Mazda 3 thoughts

kPATm · 13 Nov 2021 at 19:51

Evening. Been 2nd hand car hunting for a bit and I seem to be drawn to a Mazda 6 but cant find a decent example within a reasonable traveling distance. Any thoughts on the Mazda 3. Reliability, Space in the rear for a childs car seat the usual stuff? Thanks

kPATm · 13 Nov 2021 at 20:18

Seems to be the 1.6l is more common. Really not looking to pick up a diesel

TheVoice · 14 Nov 2021 at 11:10

Which model/year? The previous generations were quite roomy in the back but I believe the current one is a bit cramped compared to the competition.

robj20 · 14 Nov 2021 at 11:27

We have a 2018 Mazda 3, went for the 2lt petrol which is pretty good. Overall really nice car, few annoyances though, the auto wipers are rubbish, there appears to be no way to turn the radio off other than mute.
We have a 3 year old and a baby in the back along with a pram and a pushchair in the boot so plenty of space.

kPATm · 14 Nov 2021 at 11:29

Budget is only 4k so probably looking at no earlier than a 2012?

kPATm · 14 Nov 2021 at 11:31

robj20 said:
We have a 2018 Mazda 3, went for the 2lt petrol which is pretty good. Overall really nice car, few annoyances though, the auto wipers are rubbish, there appears to be no way to turn the radio off other than mute.
We have a 3 year old and a baby in the back along with a pram and a pushchair in the boot so plenty of space.

Al the models I have seen within traveling distance are the 1.6 model. I would prefer the 2lt petrol myself. This one seems OK??

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-de...sing-location=at_cars&postcode=pa160pr&page=1

fastwunz · 14 Nov 2021 at 12:09

kPATm said:
Al the models I have seen within traveling distance are the 1.6 model. I would prefer the 2lt petrol myself. This one seems OK??

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111039203656?make=Mazda&radius=1500&minimum-badge-engine-size=1.6&sort=distance&price-to=4000&include-delivery-option=on&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=Used&model=Mazda3&maximum-badge-engine-size=2.0&advertising-location=at_cars&postcode=pa160pr&page=1

that’s going to be really slow but decent spec otherwise

MagicBoy · 14 Nov 2021 at 12:12

Golden rule with a Mazda 3 - check for rot... especially living up near the coast...

Fluke? · 14 Nov 2021 at 18:18

Isn't the Mazda 3 basically a ford focus?

teenwolf · 14 Nov 2021 at 18:21

For a 2009 hardly seems worth it

Jester* · 14 Nov 2021 at 18:22

Fluke? said:
Isn't the Mazda 3 basically a ford focus?

They do share quite a few parts.

robj20 · 14 Nov 2021 at 18:29

Jester* said:
They do share quite a few parts.

Like what? I think for a time they did, but thought not anymore since 2015.

Jester* · 14 Nov 2021 at 18:34

Back in the 2009 era there were quite a few similarities. Coolant tanks, engine mounts and a few other oddities.

Mazda sold the designs/patents for the 2.3 turbocharged engine to Ford, who have put it in the most recent Focus RS, albeit heavily modified.