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Mazda3 Hatchback

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  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    We only get personal because we know you're always right and we have no other arguments to counter yours.

    Or, maybe we're just all out to get you (as usual) because you bring the truth and we don't want it to get out. ;)
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    "We only get personal because we know you're always right and we have no other arguments to counter yours."

    That's been proven here.

    "Or, maybe we're just all out to get you (as usual) because you bring the truth and we don't want it to get out."

    That was proven in the Mazda6 room.

    In fact I'd say the "We only get personal" part was proven that post. Since I said a lot more in my last post than simply "Why do you have to get personal?". But hey the weekend is over. See you guys later.
  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
  • npaladin2000npaladin2000 Member Posts: 593
    I live in NY too, and I'm fairly happy with the 17 inchers, if it's a comfort issue. If you're worried bout flats, best thing you can do is buy your tires at Sears and buy the Roadhazard protection on them....I ended up using that twice on my old car. If your tire goes flat (within a certain time, I think), they give you a free replacement tire, or credit the purchase price of that tire (when it was new) toward a different new tire.
  • fowler3fowler3 Member Posts: 1,919
    I just thought Mazda should have offered an HB model without the sidesill and 17" wheels. Let the buyer jazz it up if he or she likes the Sport Package.

    Many older buyers do not want big wheels, they do want a HB for its utility and the 16" alloys and tires would be fine. Some older buyers don't care what a car looks like as long as it goes and is reliable, I'm not one of those. Neither do I want the "i" model sedan nor an "i" model HB.

    As for selling the 17" wheels and tires, it would have to be done locally. Otherwise, what would you put on your car waiting for a buyer in another state to ship his 16-inch wheels? And vise versa.

    fowler3
  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    I won't be at all surprized if Mazda offers the 5-door in 'i' trim for 2005. It would be a nice addition to the line-up and it won't cost them any extra to build it.
  • fowler3fowler3 Member Posts: 1,919
  • fowler3fowler3 Member Posts: 1,919
    last week that you don't see senior citizens driving cars with big spoilers, 18" wheels, and coffee can exhaust pipes. They want to look their ages. Later that day I saw an old geezer driving one of those new Chevy pickup trucks with the convertable top. He looked about 85 or so, in his second childhood. Oh man, there probably are exceptions. It takes all kinds, I guess.

    I was ticked off because I want a replacement for my 2001 Protegé, I don't like its choppy ride and the Mazda3-s I drove has a smooth ride. The early birds who bought the HB say it is noisy, rides rough, and is more firm because of the big wheels and low-pro tires. That's a deal-breaker for me, why start over with another roughrider?

    I like everything about the Protegé other than its ride and Mazda has preserved and enhanced its best features in the MZ3.

    fowler3
  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    You don't like the Mazda3 sedan?
  • npaladin2000npaladin2000 Member Posts: 593
    The "old geezer" market that you mentioned is NOT typically the one that Mazda wants...if you ever noticed their ads, they're geared more toward the under 40 crowd (maybe even under 30). Volvo and Lincoln are the "over-40" nameplates. ;)

    That being said, I foresee an i model hatch (excuse me, "5 door"..heh) for 2005, but the 2 liter might not be strong enough for it, so it might have to start with the 2.3 liter, you know? Which means to save money and get the price down, I see steel wheels, no fogs, no cruise, no skirts, and possibly just solid black cloth interior. Oh, and make the ubiquitous (on the hatch anyway) sunroof unavailable to differentiate it. :)

    "The early birds who bought the HB say it is noisy, rides rough, and is more firm because of the big wheels and low-pro tires."

    I don't think it rides rough at all. It's a littler firmer than I'm used to coming from a Chevy Corsica (with 14 inch wheels), but it's a decent ride (it's also only got 180 miles on it, so the suspension hasn't had a chance to loosen up any yet). Noisy...only in the wheelwells when there's debris (salt, sand, gravel, etc) on the road...those can be heard pretty clearly. Other than that haven't noticed any oppressive noise. Of course noisier tires will be more noticeable though.
  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    If they make a 5-door 'i' model it will have the 2.0L engine, no question about that.
  • edgaremedgarem Member Posts: 58
    "The "old geezer" market that you mentioned is NOT typically the one that Mazda wants...if you ever noticed their ads, they're geared more toward the under 40 crowd (maybe even under 30). Volvo and Lincoln are the "over-40" nameplates. ;)"

    This old geezer took his trophy bride to the movies last night (Ladykillers - ugh) and was impressed with the big screen ad by Mazda, and a poster ad in the hall - no question it was targeted to the performance/speed/style market vs the comfort/reliability market. Agreed this means generally a younger market, but things are a-changing - as the marketing gurus are recognizing. Aging boomers and second childhood geezers like me, because of demographic shifts and high accumulated savings, are starting to represent a significant segment. So Mazda is properly targeting a preference segment rather than just an age segment.

    To the point, if 16" wheels had been available for my hatch, I still would have picked 17's for the look - and the 2.3 for the torque. Having said that, a 'basic' hatch will fill out their stable at little incremental cost and will not steal from their MZ6 line.
  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    You said what I was trying to, only so much more eloquently. :)
  • carcar Member Posts: 4
    Hi,

    A dealer in neighboring state is offering me Mazda 3 $1000.00 less than the best price I have got in my state, I am in Pennsylvania. Please let me know are there any problems with buying the car in another state. Thanks
  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    One problem you might have is the emissions requirements. Is PA included in the group of east coast states that have lower emissions? If so, then you better make sure the car meets the requirements or you will be screwed. If it's the other way around and you buy a car with lower emissions and PA doesn't require it, then it's not a problem. The other problem is registering and paying sales tax. If the state you are buying in allows it, you don't register it or pay tax there, you just leave the dealer with temp tags, then register it and pay the sales tax when you get home. Ask the dealer where you are considering buying if they have done this before, for somebody in your state. Don't ask a salespersom, talk to the sales manager, fleet/internet manager, or F&I (finance and insurance) person. If they're experienced with this it could be painless, otherwise it can mean trouble.

    I am in NM and bought a car in CO this way and it was a piece of cake. If I had bought in AZ, on the other hand, it would have been a problem because their sales tax laws are "funny" and Phoenix in particular has a city sales tax that you can't get out of.

    YMMV
  • fowler3fowler3 Member Posts: 1,919
    Yes, I like the Mazda3 sedan except for the smallish trunk or rather the small opening trunk lid. When the new models came out I liked the HB at first, then changed to the sedan, now back to the HB. Both are nice.

    npaladin2000: "The "old geezer" market that you mentioned is NOT typically the one that Mazda wants...if you ever noticed their ads, they're geared more toward the under 40 crowd (maybe even under 30). Volvo and Lincoln are the "over-40" nameplates. ;)"

    Think champaigne tastes and beer pocketbook here. ;)

    Not everyone over 40, over 50, or over 60 has Volvo and Lincoln on their lists. Those with good pensions and retirement plans do.

    An "i" hatchback with the 2.0l engine and "i" trim, not for me. I like the goodies in the "s" model just as much as you "youngsters", meaning anyone under 40. With the exception of the 17's.

    The Protegé was bought as a temporary car until I could decide on something more to my liking. Now that I am use to the size and enjoying the handling, the MZ3 looks like my best bet. It will be my last car, has to do me the rest of my life, you can see why I am being particular.

    fowler3
  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    I think it's more likely that they will offer the 5-door 'i' than make the Sport Package optional on the 5-door 's', but I could be wrong.

    What I would do in your position is just get the 5-door s and find somebody with an i or s sedan with 16s that wants to swap wheels. There shouldn't be a problem finding a taker if the offer is for an even swap. Then you have real Mazda factory wheels.
  • gandrigogandrigo Member Posts: 87
    I just put my goodyear RSA's back on, and boy do they ever pick crud off the road and fling it. All I can hear is stuff bouncing around in the fenders. The Blizzac snows sure didn't do that. i'm wondering if those with paint damage kept the summer tires on? maybe that could explain the "sand-blasted" side sills. Now I really feel the need to get some mudguards pronto. What are the odds of the protege guards fitting? is the rear bumper shape (hatch) very different from the sedan MZ3? Maybe the rear ones will at least fit.
  • fowler3fowler3 Member Posts: 1,919
    How about the 3M film others put on the front end
    to prevent stone chips, can you get that in Canada? Put it on the rocker panels (sidesills) and bumper facias.

    Mazda6s, thanks for our reply and suggestion. It will be a while before I sell the Pro and buy the HB or sedan.

    fowler3
  • thegrudge311thegrudge311 Member Posts: 5
    Well, I went down to my dealer today and put in a transfer order (from another dealership about 30 minutes away) for a Mazda3 hatch! I am definitely looking forward to this - I'm expecting delivery tomorrow afternoon! here are the specs:
    Mazda3 Hatch in Titanium Gray
    auto trans
    ABS/EBD/Side air curtains package
    Moonroof & 6-cd changer
    Final price was $19700. Thoughts? Comments? Extra money laying around that you don't want? let me know.
  • npaladin2000npaladin2000 Member Posts: 593
    You know, if the dealer really wants to sell you a car, they'll swap the 17s for a set of OEM 16s, maybe off one of the "s" sedans they might have around. There's a Nissan dealer around here that did that with one of their Altimas, and simply indicated the Altima with higher-end wheels as having a dealer-installed option. You should ask about it.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,448
    I prefer the hatch, but would also prefer (mostly due to the crappy roads in the NE) to have the 16" wheels. It's still a relatively low profile tire, and should still deliver good handling, with a little smoother ride and better protection from damage (a biggie).

    Simple change for 2005: keep the HB as an S model only, but make the sport package (or at least the wheels) a stand alone option (just like the sedan).

    Also a good point about having the dealer do the swap. I don't recall if the sedan has 17" as an option, but regardless, I'm sure the dealer would be happy to knock $250 off your car and charge soemone else $500 for the dealer installed option.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • npaladin2000npaladin2000 Member Posts: 593
    If they have to swap the wheels, my guess is they'll at least do some sort of $150 labor surcharge or something, for the work they have to put in. If they make you pay for the wheels, laugh in their faces, because you're giving them the more expensive 17's in exchange. ;)

    We'll have to see how Mazda works things once they convert/buy another factory to make the 3 in...they're going to have to, because they're not keeping up with demand with only the one in Hiroshima. ;)
  • creakid1creakid1 Member Posts: 2,032
    Does that take over 2 hours of labor. It's more like a 2 minute job. They're not mounting/dismounting the 4 tires.

    I once saw a brand new '01 Maxima SE in my local dealer listed w/ 17"s but actually had 16"s on... I wonder how it happened.

    & my local BMW dealer pretty much charged the price of the entire sport package(about $1400) on the dealer's "17"-factory-wheel upgrade"! The salesman B.S. that it was some wheel specialist who provided these factory wheels & not directly swapped from another car on the lot!

    Is there any reason a buyer would be stupid enough to pay for the whole sport package w/ these items missing such as the superbly comfortable 12-way sport seats? No way, these seats even accomodate broad girth. Or is it the more-relaxing-to-hold 4-spoke non-sport steering wheel they want to keep? Must be the lowered sport suspension they can't tolerate. But having these so-so-looking 7-spoke factory 17"s on the regular suspension don't even function properly, as the '01 large-brake 330i's mandatory 17" made the sport suspension std only after 6 months of introduction.

    What's the dealer thinking? Are we that stupid?
  • npaladin2000npaladin2000 Member Posts: 593
    When you swap the wheels from one car to another, you have to check the balance (as long as they're off) and double-check the alignment. Figure an hour job for 2 guys = 2 man hours (and don't forget their smoke and coffee breaks, of course).

    Anyway, something similar is probably what happened to that Maxima you saw.

    As for the BMW dealer, well...$500 for the wheels, $200 for the time the salesman took to think up a believable story while they get the wheels off a car in the back, and $700 for the name "BMW." Simple. :) That's why we like Mazda better. :D
  • carlisimocarlisimo Member Posts: 1,280
    I'd like to see a more "base" hatchback just because the current one is out of the price range of many economy buyers. As much as I want one of the current hatches, it'll be a while before I can afford a $20k car.
  • icvciicvci Member Posts: 1,031
    If Mazda were to offer a gift in lieu of cash back, (Like VW did with the Trek version of the Jetta.) would you like to get? Priced around $500.
  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    "I'd like to see a more "base" hatchback just because the current one is out of the price range of many economy buyers. As much as I want one of the current hatches, it'll be a while before I can afford a $20k car."

    I think this is intentional on Mazda's part. In the past, hatchbacks have been cheap versions of many models. With the Mazda3 5-door and especially the Mazda6 5-door, they want to avoid this. A good move IMO.

    If you want an economy 4dr hatchback, the Hyundia Elantra GT aint too bad.
  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    I was with a friend once in the middle of winter and her new Dodge Stratus wouldn't start. When we called Dodge the reply was predictable, "call the company that makes the alarm". My friend had no idea that the alarm system installed on ner new car, by the dealer that sold it to her, would invalidate the warranty. She claimed they didn't tell her, and not being a "car person", she had no idea that she should have asked. Unfortunately, a lot of people don't understand the distinction between the car manufacturer and the independent dealership, and therefore assume that anything the dealership does is somehow "OK" with the manufacturer's policies.

    IMO a dealership should not do anything to your car that would invalidate the manufacturer's warranty, without first notifying you in writing that this is could happen (and making you sign it!). Of course, they're not going to do this voluntarily as it would impact sales and cut into the profit from all the aftermarket crap.
  • npaladin2000npaladin2000 Member Posts: 593
    That's why I'm waiting for the Mazda alarm/remote starter to become available...they tell me to do that, and I say "That's what I'm doing". :)
  • fowler3fowler3 Member Posts: 1,919
    check my e-mail address in my profile and e-mail your's to me. I will send a JPEG version to you. It's the "i" model sold in Europe with 16" alloys.

    Not what I thought it would look like.

    fowler3
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    Or you can see the GS model on mazda.ca in teh Multimedia section :)

    Ours comes w/out the rear spoiler + skirts but with 16" alloys.

    Dinu
  • orangelebaronorangelebaron Member Posts: 435
    http://www.axela.mazda.co.jp/5door/testdrive/testdrive5.html

    So now you all can see what an "i" hatch looks like in Japan.
  • orangelebaronorangelebaron Member Posts: 435
    So I went to the Subaru dealer to test drive a Forester X with a 5 speed. It was quick and handled well... but the clutch made metallic noises and the ride was a little noisy. This is a great, solid car... but I did not end up with a smile on my face.

    I went back to the Mazda dealer and sat in the 3 hatch. I just wanted to stay there. Just sit there all night.
    Hhhhmmm... when are they going to build mine already!

    I just wish they had a seat-bottom cushion adjustment knob and heated mirrors :>( I asked Mazda if they could put the mirror heaters in at the factory and they said "No.. that's only for Canada... because it's colder there."
    &$@*% !!!
  • firstmazdafirstmazda Member Posts: 16
    "only for Canada... because it's colder there"

    I like that, that's funny. Many big cities here in don't get half as cold as places like New Hampshire, Chicago, etc.

    And isn't Colorado always covered in snow? (i dunno, i've never been there)

    Tell you what, I'll trade you my heated mirrors for a pair of your Xenons of your nav system!
  • fowler3fowler3 Member Posts: 1,919
    Japanese can't read maps or they would know that Toronto and Montreal are farther south than New Hampshire and places like Portland, Maine and Minneapolis/St. Paul. Not to mention Michigan and the Dakotas. I wouldn't be surprised if they offered heated mirrors in Florida when the time comes to put them on the options list.

    fowler3
  • moondawgmoondawg Member Posts: 24
    So far so good.......I traded in my 03 Honda CRV for the 3.......Love it,wife loves it,stepson loves it......what's not to love?Already have first scratch,on the first day......I looked the car over,at the dealership.No scratch.Now I have the first of many....Waaaaaaaaaah!I'll be heard from again from time to time..........Good luck all!
  • npaladin2000npaladin2000 Member Posts: 593
    You traded in a CR-V? I'm impressed. What made you want to ditch the guzzle---I mean SUV? :D
  • guskimguskim Member Posts: 112
    firstmazda said:
    "And isn't Colorado always covered in snow? (i dunno, i've never been there)"

    (Groan)
    I've been to Colorado, and I can honestly say, it's a fantastic place, and it's covered in snow in the winter, not rest of the year.

    You should drive your Mazda3 to Denver, and check out how beautiful, cool, and hip the city is, especially LoDo (Lower Downtown).

    And the people there are also incredibly friendly.
  • icvciicvci Member Posts: 1,031
    And the people there are also incredibly friendly.


    Not if you walk around with a Red Wings hat on. ; )

    Not that I would do a thing like that.

    Okay, so I did. My wife's grandfather lives in Colorado and we drove there in our 2003 CR-V. The Pro5 was just a bit too small for the family on a trip that long. And, from what I'm told, Denver is not covered in snow most of the winter. Due to the drier climate, much of the snow melts and it can actually be quite nice in winter. Colder, but nice. Or so I'm told. (My wife lived in Boulder for quite a few years.)
  • mpg5mpg5 Member Posts: 68
    I just located one of the only 5 speed HB's in my area with abs and moon pkgs in ti grey (basically the exact car i want).It should be here in next week or two. Test drove automanual and thought car was pretty damn sweet. Low pressure salesman gave me a quote $500 below MSRP (he showed me invoice, and spread between that and MSRP was approximately $1150. For the limited availability,(i called 5-6 diff dealers and none had a manual) I thought this was a good deal. What else should I try to squeeze them for? Moonroof deflector? Rear bumper guard? All weather mats? What is a rear skirt diffuser, and should i ask for that? Basically want to know what is most useful add on? I do a lot of mountain biking (i don't think they would throw in a bike rack) but i am thinking all weather mats and rear bumper guard might be useful. thnx in advance, MPG
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    The first "extra" I would ask for is more off MSRP. You never want to stop with the dealer's first offer. In my town, my local "no commissions" dealer is offering a flat $1000 off every 3s model. Until yesterday, that was coupled with a $500 Auto Show bonus (a local thing). So if I were you, I'd put your game face on and tell the salesman (or better yet the sales manager) that you are ready to buy today for $1000 off MSRP, and show them a check for the full amount + T&L to prove you are sincere (if you aren't using their financing). The worst they can say is "no."
  • carcar Member Posts: 4
    I am planning to buy Mazda 3. Test driven the car and liked it, I am trying to claculate how much it will really cost me to own this car, including the taxes and tags

    I am a first time car buyer so do not know much about the process. I want to know do I need to the emissions and state inspection on my own when I drive out from the dealer ? Or is that part of the taxes and tags

    Thanks
  • mpg5mpg5 Member Posts: 68
    I hear you. i forgot to mention they also had an additional $500 cash back if i used mazda 3.9% financing. was thinking of using that and then paying off loan when i get my severance check. yes, i am losing current job but really close to a better paying one. I have only bought one new car before and played hardball ($100 over invoice)and then got lousy dealer service. could they be related? or does it not matter what my relationship is with my salesman.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    In my experience, customer service has no relationship to how good (or bad) a deal you got on the car. Think about it. It's not like the sales manager tells the service manager, "This guy got a great deal on the car, let's give him lousy service!" Also, the dealership should want your service business to help make up for the great deal you got on the car, right?

    Even though you still get the $500 for financing with Mazda, I'd still try to give them a counter-offer lower than their initial $500 off MSRP. Like I said, the worst they can say is no. Be sure not to let on that you really love the car and that you have no alternatives, e.g. other cars ("Hey, you know, that Elantra GT is a really nice car and costs thousands less..."), even if you don't have realistic alternatives. Then they've got you just where they want you.
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    as of yesterday the $500 incentive for financing with mazda credit ended.
  • icvciicvci Member Posts: 1,031
    I've bought 3 Hondas, (00 Civic DX Hatchback, 02 Civic EX and 03 CR-V EX) all from dealerships at least 20 miles away from my home even though there is one within 4 miles. The dealer by my home is the worst. It's almost like they don't want to sell me a car! The last time I tried to buy from them, they took my $3000 and promised a vehicle in 3 days. Then they called in 3 days to say 3 weeks. Finally, they didn't want to give me my money back so I had to stop payment on the check. @$&%^@!!!

    But, their service department is wonderful. I won't even consider taking my Honda vehicles elsewhere.
  • mpg5mpg5 Member Posts: 68
    thanks, I think! I don't know if they make more profit on my service. I have basic maintenance done at independent mechanic. Only warranty work at dealer. I believe a simple, "No, it doesn't matter how much you beat up salesman" would have sufficed. I was talking about relationships. As everybody knows you're apt to get better service in any industry if you have a good working relationship. And vice versa.
  • mpg5mpg5 Member Posts: 68
    A simple answer to a simple question. I like that.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    If that's what I get for trying to be helpful, so be it. Good luck to you.
This discussion has been closed.