by "Ilike_cougars" (rohitvenkat01)
Published 09/28/2017 at 11:09
by "Ilike_cougars" (rohitvenkat01)
Published 09/28/2017 at 11:09
Tags: mazda
; mini
; Cooper
; wifecantdrivestick
STARS: 0
I’m thinking about trading in my 09 Mini Cooper S with 95K miles for the Mazda 3s that has around 60K miles costs around $11800. Should I do it?
"Where have all the lightweights gone?" (sniderjadam09)
09/28/2017 at 11:20, STARS: 1
That seems awfully high. Where do you live?
"Ilike_cougars" (rohitvenkat01)
09/28/2017 at 11:24, STARS: 0
Nebraska, there arn’t that many good cars around here.. and the one Im looking at kinda stuck out with a good carfax history. What do you think I should pay?
"Stapleface" (patrickgruden)
09/28/2017 at 11:35, STARS: 1
I owned a 2011 Mazda 3 sport. I liked it well enough. It was fairly peppy with the 2.5, although I thought it was quite thirsty for what it was. I had no issues with mine, I just got bored of it and traded it in for a Subaru Crosstrek (which I also got bored of and traded in for a Civic, which I’m also bored of...)
I wouldn’t hesitate to buy another one though. I just personally get bored very easily.
"mazda616" (mazda616)
09/28/2017 at 11:36, STARS: 1
It’ll have the 2.5 which is an updated 2.3. I drove a 2008 Mazda3 with the 2.3 for six years and had zero problems other than the liquid filled motor mount (upper passenger one) letting go. Didn’t even notice it was messed up except for the oil down the fender well. Changed it in 15 minutes.
I took my 3 from 12,000 miles to 75,000 miles and that motor mount was my only issue aside from the brake light switch. That switch got flaky on me and plugged in under the dash. I swapped it in 5 minutes for $10.00.
My friend has a 2004 Mazda6 with the 2.3 5-speed and 400,000 miles. They’re about to tear the motor down for a preventative rebuild since she got a new car but it’s still running well.
The 3’s rust issues were largely solved by 2009-2010, so that shouldn’t be a concern.
I loved my 3 and its new owners are still enjoying it and it has around 100k on it now.
"Bytemite" (bytemite)
09/28/2017 at 11:52, STARS: 0
Why? It seems like a like-for-like switch from your Cooper S but your Cooper will be more fun and unique.
"awmaster10" (awmaster10)
09/28/2017 at 12:05, STARS: 0
Surely you liked the mazda more than the crosstrek? I have driven a first gen 3 hatch and it was a hoot compared to the crosstrek I drove. WAY better motor.
"Captain of the Enterprise" (justanotherdayinparadise)
09/28/2017 at 12:12, STARS: 1
Check for rust
"Ilike_cougars" (rohitvenkat01)
09/28/2017 at 12:34, STARS: 0
Its brilliant car to drive, it is pretty unique and I love it to bits.
But the wife does not want to drive a stick anymore, so she wins.. lol.
"Ilike_cougars" (rohitvenkat01)
09/28/2017 at 12:50, STARS: 1
We should exchange notes, I was looking at the same set of cars to buy. Crosstrek I couldn’t find a decent one around me under 16K and the new Civic, I haven’t warmed up to the styling just yet, but I like the reliability it brings. The Mazda seemed just about perfect in the price range.
"Where have all the lightweights gone?" (sniderjadam09)
09/28/2017 at 14:21, STARS: 0
I would look at something a little bit newer (2012-2013) with the Skyactiv motor. It has 1/3 better mileage than the 2.5 and still has flashes of fun when you want it to be.
I say this as the current owner of a 2013 Mazda3 hatch in the exact color as your post’s pic.
"Stapleface" (patrickgruden)
09/28/2017 at 15:20, STARS: 0
From the fun to drive standpoint, you are correct. The Mazda was the better vehicle to drive. For most people, it’s a fine car. I just have really bad automotive boredom.
I was looking for something AWD though because I was thinking I needed it for reasons. I will say in the snow with some proper winter treads, that Crosstrek was unstoppable. But, acceleration on these really is slow. Even with the paddle shifters, there just isn’t enough oomph in my opinion
My Civic is a 2015. I probably should have waited for the refresh, as I think the sport with the turbo I could learn to enjoy. But that styling doesn’t really do anything for me. My Civic is a fine car. It does everything that I need it to do, and I can consistently pull down about 35mpg in it.
From a driving car standpoint, the Mazda is the best car. It handled quite well and the 2.5 isn’t a bad engine. One thing I will say, if you do get the Mazda, I believe there’s a recall for the hatch struts. You might want to check if the recall has been completed yet on the vehicle.
"Stapleface" (patrickgruden)
09/28/2017 at 15:21, STARS: 0
Well, yeah. The Mazda with the 2.5 is a fun car to drive. I just was looking for something else.
And yes, the Crosstrek really needs a different motor. Nothing drastic, but the 148 hp just doesn’t cut it in that car.