Mazda 3 Hatchback (2004 - 2008) 1.6 Takara 5d (2008/08) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

You are an individual and have not just brought a Ford!

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Love it, especially the colour and the fact it is not that common. My brothers who are both 6 foot like the comfort inside!

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes definitely, Mazda's are so reliable and dealer service is good!

What are you likely to buy next?

I have brought a Citroen C3 because my circustances have changed and i need a car which is cheap to run and also with cruise control, as i have an injury which means i cannot drive for long periods without it.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£13,500

When did you buy the car?

May 2008

Did you get a good deal and why?

I had 3 years interest free credit and the Takara had just been announced, which had an enhanced specification over the TS i was looking at, with over £1000 of extras, including a 6 cd changer, sports front bumper, sports seats, rear spoiler and climate control.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I had a Renault Megane Sport Salooon 1.4 Dynamique which I brought new in May 2007 and aside from the first 6 months, was totally unreliable, even though was very good looking. After a scary experience on the motorway, when it cut out at 70mph, i was too scared to drive it anymore and traded it in for my Mazda 3 at my local dealer Brindley Stourbridge

What was the dealer like?

Brindley Stourbridge have been really good, especially from a service point of view, with Geoff and Katie going out of their way to help you and are well reccomended if you live in the West Midlands. Sales however have been mixed. I was not pleased with my sales executive. I was not offered a test drive (even though i had driven several 3's before as courtesy cars) and my finance on my present car was not settled and i had a nasty letter from Renault Finance asking for settlement, even though the garage had told me it was settled and I had seen my Megane on the fourecourt of a local dealer!!!!

What's it like to drive?

The 3 is most at home on open roads, where it sticks to the road like glue and is like a sports car (especially as it has the MX5 engine). It is responsive and has a good ride. Sometimes the handling is skittish and we have had some scary times when it has drifted and slipped especially on wet roads, but ESP as standard would have corrected this. Also my car was not good in the snow and was quite scary! Econmomy is not as good as Mazda say and even careful driving (i am not a boy racer) only gets you 32mpg!!!! I would have brought a diesel if i knew how thirsty they were and my friend who also has a 3 has said the same!

What's it like to park?

Very easy, but be careful, the bonnet is longer then you think and my car has lowered suspension, so watch out for curbs!

Have you had any problems with the car?

The Mazda3 had been one of the most reliable cars mechanically that i have ever owned. It has never failed or suffered from dampness at all in the winter. It has been completely dependable and whenever you have needed to start it, you have known it will. I have been completely unsatisfied with the mica paint which was a £475 option. My car suffered peeling paint on the boot and on the bonnet and has had to be resprayed twice (leaving me without it for a week a time)and the paintwork is very thin, compared to my Renault and Citroen I had before and has been very prone to stone chips and inperfections. Luckily, Mazda repaired these on the warranty. I was also very unimpressed that the alloy wheels on my car corroded after 1 year. Luckily again Mazda replaced these on the warranty for free

What's most practical about your car?

I really think that the 3 is a great design, it will carry 4 adults and their luggage and is a great long distance cruiser. My partner and I have been to scotland on a touring holiday and found the car relaxed and comfortable to drive.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

I love the 6 cd changer which has been nice to have on a run and the jack to plug in your ipod. I wish it charged it though! Also i like the 2 speed rear wiper which gives you intermittent and on settings, which is different to other cars which give you just intermittent. Can this not be made mandatory?