Mazda 3 Saloon (2004 - 2008) 2.0 Sport 4d (2004/04) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Doesn't follow the crowd & sporty image

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

Family & friends love the looks & space

Would you buy this car again and why?

No, too many niggly problems from a supposedly reliable make. Dealer sometimes useless at fixing easy faults - While waiting for alloy wheels to be replaced, dealer constantly told me they were on back order. After a phone call to Mazda UK, they mysteriously arrived.

What are you likely to buy next?

Seat Leon or Honda Civic

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£13,800

When did you buy the car?

March 2004

Did you get a good deal and why?

Bought the car as ex-demo, although effectively pre-registered as the car was only a fortnight old with 150 miles on the clock.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

What was the dealer like?

Sales side was fine.

What's it like to drive?

Very easy to drive, pretty good visibility, well weighted controls. Good handling in the dry and wet

What's it like to park?

Visibility slightly restricted by high boot lid, and the Mazda3 is also deceptively long for a medium family car (not much smaller than the Mazda6)

Have you had any problems with the car?

Had all 4 alloy wheels replaced twice (after each winter). Main airbag sensor replaced, problem with Xenon lights auto adjusting randomly. Starting to experience unusual tyre wear on rear tyres (inside edges wearing away). 4 wheel tracking adjustment showed nothing wrong - dealer told me that the Mazda3 has a reputation for being hard on tyres.

What's most practical about your car?

Plenty of head and legroom in the front seats for a six-footer

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Auto Xenon lights