Six years!

"mazda616" (mazda616)
08/12/2015 at 16:29 • Filed to: Mazda3

According to my posts on Facebook, I bought my 3 on this day six years ago. It had 12,200 miles on it. I traded in my ‘99 Grand Am GT1 that had 131,000 miles and a failing transmission.

Today, my 3 has just under 75,000 miles. It’s been a great vehicle and my next car will either be another Mazda3 or a Mazda6, whatever I find a good deal on. But that won’t be for a couple more years at least.

Here’s a picture from the week I got it and one from just recently. It still looks roughly the same (because lack of funds) but I have added my own personal touch.

It has never given me any major troubles, has no rust (apparently all Mazdas are supposed to rust), and still looks good. To say I’m happy with my purchase wouldn’t even scratch the surface.

Also, it’s interesting how my phone here in 2015 takes exponentially better pictures than my digital camera did in 2009.

DISCUSSION (16)

Takuro Spirit > mazda616
08/12/2015 at 16:34

Happy birthday, little red Mazda!!

CAR_IS_MI > mazda616
08/12/2015 at 16:36

I’ve never had a car for 6 years. closest I got was just shy of 5 years, and of that, it sat in storage ln the opposite coast of the country for 2 of those years.

Congrats on the milestone.

mazda616 > CAR_IS_MI
08/12/2015 at 16:38

I had my first car for a year, my second for two years, and this one will likely make it to 8 or 9 years with me before I replace it. The fact that it has no payment makes me happy.

Green Mountain Car Guy > mazda616
08/12/2015 at 16:39

Hi - I’m actually a Mazda salesperson. I’m guessing that you don’t live near me (since your car has what appears to be no rust whatsoever). But, as a fellow opponaut - when the time comes and you want someone to verify that the deal your getting on your new Mazda3 or 6 is good - or if you want honest feedback on the cars/what to look for, feel free to give me a shout (if interested let me know and I’ll get you my contact info.)

mazda616 > Green Mountain Car Guy
08/12/2015 at 16:46

I live in Western Kenucky and while we do get some snow, it is rarely significant amounts and it also rarely sticks around. And I always wash the car as soon as the roads are dry haha.

I REALLY want a 2014+ 6 with the 19 inch wheels they come with. So a Touring model or above. I think they’re some of the most gorgeous cars ever. My want is off the charts! I'd buy one even if I won the lottery. That's how much I like them. Hopefully I'll have one someday. My hope is to find a good used one, maybe Certified Pre-Owned.

Takuro Spirit > Green Mountain Car Guy
08/12/2015 at 16:51

Yes! More Mazda dealer employees on Oppo!

Green Mountain Car Guy > mazda616
08/12/2015 at 16:52

Yeah...Vermonter here...winter’s a little different up this way! But, the new 6 has been a great car so far - haven’t seen any recurring issues. Personally, if you aren’t doing anything for a couple more years, the revised interior in the 2016’s coupled with the much better (and easier to update) infotainment system make a big difference.

Green Mountain Car Guy > Takuro Spirit
08/12/2015 at 16:56

Haha, I wonder what the per capita is for dealer/manufacturer employees that are also opponauts are for the major brands. Given Mazda’s are geared (get it!?) toward people who enjoy cars and driving, I wouldn’t be surprised if they were high on that list.

Takuro Spirit > Green Mountain Car Guy
08/12/2015 at 17:04

Most of us probably just keep it quiet, in case the GM is watching...

AndyG_UK > mazda616
08/12/2015 at 17:04

Wow she looks sooo good still! I still sometimes miss our Mazda 3’s (an 06 Phantom blue 2.0 Sport and an 07 carbon grey tdi Sport) great cars and never really caused us much trouble, we had the 06 for over 6 years, glad you're still enjoying yours.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > mazda616
08/12/2015 at 17:21

If the Grand Am lasted you 10 years, assuming no bad collisions, this Mazda should last you at least another 4 years.

And it was the Mazdas from the early to mid 2000s that had rust issues. Yours should be okay and will likely start rusting at the 8 to 10 year mark if you live in the rust belt.

And the longest I’ve owned a car is 4 years. Though my goal is to own my current car for at least 5 years.

mazda616 > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly
08/12/2015 at 17:27

I only had the Grand Am from April 2007 to August 2009. But it was meticulously maintained by the former owner and myself.

RazoE > mazda616
08/12/2015 at 17:34

Congrats! Eyelids look great, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!

Kinja'd!!!

But I may be a bit biased...=P

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > mazda616
08/12/2015 at 17:41

Well I should then say... if the Grand Am lasted 10 years/131,000 miles in total, then the Mazda 3 should last at least as long in the same caring hands.

mazda616 > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly
08/12/2015 at 17:45

Thanks man! I do take as good care of my vehicles as I can. Meticulous doesn't begin to describe it lol

TheJMan92 > mazda616
08/13/2015 at 13:17

Can confirm, early models rust like no other. I’ve got an 04 3s, bought it last year with some rust and 113K on it. Now at 140k with a lot more rust and zero engine relates issues, rust seems to be contained to the rear fender area. I was just underneath the car yesterday and it’s pretty clean for being driven through winter. If you ever do get rust and want to fix it, there are metal patch panels you can buy specifically for these cars.
I’ve loved driving mine, and I’ve left it stock because I love the way it looks. Congrats on the milestone!

Edit to add: love the paint matched light cover, looks wicked!