Mazda 3 Hatchback (2004 - 2008) 1.6d TS 5d (2006/56) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Real life ability matters more than image.

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

Don't know but I guess its 'just another car'.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes - for performance and driveability.

What are you likely to buy next?

Maybe a Golf mk6 for the quieter cabin, but that would mean putting up with a lower spec and questionable reliability and dealer service.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£13,000

When did you buy the car?

May 1997

Did you get a good deal and why?

Cash buy and was a Mazda pre-owned - 6 mths and with just 2.4 k on the clock/.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Reliability and top spec TS2.

What was the dealer like?

Straightforward - had two good test drives of the car.

What's it like to drive?

Easy to drive. V.good torquey engine allowed very relaxed driving with enough power when required. Happy to drive in top gear from 40mph upwards - excellent motorway cruiser. Very stable handling, with tendency to slight understeer which was very predictable and safe. Brilliant mpg - av 64 mpg over last 10k miles.

What's it like to park?

Average for this class of hatchback.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Excellent car - now 6 yrs and 50K of faultless reliability - Comfortable. Only negative cabin a bit noisy on poor road surfaces.

What's most practical about your car?

Good gearbox, handling very secure, excellent well laid out and intuitive cabin controls. Not a single problem. Also got more than 40K miles from first set of tyres.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The TS2 spec had everything needed and would put to shame many more 'popular' manifacturers.