileage is good, racks up miles without any trouble, and definitely falls under the "fun to drive" category, unlike its more boring sibling, the Accord.
Chilly Posted June 27, 2009 Posted June 27, 2009 Wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy too happy. Are you gay? Get a lancer.
cantankerous Posted June 27, 2009 Posted June 27, 2009 My bro's girlfriend just bought an '09 Speed3. It's !@#$ing fast. 263 hp.
SDS Posted June 27, 2009 Author Posted June 27, 2009 Wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy too happy. Are you gay? Get a lancer. who are you talking to?
Chilly Posted June 27, 2009 Posted June 27, 2009 My bro's girlfriend just bought an '09 Speed3. It's !@#$ing fast. 263 hp. girlfriend is the key word
Chilly Posted June 27, 2009 Posted June 27, 2009 where do you get that I'm too happy? Not you, lol, the car: http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/12/detroit...y-as-the-sedan/
SDS Posted June 27, 2009 Author Posted June 27, 2009 Not you, lol, the car: http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/12/detroit...y-as-the-sedan/ the 2010 model.... sure. I was probably going to look at a 2008. I would need to get black in order to minimize that "smile" on a 2010.
ajzepp Posted June 27, 2009 Posted June 27, 2009 My bro's girlfriend just bought an '09 Speed3. It's !@#$ing fast. 263 hp. That's a badass car, man. That's the one i mentioned above....I read about a comparison among it, the civic Si, and the VW GTi. I remember them being most impressed with the Mazda. http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drive...rticleId=116868 Scott: Black rules
Chilly Posted June 27, 2009 Posted June 27, 2009 the 2010 model.... sure. I was probably going to look at a 2008. I would need to get black in order to minimize that "smile" on a 2010. Ah, cool. Those cars are not bad, I was looking at one of them when I settled on my current car. Have a couple friends who own them, and they love em.
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