Mazda 3

gerry87

Hi,

I'm looking to get a 2nd hand car soon and my wife and I seem to have narrowed it down to a Mazda 3 hatchback. It seems to tick most of the criteria we had (though I've yet to actually drive one...).

Hoping to spend somewhere in the range of €5k to €10k.

Would anyone have any pointers to keep in mind with this car?

• Age - we're thinking 2012 onwards, are there any reasons to not go beyond a certain age?
• Fuel - We don't drive to work, so no commute, and do an occasional road-trip so I guess petrol would be a better fit, but nice diesels seem to be coming up much more often in our price range. Would it be a huge mistake going for diesel if we don't drive enough to warrant it?
• Engine size - Are there any sweet-spot for engine size? (Petrol or Diesel)
• Importing - is our price-range too low to make importing worth it?

In general, is it considered a good car? Are there any other tips or gotchas to look out for?

Thanks

colm_mcm

I wouldn’t bother with diesel, they’re too risky on most Mazdas.
I would say the 1.5 petrol would be the way to go.

They’re something a bit different to the usual Focus is Golf, they can look good in the right colour, but parts are expensive.

bazz26

There was a model change in around early 2014. Best avoid the diesel models especially the 2.2 litre.

Pmoylan

Nothing wrong with pre 2012 but have someone check the car out for rust, ect. I recently bought a 2009 3 Sport hatch (1.6 petrol second gen) it has loads of extras which I believe were despecced in the later years (keyless entry and start, heated front windscreen and seats. They are still very good value, well specced for the price. I believe The TS, TS2 and Sport have AC and CC as standard.

As others have said, avoid the diesels, particularly on the first and second gen models. Before I bought the 09, I had a 07 1.6 petrol which was Extremely reliable, I got fed up of the interior and lack of extras which is why I upgraded. The 07 is still sitting at home, 360,000km on the engine and the only issue was a faulty knock sensor which I never bothered replacing. Thing was bulletproof. I have heard of issues with the variable valve timing on the skyactive engines but I have no experience with them.

The 1.6 Petrol is very reliable and capable in my experience driving them. Tax is 390 p.a if I remember correctly.

Could be worth importing if you can't find a well specced model here.

gerry87

I think in my heart I knew the diesel was a no-go... just wishful thinking seeing the price differences! Good to hear the petrols are fairly solid.

@colm_mcm - just as you suggested 1.5 petrol this popped up on my alerts
https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/madza-3-1-5/25295186

Not much info on it, and a bit out of the price range but might try and get out to have a look.

colm_mcm

Chance turning up and offering €10k, it’s not worth €12k either way IMO.

ba_barabus

colm_mcm wrote: »

Chance turning up and offering €10k, it’s not worth €12k either way IMO.

IIRC the Mazda 3 petrols were also only sold in the basic spec

colm_mcm

ba_barabus wrote: »

IIRC the Mazda 3 petrols were also only sold in the basic spec

Yep, with or without nav. They always look funny with the small wheels.

ba_barabus

colm_mcm wrote: »

Yep, with or without nav. They always look funny with the small wheels.

Great for potholes though. I'm currently kicking the tyres on my brothers one but his is diesel.

colm_mcm

Don’t kick it too hard.

Philb76

The aul fella had one of the early ones for years but it was rusting badly and the engine went on it to finally kill it off

ba_barabus

colm_mcm wrote: »

Don’t kick it too hard.

There is that fear of course. My Avensis is nearing 200k kms and just feels like it could do the same.

Philb76

Curious to know wot the 2 litre petrol is like and wot real world economy is

Belfast

mazda petrol hatch backs here tend to be Uk imports
easy to sport with km/miles speed.
like this one
https://www.carsireland.ie/detail.php?ad_id=2269740&r=s.php%3Fm%5B%5D%3D51%26o%5B%5D%3D925%26d%3D5000%26e%3D10000%26f%3D1%26t%3D1%26g%3D0

better selection on Uk market.
https://ukcarimports.ie/vehicle/2428db39-83dd-47de-830e-ce57ae60db48/
link above give an idea of price to import but you can buy directly cheaper.