2014+ Mazda3 Oppoinions

Kinja'd!!! by "LongbowMkII" (longbowmkii)
Published 11/10/2017 at 16:12

Tags: Mazda ; Mazda3
STARS: 0


Even with the upgrades to the 5, 3 cars is a bit much. The Yaris is a great beater, but I’m not really certain I need a rallycross specific car either, although the highway mpgs are decent for road trips (33-35mpg @80, much less than its EPA rating though).

After the next month using the van for moving I’m considering moving on from both and consolidating into one DD, one toy (S2000). The 3 hatch would have the practicality I’ll need day to day and the efficiency that I like, even with the 2.5l. I’ve been able to get the 5 up to 28mpg hwy, which isn’t bad but with regular long drives... high 30's is tempting if only for the range. I test drove an i Gran touring and was impressed, and I’ll try the s GT or touring before making a trim decision.

The smart choice is selling the Yaris while its still in one piece and standing pat on the 5 (who in their right mind want a modified minivan? :P) Then again after the rallycross this weekend the rally bug will be strong.


Replies (6)

Kinja'd!!! "FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com" (alphaass)
11/10/2017 at 16:41, STARS: 0

I only have experience with the 2.0L auto, but I really disliked it. Poor interior materials (trim was falling off at under 20k), not that comfortable, meh ride, and I have no idea where all the praise for the handling comes because it basically drove like a corolla with heavier steering. I imagine a 2.5 in the GT trim probably fixes most of this but I would honestly at least test drive a Civic hatch as well before pulling the trigger.

Kinja'd!!! "FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com" (alphaass)
11/10/2017 at 16:41, STARS: 0

I only have experience with the 2.0L auto, but I really disliked it. Poor interior materials (trim was falling off at under 20k), not that comfortable, meh ride, and I have no idea where all the praise for the handling comes because it basically drove like a corolla with heavier steering. I imagine a 2.5 in the GT trim probably fixes most of this but I would honestly at least test drive a Civic hatch as well before pulling the trigger.

Kinja'd!!! "LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com" (limitedtimeonly)
11/10/2017 at 16:57, STARS: 0

I like the 2014 Mazda 3 s with the 2.5l that my wife drives. It’s responsive, and handles well, and we got it basically loaded so maybe that’s why I feel like the materials are nice. The suspension is a bit stiff, but it’s worth it to us. It still gets excellent fuel economy, particularly on road trips.

Kinja'd!!! "Jarrett - [BRZ Boi]" (jarrettw)
11/10/2017 at 16:59, STARS: 1

I’ve got a friend with a ‘14 2.5GT. He loves it. I felt as though I could get in a lot of trouble with it. (the funnest kind of trouble). He’s got like, 40,000km on it with no issues.

A side note that he told me: the ‘14 2.5GT, and ONLY the ‘14 2.5GT, was the only current gen 3 that was still manufactured in Japan before they moved production to Mexico. You may interpret that as you will.  

Kinja'd!!! "LongbowMkII" (longbowmkii)
11/10/2017 at 17:07, STARS: 1

I’m not buying an ugly car. the one I test drove had 33k with no signs of wear/damage, but I’m not expecting the world anyways. between the base mazda and toyota interiors I’m used to I dont have demanding standards, basically interior quality is just a bonus.

Kinja'd!!! "FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com" (alphaass)
11/10/2017 at 17:51, STARS: 1

Fair point. I actually love the current Civic’s looks so I didn’t think of that but I realize that is a minority opinion. Not being able to look at your car is reason enough to stay away.