USED Mazda 3 Hatchback (04 - 09)

My car

Bought a 10 month old mazda sport from main dealers with 11k on clock as most of the reviews were very positive.First impressions were very good,good performance,style,comfort etc. Then started noticing rusty nuts and bolts,earth strap,brackets on top of front suspension turrets,brake calipers rusting and other rusting bits on suspension. Car taken back and also Mazda contacted. A couple of nuts and bolts replaced and was told there was nothing wrong with car as this is what happens. Well sorry Mazda you have not lived upto my expectations and I will be persuing this all the way

My car

Purchased new. Piston slap diagnosed in first few weeks by dealer. We rejected engine replacement. Mazda UK inspected vehicle and claimed noise was cold start device. After months of dispute an independent engineers report confirmed piston slap in 1 cylinder and an unacceptable vibration throughout the car at 3000rpm which may be linked. We are still awaiting Mazdas response!. Build quality is suspect. We may have a rogue car but either way neither Mazda or dealer seem to care about their customers. We think the average mpg is about right but as the speedo is inaccurate it is only a rough guide. This car seems to have a lot of faults that Mazda claim to be characteristics. Please don't buy one. There are much better cars supplied by dealers that care.

My car

Our Seat Ibiza and VW Polo were becoming increasingly unreliable so we decided it was time to go for hassle free motoring, ie brand new, the criteria being value for money, good looks, high build quality, reliability and more boot and passenger space. We finally decided to trade in the Seat for the 3TS. Upon returning to the dealer(Magna Mazda,Salisbury)to finalise the purchase they said that the range was about to be revised, and if we didn't mind waiting 2-3 weeks the Takara would be available. When they detailed the increased spec all for just an additional £145 we naturally didn't refuse. We took delivery just over 4 weeks ago, so its early days, but are very satisfied. The PDI was 100%, and Magna, who we would thoroughly recommend, were very easy to deal with, not pushy at all.

We have now covered 1500 miles. It is comfortable with a good driving position, good rear leg and headroom, and a decent boot. Economy is approx 41mpg av.,which may improve slightly when the engine loosens up. Handling is excellent, though quite firm, and there is a degree of surface noise at speed, but not intrusive. Visually it is a vast improvement on the TS whilst the standard interior spec which includes 6CD changer, trip computer, front and rear elec windows, auto climate control, leather s/wheel etc etc make it, in my opinion, one of the best value small family cars available.

So far more than pleased.

My car

My Brother has got one of these from National Car Hire at the moment the 1.6i Automatic. I have driven it and I find it very slugish compare to my Citroen C2 1.6i 16v Sensodrive.

Its a lovely car and has great features but the power put me off it.

If Mazda gave it more BHP it would be a great.