Mazda 3 - Difference between 2004 and 2007 models

titaniumx3

titaniumx3

titaniumx3

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11 May 2006
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I'm currently looking to get a Mazda 3, preferably the 2.0L petrol sport saloon model. I've come across a good 2004 model with low milage (21000) and excellent condition inside and out ... but I've been told that 2004 is too old and I should aim for at least the 2007 model when paying within the £4000 to £5000 range.

Apart from the alloys, the 2007 seems to look identical to the 2004. Aside from the obvious benefit of getting a newer car, are there any other reasons not to get an older car? Surely 3 years won't make that much difference, especially when milage is not that high?
 
I don't think the Saloon was included in the facelift until 2009, so it probably doesn't apply. 4-5k for a 2004 does seem expensive though.
 
It does - probably artificially inflated by the mileage- op you'd be better buying something with a more realistic mileage imo, even if you keep it under say 60/70k you'll save a bucket on that
 
The facelift will have stuff like a 6 instead of 5 speed gearbox and cruise control which are nice additions I think, also I believe all facelifts are fitted with the Bose stereo which the pre-facelift had as an additional cost. The top gear in my 2004 was ridiculously short (3800 rpm ish at 80mph indicated).
 
So you guys are saying a Mazda 3 2004 is too much for 5K? Would looking for 2007 be better, even at higher milage? I don't care too much for the features, as long as it has the basics, body is the same and engine runs the same, I don't mind. Is there any other reason for getting a newer version, even at higher milage?

Also what should I be expecting from the body/paintwork condition? I've seen a couple of Mazda 3 2007s but there's usualy some minor scratches and chipping. Nothing major, hard to see at anything other than close up, but not sure if this would be seen as acceptable when paying £5000.

Only reason I'm going for a Mazda 3 is because I've heard they are reliable and I really like the look of the Mazda 3 Sport saloon model and would like anything that looks similiar. I prefer the saloon shape and don't mind having cars with slightly larger engines, 2.0 or over is fine. I'm open to suggestions of other cars that fit this description.
 
Lots of then will just have been bought as runabouts, its an everyday car so I would say some marks are inevitable - how much is too much is up to you really. Personally I would buy a 2004/2005 like you've already looked at but aim to pay about 2.8k for the car, I cant see anything to be gained from going newer if indeed there were no revisions to the saloon in that shape.

If you definately want to spend the 5k then yes you should be aiming for a substantially newer car

They're pretty decent cars, I like the saloon looks far better than the hatch imo
 
Always liked the saloon too, but they are very rare. If you were also looking at hatches I would think you could get a very tidy one for 5k, but with the saloons I would imagine your choices would be limited.
 
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