USED Mazda 3 Saloon (04 - 09)

My car

I purchased this car second hand from a leasing Co for a decent price before the crunch. It had high mileage 78K but it was better than ones that I had test drove that had done 40k.

I do get the odd wheel spin from standing which is un-nerving, but it is a smaller car to what I am use to. MGP is poor for a diesel at 44mpg, at best, however taken to a garage and found out the turbo has blown. Costly to fix (now not under warranty) however should improve MPG, and cheaper than buying another car that I may have to spend even more money on.

TS model has decent level of kit and AC is satisfactory, although could be better. The boot is better than rivals and the back seats are roomier enough for the 2 kids. Servicing is cheap enough, and easy on the tyres.

Driving is fun round corners and has fast enough pace when overtaking in the mid range speeds, however struggles at the higher end, 60+. Cruising is comfortable and nippy round town. Before the wife and I bought this car we test drove various others, Golf, Leon, Auris, Focus, and Civic. The Focus and Golf although good in size and equipment, rolled round corners too much compared to the mazda and has better styling.

Overall we are very happy with the Mazd3, great to drive long or short distances, with or without the kids.

My car

i have owned a mazda for 2 years know and i am really impressedby what i have experianced so far. we drove to france for a holiday and didnt let me down, The 2.0 performance is stunning, i really enjoy driving it and would deffinately buy another mazda.Its better than your euro boxs, i would recomend a mazda to anybody.

My car

A superb mid-size car for those looking for something different to the ubiquitous Focus/Astra/Golf. The saloon looks so much more elegant than the hatchback - it looks more like a coupe - and the boot is cavernous anyway. I'm trading mine in for the 2.3 MPS after 2½ faultless years. I haggled £1300 off the list price from new. Running costs and insurance are low. The seats are superb, even after a long day on the motorway. Equipment is the most generous of any competitor. I've had several people ask about the car whilst in various car parks due to the stunning looks. The handling is absolutely dynamite - throw it into any corner and it hugs the tarmac like glue with minimal body roll. My only gripe is that the 1.6 engine isn't the most spirited in the class. 0-60 is quite pedestrian without thrashing the thing but cornering and handling more than compensate. The 2.0 litre isn't worth the extra money from reviews in various mags. If only the 2.3 turbo came in a saloon version.......heaven !!

My car

I am about to get my second Mazda 3 1.6TS saloon tomorrow. Got an excellent trade in price for my 2 year old with 16,500 on the clock and very pleased to be going into my second car of this type. As a golfer I had an Astra but when they changed the boot I couldn't get my clubs and trolley in so I got the Mazda which just eats the kit up and theres room for more! The new version has at last been fitted with a groove on the rear bumper to allow you to get your fingers underneath the lip of the boot to open it. The improvements are mostly internal though - a different heating system with climate control and air con, white dials instead of black but in all much the same economical, roomy and comfortable car that I have enjoyed so much. In 2 years I expect to be looking for number 3, it really is THAT good.