Mazda 3 Hatchback (2004 - 2008) 2.0 Sport 5d (06) (2006/56) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
-
Summary
What does this car say about you?
That I looked for something a bit different to the ubiquitous Focus.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
They generally approve of it and like the sporty performance.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Definitely - it suits us very well.
What are you likely to buy next?
Another Mazda3 hopefully.
-
Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Independent
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£4,995
When did you buy the car?
October 2012
Did you get a good deal and why?
Service, MOT and 6 months' tax included in price. Fair deal for condition of car.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
What was the dealer like?
-
Driving it
What's it like to drive?
The engine is very strong and torquey throughout the rev range, however it is at its best from about 3,000rpm-on. The car is very balanced in the corners and seems to hang on however fast you chuck it in. The clutch has a very short bite which makes the car quite difficult to drive slowly - stop start traffic and multi-storey car parks are proving quite difficult. The ride is firm but not crashy, however the car does seem a bit 'caught out' by dips and undulations in the road at times.
What's it like to park?
Like any car it's OK once you're used to it - the rear is a little bit difficult to judge but I've driven worse.
-
Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Xenon headlight ballast failed due to water ingress into area - cost for a new part from Mazda is over £300...
What's most practical about your car?
The boot space is excellent and the car is generally very comfortable.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
The Bose sound system.
