Close to Buying a new car

by "CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever" (carsoffortlangley)
Published 08/30/2017 at 10:17

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STARS: 3

Honest opinions? Criticism? Alternative ideas for the price point?

I’m keeping my other two vehicles (ok 1 and a rust sculpture).

Replies (53)

"adamftw" (adamftw)
08/30/2017 at 10:20, STARS: 0

I love this thing. I tried to get my sister in law to get one but she got a HRV instead. Nice car too, but not I like the Mazda better.

"FromCanadaWithLove" (fromcanadawithlove)
08/30/2017 at 10:20, STARS: 1

Solid choice 

"CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever" (carsoffortlangley)
08/30/2017 at 10:21, STARS: 0

I don’t mind the HRV, but the Mazda is way nicer. Also a better #brand that I’d rather give my money to.

"CB" (jrcb)
08/30/2017 at 10:23, STARS: 0

Not a bad choice. Another consideration might be a Kia Soul.

"LongbowMkII" (longbowmkii)
08/30/2017 at 10:23, STARS: 1

can’t oppose giving mazda money.

"CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever" (carsoffortlangley)
08/30/2017 at 10:24, STARS: 2

I looked at the Soul, but its a little immature and busy on the inside and out for my taste. I dunno, just didn’t do much for me.

"duurtlang" (duurtlang)
08/30/2017 at 10:26, STARS: 1

I don’t know how prices compare in the US, but: Mazda 3. The CX-3 is a tall Mazda 2, and thus a smaller car than the Mazda 3. It however is not faster or more efficient or more spacious or better handling or more fun to drive or cheaper or, well you’ll get my point. The only reason to get a CX3 over a 3 is because you, for whatever reason, want a higher seating position.

"themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles" (themanwithsauce)
08/30/2017 at 10:27, STARS: 1

New Focus STs are still going for cheap. <20k for a base model. Going to be a bit more dated on the inside but probably have similar amounts of interior room while being a 250hp hot hatch. Buuuuuuuut idk if you’re trying to get a CUV or not. Just figured I’d pass it on that you can get a Focus ST for mazda CX-3 money right now.

Here’s a base model for under 20k:
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/709572903/overview/

Here’s a more loaded example for 23k:

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/709572903/overview/

"marshknute" (marshknute)
08/30/2017 at 10:27, STARS: 0

For the price, I’d also consider a mid-2000's Mercedes SL600.

"CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever" (carsoffortlangley)
08/30/2017 at 10:29, STARS: 1

I’m in Canada. Yeah, I know that the Mazda3 is better on paper.

This is just going to be a commuting vehicle and really when it comes down to it, its not the ride height as much as the design (yeah, that’s right I prefer it! Come at me!), AWD and rarity of the car (compared to a Mazda3).

I’m keeping my Fiesta ST for fun duty and autocross.

"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
08/30/2017 at 10:29, STARS: 0

Set on new or considering the value in the used market? CX3 is a good choice in that class but idk your needs/wants.

"Highlander-Datsuns are Forever" (jamesbowland)
08/30/2017 at 10:30, STARS: 1

This car is all about the look and provides none of the practicality of a CUV, a CX5 is much larger or a normal Mazda3 5-door would be much better for passenger and cargo room. I will admit that I like how they look, I just couldn’t live with it due to it’s small size.

"CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever" (carsoffortlangley)
08/30/2017 at 10:31, STARS: 1

I’m considering CPO or new, but to be honest, the pricing isn’t that different on CX-3's in the GT trim. Basically my needs/wants are comfortable, AWD, as small as possible and great looking inside and out.

It’s not a vehicle I’m buying to love or anything. Just mile out and be comfortable/safe during my commute.

I have an old truck and Fiesta ST to love.

"CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever" (carsoffortlangley)
08/30/2017 at 10:33, STARS: 1

I agree, it’s not for everyone. I do like the small size, because it’s going to be strictly a commuter in an urban setting (Vancouver) for my wife and I.

I don’t have any kids/friends (lol), so I’m set!

"duurtlang" (duurtlang)
08/30/2017 at 10:36, STARS: 0

Fair enough. Many people don’t realize it’s a subcompact based on the Mazda 2, but you apparently do. If you prefer how it looks you and you need AWD you’re probably making the right choice. It’s probably the best looking crossover in the subcompact segment, and being a Mazda I assume the best driving one as well.

About other cars in its segment, do you get the Citroën C4 Cactus in Canada?

"Highlander-Datsuns are Forever" (jamesbowland)
08/30/2017 at 10:37, STARS: 2

Kids tend to pop out at random times.

"CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever" (carsoffortlangley)
08/30/2017 at 10:39, STARS: 1

Yeah. Here’s hoping they don’t!

"My citroen won't start" (lucasboechat)
08/30/2017 at 10:39, STARS: 1

CPO X1

Since you clearly aren’t going to the CUV route because of their size, may I suggest Sheer Driving Pleasure?

"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
08/30/2017 at 10:39, STARS: 3

I’ll be the contrary one here: fuck the CX-3, it sucks balls.

In theory, the CX-3, and the mini crossover segment in general, is the perfect car for my wife. She likes smaller cars that are easy to handle and park, but with good space inside. She also likes the higher hip point of crossovers where they’re easy to get in and out of.

So last year when we were shopping for a car for her, we looked at the CX-3, HR-V, Mini Countryman, Fiat 500X, and Crosstrek/Impreza.

I was all ready to make the CX-3 the front runner but just sitting in one on the showroom floor had me ready to cross it off the list. It’s cramped up front and I could barely get in the back seat. To do so with the driver’s seat adjusted for myself I had to squeeeze behind the driver’s seat and splay my knees to either side of the seat. That might work in a pinch but it’s not acceptable for riding in for more than maybe 15 minutes. I’m not short, but at 5'11" I’m not a giant and I fit just fine in every single other car we looked at. Also the CX-3's trunk is tiny compared to everything else we looked at.

Even with this terrible initial impression, I took one for a test drive thinking that maybe the driving dynamics would redeem it. But I also hated driving it. Sure, the steering might be more responsive than other cars in the segment, and there might be less body roll, but it’s not a performance vehicle, and the ride is super bumpy. The visibility is horrible. The dash is super tall. The view out the back, especially to the sides, is almost completely obstructed. Oh, and the center armrest covers up the cupholders.

We leased a fully-loaded Impreza hatchback, which has an infinitely smoother ride, waaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyy better visibility, lots of useful cubbies and cup holders, and I fit in the back seat just fine. We chose it over the Crosstrek because it was less tippy in turns and neither of us like the look of tacked-on black plastic cladding.

The HR-V also impressed me with its limo-spacious back seat and even more useful cubbies and other practical things, but at the time it was still new and the lease payments would’ve been almost $100/month more than our Impreza even though both stickered around $27k.

Yes, the CX-3 is a tall, semi-useful hatchback with available awd and sharp handling. But mini crossovers are supposed to be practical, by using clever packaging to give you a vehicle that’s roomy on the inside and small on the outside. The CX-3 is a a complete and utter failure in this regard, and it also sucks to drive.

I hate it.

"Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo" (thetomselleck)
08/30/2017 at 10:41, STARS: 4

Dissenting opinion: I don’t like these at all. No practicality/utility. We get a lifted Mazda2 with body cladding and AWD, but no 6 or 3 wagons, not even a 3 with AWD.

That said, if you DO buy one, I will be the first to congratulate you because life is too short to not get what you want naaaooooow

"CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever" (carsoffortlangley)
08/30/2017 at 10:42, STARS: 0

Sadly not, We don’t get Citroën in Canada. Our market is essentially America’s with a few exceptions (Micra!)

"CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever" (carsoffortlangley)
08/30/2017 at 10:44, STARS: 1

I actually really hate the X1. They look kinda shitty and I tend to think of most of the buyers as people who just want to say they have a BMW.

Also, I do want android auto/apple carplay which I understand Mazda will be rolling out as an update at some point. I don’t think BMW has it in the older X1 do they?

"CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever" (carsoffortlangley)
08/30/2017 at 10:47, STARS: 0

I totally get that. To be honest, it’s not what I’d want ideally. But, it is going to be only for commuting and other boring duties.

"CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever" (carsoffortlangley)
08/30/2017 at 10:48, STARS: 0

Hey, I support your freedom, but when you said you’d buy a 500X....

The CX-3 drives remarkably well for what it is, I took one out for about an hour and ran it through some windy country roads. I was surprised for a small CUV with a weak engine how kinda fun it was.

"duurtlang" (duurtlang)
08/30/2017 at 10:49, STARS: 0

Ah, that must suck. Do you at least get one redeeming quality of the US car market; the low prices?

Because of my 3/CX3 comparison and before I saw your reply I looked at the US Mazda website. It had a CX9 minivan (which we don’t get) but no Mazda 2, no Mazda 6 wagon and a lack of drivetrain options for the entire lineup. And that’s just Mazda.

"Arrivederci" (arrividerci)
08/30/2017 at 10:49, STARS: 0

Tavarish approves!

"So Shiney. So Chrome! So Frunky" (badams109)
08/30/2017 at 10:51, STARS: 1

I have a 2014 Mazda 3 and can say my only real regret is not getting the 2.5L. Great car just wish it had a little more power. Gotta say I don’t get the CUV thing but to each their own. Only advice i will give is if you plan on using a roof rack the Mazda parts one is good value but you need to replace the black strips on the roof with ones that have access covers for the roof rack mounts (at least on the 3). If you are buying new consider just getting these installed right off the bat. I did it in below zero temperatures before Christmas and snapped a plastic retention clip but I ended up with all the winter bashing, mile devouring, sexy, hatch a man could need.

"CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever" (carsoffortlangley)
08/30/2017 at 10:51, STARS: 0

Nope. $$$ in Canada land unfortunately. Even with the 25% ish difference in our dollar and their’s, it is still often cheaper to buy things like food, gas and electronics and used cars.

I live only about 15 minutes from the border, and frequently cross to shop.

"Captain of the Enterprise" (justanotherdayinparadise)
08/30/2017 at 10:52, STARS: 0

How much?

"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
08/30/2017 at 10:52, STARS: 1

I only said we looked at the 500X, not that it was good. It was a piece of garbage. We checked it out because my wife likes retro styled cars like Fiats and Minis, but driving it confirmed its overall crappitude. It did, however, have much better room and practicality than the CX-3.

"CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever" (carsoffortlangley)
08/30/2017 at 10:53, STARS: 0

I really like the Mazda3, especially the 2.5L, but I’m keeping my Fiesta ST. I think that having two FWD hatches would be not the best.

Also, my wife can’t/won’t drive a manual transmission car, so I’d have to get the auto Mazda3 and...no.

"Stapleface" (patrickgruden)
08/30/2017 at 10:54, STARS: 0

Contrary to many here, I like the CX-3. I think it’s probably the best driving vehicle in its class.

If I’m offering other options, I’d tell you to consider the Crosstrek, but it’s really underpowered.

Maybe the Kia Niro, Honda HR-V or the Toyota CH-R?

"CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever" (carsoffortlangley)
08/30/2017 at 10:55, STARS: 0

I should actually look at the Niro. I’m not crazy about the CH-R or the HR-V

"CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever" (carsoffortlangley)
08/30/2017 at 10:56, STARS: 0

lol, just giving you a hard time.

I agree, the room and practicality of the CX-3 isn’t as good as the above vehicles. It isn’t a top priority for us though.

"So Shiney. So Chrome! So Frunky" (badams109)
08/30/2017 at 10:59, STARS: 0

Fair enough. My wife won’t drive anything but manuals; it’s part of the reason we got a Mazda. They offered almost everything with a stick. But if I was going to have to get an auto anyway I’d probably want the AWD too

"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
08/30/2017 at 11:00, STARS: 0

What are the priorities that led you to the CX-3?

The problem with the CX-3 is it’s basically a taller awd-optional Mazda 2 hatchback. That means it’s tiny and has a crappy twist beam rear suspension.

Unless you specifically want awd, even within the Mazda lineup, the 3 hatchback is a much better vehicle with more room and an independent rear suspension.

If you do want awd, even if you don’t care about the total lack of interior space, the CX-3 still rides like shit and you can’t see out of it.

(BTW my harsh tone is only directed at the stupid CX-3 and not anger at you or anyone else for considering buying it. I just think it’s a bad car and wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. This even though I like Mazda and have owned 2 of them.)

"Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection" (itsalwayssteve)
08/30/2017 at 11:02, STARS: 0

For the money, I’d get a Renegade. I have a Sport FWD 1.4/6m and it’s been great so far...

"CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever" (carsoffortlangley)
08/30/2017 at 11:05, STARS: 0

To be honest, I agree with all your points. I have a Fiesta ST, so powerful(ish) FWD hatch is taken care of. My priorites are:

-Wife approval - She won’t drive a low car or a manual
-Gas - low fuel consumption/not premium
-Safety - better than my ST/deathtrap 86 ram
-AWD for hiking/snow
-comfortable - nice interior, sound system and Android Auto
-Rarity/Looks - Relatively rare and pretty good looking

Yeah, that’s pretty much it. Kinda a bad checklist, but it’s what I gotta live with. This is a strictly commuting car, I can promise you no fun will be had in it.

"CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever" (carsoffortlangley)
08/30/2017 at 11:07, STARS: 0

Yeah, as much as I hate FCA (sorry) I actually kinda love the Renegade, especially the Trailhawk.

I don’t think I would buy one, it doesn’t align with my tastes as much as a CX-3.

"Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle" (1500sand535)
08/30/2017 at 11:09, STARS: 1

Golf sportwagen 4motion may be in that price range, more space and I think you get the DSG.

"CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever" (carsoffortlangley)
08/30/2017 at 11:11, STARS: 0

Yeah, that would be an option. But, I don’t think I could ever get a VW.

No reason, just dosn’t resonate with me design/looks/branding in any way.

I can’t explain it.

"Monkey B" (monkeyb)
08/30/2017 at 11:12, STARS: 0

I think this is a good looking car. It looks better than a 5 door Mazda3 in my opinion, proportions are better. I’d buy it.

"FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com" (alphaass)
08/30/2017 at 11:15, STARS: 0

While I haven’t driven the CX-3, this pretty much summarizes my feeling of current Mazdas in general (Miata excepted) - they drive good for what they are - best in class even - but the bar is pretty low. They really aren’t that sporty overall, just sporty compared to what others at the price point offer. From my experience, I’d trade the slightly better handling of the 3/6/CX-5 for better visibility/space/interior quality that competitors are offering.

"Now_looking_for_a_cheap_car" (viper2626)
08/30/2017 at 11:17, STARS: 0

I would think that unless you need the extra clearance and AWD, the Mazda 3 gives you a lot more space and engine options

"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
08/30/2017 at 11:17, STARS: 0

Based on your criteria, don’t buy a CX-3.

The CX-3 doesn’t have Android Auto. Mazda announced they would upgrade their current infotainment systems to add CarPlay and Android Auto at some point but there’s been no news on that front for several months.

The CX-3 has a pretty interior but it’s not comfortable. It’s not any roomier than your FiST, and the ride is too bumpy.

Honestly the Impreza & Crosstrek are a way better choice for what you describe. We have a 2016 and the 2017 is a new platform with more refinement and the same basic powertrain.

The Impreza (and Crosstrek) is way roomier, much more comfy, has an unexpectedly smooth ride for a small car, much better visibility, better mileage, and Android Auto. Both the CX-3 and Impreza have good safety ratings but the Impreza gets higher scores on headlights and child seat anchors.

Yeah, they’re boring looking and they’re everywhere, but the car is popular for a reason. It’s a good car.

"CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever" (carsoffortlangley)
08/30/2017 at 11:21, STARS: 0

Hmmm, you make many good points.

I shall investigate the Impreza closer, you’ve been most helpful.

The looks of the CX-3 are a huge factor for us, and will likely put it over the line. I just want to crawl into something nice after a shit day at work.

I will go out and test drive/read up on the Impreza though

"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
08/30/2017 at 11:29, STARS: 0

I should also mention the awd system on the Impreza is much better in foul weather than the CX-3. It starts at a 50/50 front/rear split and adjusts depending on traction. The CX-3 sends power to the rear wheels only after it detects the fronts are slipping. That 50/50 split helps keep the wheels churning in deeper snow. I used to have a Mazdaspeed 6 with a similar (but more sophisticated) awd system to the CX-3, and a rear LSD, but even with snow tires it struggled in deep snow because it was inherently fwd.

The worst thing about the Impreza is that Subaru equips it with tires that suck in the snow. If you’re planning to run separate winter tires this isn’t an issue. I swap between summer & winter tires on my 335xi but my wife didn’t want to do that for her car. We junked the factory tires for all-seasons with better snow test scores. After I sold the factory tires on Craigslist for $150, the net cost was only like $250.

The Crosstrek’s factory tires are acceptable in the snow. But we went with the Impreza because we have no use for the extra ride height and didn’t like the extra body roll and cladding.

"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
08/30/2017 at 12:12, STARS: 0

Oh yeah sounds like a good choice then, especially with the “small” part. I would think to compare a Subaru for that particular need as well, particularly the Forester.

"Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo" (thetomselleck)
08/30/2017 at 12:41, STARS: 1

Kinja

"Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo" (thetomselleck)
08/30/2017 at 12:41, STARS: 0

Well... if you don’t really want it, then buying a new car you don’t want doesn’t sound like the greatest idea? Unless it’s just to make your wife happy, I suppose. But even then, quite a commitment.

"hedbutter" (hedbutter)
08/30/2017 at 12:49, STARS: 0

I looked at these when I was looking around, test drove a CX-5 (golf clubs wouldn’t fit in a CX-3 without the seats down) and I ended up with an 18 Crosstrek. Similar to what others have said, the Crosstrek has more usable space inside and was comfortable on test drives. The 18 comes with android auto and power seats as well.

"Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle" (1500sand535)
08/30/2017 at 14:37, STARS: 1

Well, that’s a good reason not to get a car, you want to like it.

"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
08/30/2017 at 15:28, STARS: 0

This.