Talk me out of buying a 2014 Mazda 3

[A790]

Trading the Jeep as we've never once used the 4x4 capabilities, I work from home, and my wife works 4 km away. Too much vehicle, and we don't like it anyway.

Looking at something in the $25k range, used, came across a '14 Mazda 3 GT w/ Luxury & Tech package. 50,000 km. $22k + tax.

Fun to drive, totally loaded. All the options our Jeep has (minus radar cruise). Comes with a 7 year/140km powetrain warranty.

We're looking for a late model car that will last us without any BS for the next 1.5 - 2.5 years. The 3 seems like a good fit.

So beyond, why shouldn't I buy it?

[FixedGear]

I loved my 07 mazda 3.

Edit:. I assume you're talking about the hatch version - I can totally talk you out of buying the sedan.

[A790]

Originally posted by FixedGear
I loved my 07 mazda 3.

Edit:. I assume you're talking about the hatch version - I can totally talk you out of buying the sedan.

This particular car is the sedan- can't find a reasonably priced hatch anywhere!

[killramos]

» Click image for larger version

Best I can tell the rust issue has never been fixed. A buddy of mine in Edmonton has a '13 3 i think and hes starting to show a couple of pockmarks already ( had it for maybe 9 months ). YMMV

What's a mazda 4 GT? I assume you meant 3 from the title.

22k seems like GTI money rather than Mazda money imo.

[SkiBum5.0]

I have no idea what the market on those is, but $22 plus tax and fees seems high for a sedan. When we bought for my wife, we looked at the hatch models and we ended up with a same year/mileage Outback for less. Better car in my opinion with more room. The mazda was nicer to drive

[Aleks]

Originally posted by A790
Trading the Jeep as we've never once used the 4x4 capabilities, I work from home, and my wife works 4 km away. Too much vehicle, and we don't like it anyway.

Looking at something in the $25k range, used, came across a '14 Mazda 4 GT w/ Luxury & Tech package. 50,000 km. $22k + tax.

Fun to drive, totally loaded. All the options our Jeep has (minus radar cruise). Comes with a 7 year/140km powetrain warranty.

We're looking for a late model car that will last us without any BS for the next 1.5 - 2.5 years. The 3 seems like a good fit.

So beyond, why shouldn't I buy it?

No reason not to buy one really. They are still competitive with the new offerings and near top of class.
The only thing I can think of is it has a lot of road noise in all trims. More than competitors for sure. If that doesn't bother you I'd say go for it.

[Paul]

I know the former head mechanic foR Kramer Mazda.
He and his family all drive Honda / Acura's.
That's all I got.

[HiTempguy1]

I think there are so many better choices for less money. And if you only need it to last 2-3 years, why not get a bit older which will.be much cheaper (but still within warranty)?

All cars will be reliable in this day and age, especially below 200k kms. So if you like the mazda 3, I wouldnt tell you not to get it... Except for at that crazy price, it better be a hatch (which you said it isnt). Brand new the cars are only worth $25k-ish, you are buying a 3 year old car and the sedans are not popular.

[JRSC00LUDE]

Like above, when I think Mazda I think noisy and rusty...

[JohnnyHockey]

22 is outrageous. ..I hope you're not getting hosed on the trade in for the Jeep as well. ..

[ercchry]

Fwd and sub 200hp should be enough reason to second guess this purchase

...stop making such terrible vehicle choices! This will be like the Cherokee all over again "omg I love this car!" ... 6 months later "yeah, I don't like this car"

You are clearly not buying in the right segment with how quickly you lose interest. If that's not the issue then you have a horrendous case of car ADHD and you should 100% should only be buying based on resale. So stick to used Toyota/Lexus or wranglers! Your wallet will thank you

[A790]

http://wwwa.autotrader.ca/cars/mazda...advancedSearch

There is 1 used GT hatchbacks within 1,000km of here... wowza. Priced $500 cheaper though.

http://wwwa.autotrader.ca/cars/mazda...advancedSearch

Even the GT sedans are in low quantity. I don't think they'll have much incentive to move on the price as a result.

[A790]

Originally posted by ercchry
Fwd and sub 200hp should be enough reason to second guess this purchase

...stop making such terrible vehicle choices! This will be like the Cherokee all over again "omg I love this car!" ... 6 months later "yeah, I don't like this car"

You are clearly not buying in the right segment with how quickly you lose interest. If that's not the issue then you have a horrendous case of car ADHD and you should 100% should only be buying based on resale. So stick to used Toyota/Lexus or wranglers! Your wallet will thank you

We've had the Jeep 3 years now.

I also DO have huge car ADHD, but since I work from home we are more looking at something my wife can drive that I won't totally hate.

[ercchry]

Has it been 3 years? Holy... Well guess what? I too have terrible car retention issues, I remember driving a Cherokee (and hating it) around the time you got yours, cause my LS was in the shop getting the bumper fix after someone hit it while parked... And guess what I still own?

[Aleks]

You guys are funny. A new Mazda 3 GT with lux and tech automatic sedan is $31,000 if you pay cash and $33,000 if you finance.

$22,000 is not out to lunch for the car.

[Thaco]

I DD an 06 M3, i really enjoy the car, it has no rust yet, although i'm sure thats not far away, fun little car, but i'm not sure i'd spend 20k+ on it, especially for such short term.

[A790]

Originally posted by ercchry
Has it been 3 years? Holy... Well guess what? I too have terrible car retention issues, I remember driving a Cherokee (and hating it) around the time you got yours, cause my LS was in the shop getting the bumper fix after someone hit it while parked... And guess what I still own?

At least I get to write the payments off as an expense.

We are in touch with an Edmonton dealer that has a red hatch.

[ercchry]

Originally posted by A790



At least I get to write the payments off as an expense.

We are in touch with an Edmonton dealer that has a red hatch.

Even if you didn't have payments you could still write off kms, and still come out ahead on the depreciation side of things

[bulaian]

Not a deal killer but...

http://www.ctvnews.ca/autos/mazda-re...fall-1.3063242

DETROIT -- Mazda is recalling 2.2 million cars and SUVs worldwide because the rear hatches can fall on people and injure them.
The recall covers certain 2010 through 2013 Mazda 3 compact cars, as well as 2012 through 2015 Mazda 5 vans. Also included are certain 2013 to 2016 CX-5 and 2016 CX-3 SUVs. More than 759,000 vehicles in the U.S. and Canada are affected.
Mazda says the corrosion protection coating applied to the hatch lift supports at the factory wasn't sufficient. Over time, water containing road salt can get into the supports, causing them to corrode and break. Mazda says it has no reports of accidents or injuries caused by the problem.

Dealers will replace both lift supports. Customers will be notified in September or October about when to bring their vehicles in for repairs.

[A790]

Originally posted by bulaian
Not a deal killer but...

http://www.ctvnews.ca/autos/mazda-re...fall-1.3063242

DETROIT -- Mazda is recalling 2.2 million cars and SUVs worldwide because the rear hatches can fall on people and injure them.
The recall covers certain 2010 through 2013 Mazda 3 compact cars, as well as 2012 through 2015 Mazda 5 vans. Also included are certain 2013 to 2016 CX-5 and 2016 CX-3 SUVs. More than 759,000 vehicles in the U.S. and Canada are affected.
Mazda says the corrosion protection coating applied to the hatch lift supports at the factory wasn't sufficient. Over time, water containing road salt can get into the supports, causing them to corrode and break. Mazda says it has no reports of accidents or injuries caused by the problem.

Dealers will replace both lift supports. Customers will be notified in September or October about when to bring their vehicles in for repairs.

Not the years we're looking at.