[panthershutch15]

Looking to buy a car in the coming few months and I'm beginning my search now.

Max. I'm looking to spend is probably in the 12-15K range.

I've narrowed my choices down to a Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, and a Mazda 3.

The Mazda 3 is looking most appealing to me at the moment...Do we have any Mazda drivers out there, or people who know people that drive Mazda's that have an opinion on them??

Reviews seem pretty solid, and it fits the mold of what I'm looking for....Would probably be looking at a 2007, maybe 2006 for the money..

[imthatguy]

I've got a 2008 Mazda3 Sport Hatchback with the Luxury Package. It's been rock-solid since day one (had it for 15 months). I do all the regularily scheduled maintenance, but that's it. Nothing else has gone wrong with it (touch wood). It's extremely reliable. Engine is plenty peppy and can really go. It's super fun to drive and handles on the tight side. All the features of the lux. package are great. For the money, it's pretty hard to beat. The only thing that sort of sucks about it, is that it's terrible in the snow. Don't know if that's an issue for you, but you absolutely MUST buy snow tires.

It gets decent gas mileage, but it's certainly not the best for city driving (I only drive manual), I get about 10L/100km.

I love it though, and the next car I get will likely be a Mazda as well.

[djexacto]

I remember reading somewhere that they had a big problem where alot of the Mazda 3s would stall without warning. Some kind of electrical glitch. I could be wrong though, my 88 626 is running strong still!

[BPTDirector]

I've got a '99 626 that's still going strong with 199,000 plus miles on it. And I've got two nieces with Mazda 3's who've bought them in the last two years that love them.

Our 626 has been a great car...no major mechanical work done, only routine maintenance procedures.

BPT

[Diablo_Rojos]

I'm on my 2nd Mazda 626
I've had a 91 and now 2001 both were/are great.
Excellent gas mileage. Reliable and fun to drive. I hate to sound like a commercial
but here goes

ZOOM ZOOM

[Felt Lizard]

I bought a new 2006 Mazda 3 hatchback (5 door, not the sedan, whatever they call them), with the "Moon & tunes" package and that thing was very cool to drive. Interior details aren't too shabby either.

Just like Guy said, they are tight, smooth and very peppy. Had mine for about 18 months, and loved every minute of it. My wife loved it more than I did (She was used to driving our minivan, so she was happy to drive something a little hotter).

We bought a house in the last year, so we had to cut back. The new car had to go. It sold quickly. As the new owner drove away in it, my wife said, "Damn, I sure am going to miss that car."

And yes, I had one accident in it. I slid it into a curb...in the snow....

My one minor gripe (at the time) was that the 26 MPG could have been higher. With today's prices, that gripe would be a major one.

[luckychick]

My mother-in-law had a Volvo that she drove forever, and finally replaced it (after much research) with a Mazda 3 5-door. A year later, my father-in-law replaced his Camry with the same car, only a slightly souped up version. Then my best friend bought one.

All of them love it. Part of the reason why they bought them is all three of them have a manual transmission, and apparently it drives pretty well. I can't get into specifics, since I don't own the car myself (although I did drive it a couple of times, seems nice); but I can say that all three of these people researched for MONTHS (over a year in the case of my mother-in-law) and like their cars.

[imthatguy]

Originally Posted by luckychick

My mother-in-law had a Volvo that she drove forever, and finally replaced it (after much research) with a Mazda 3 5-door. A year later, my father-in-law replaced his Camry with the same car, only a slightly souped up version. Then my best friend bought one.

All of them love it. Part of the reason why they bought them is all three of them have a manual transmission, and apparently it drives pretty well. I can't get into specifics, since I don't own the car myself (although I did drive it a couple of times, seems nice); but I can say that all three of these people researched for MONTHS (over a year in the case of my mother-in-law) and like their cars.

My research went on for over 9 months. Feature for feature, it's extremely difficult to beat, unless you go with a Korean car. I also got Ford pricing on mine, which made it an easier decision.

[c4r80n]

I have a 2008 Mazda 3 grand touring (max luxury) 5 door hatchback and it's freakin' sweet! I love this car.

Can't get a better looking car with all the luxury for the price. I paid a bit more than what you are expecting ($25k) because of the top model and a few extras: bose sound, moonroof, homelink, cargo net, cargo tray, leather seats, tinted windows, etc.

The hatchback is very sporty looking and handles tight. IMO the hatchback looks way better than the 4door sedan.

I get usually 21mpg but i only drive in the city for short distances. It can get up to 28 or more if you granny the accelerator.

[panthershutch15]

Thanks all for the responses.

Me likey what I'm hearing