The Money Mustache Community
Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: The Fake Cheap on May 06, 2016, 05:21:22 PM
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I'm looking at replacing my current car, a 2007 Suzuki SX4 with just over 200K KM on it. It's been very good to me, but I am considering selling it and buying a Mazda 3 hatchback, likely used aiming for a 2012, but would go for a 2011 or 2013 if the price was right. Some other contenders were the Honda Fit and Toyota Matrix, however there are no used Fits available in my area (I live in a small city of 100K, and I've been watching for about a month) and the Matrix is basically just a Corolla with a hatch (is it not?) and our other car is a Corolla so it would be nice to have something different.
Other info: we are a family of 3 with a 3 year old. We need 2 cars (for now).
I would like to hear from anyone who has first hand experience with the 3. My biggest concerns is reliability.
I appreciate any advice.
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I just got a used 2015 Mazda 3 hatchback. I love it. Getting 36mpg, fun to drive, zippy. Back seat is small like most small cars. I also find the hatchback a tad small for cargo. But I had a Prius before which was more boxy and held more.
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I'm looking at replacing my current car, a 2007 Suzuki SX4 with just over 200K KM on it. It's been very good to me, but I am considering selling it and buying a Mazda 3 hatchback, likely used aiming for a 2012, but would go for a 2011 or 2013 if the price was right. Some other contenders were the Honda Fit and Toyota Matrix, however there are no used Fits available in my area (I live in a small city of 100K, and I've been watching for about a month) and the Matrix is basically just a Corolla with a hatch (is it not?) and our other car is a Corolla so it would be nice to have something different.
Other info: we are a family of 3 with a 3 year old. We need 2 cars (for now).
I would like to hear from anyone who has first hand experience with the 3. My biggest concerns is reliability.
I appreciate any advice.
Just a tip, 2012 model year is when Mazda introduced Skyactiv Technology, which makes their cars vastly more superior in terms of efficiency. Most 2012 Mazda 3's will have it, but not all. If you decide to go for it, go for one with skyactiv technology. They also revamped the body style in 2014, but the upgrades are mainly in appearance and a Ipad type thing, not performance upgrades. I'd recommend a 2012 or 2013 with skyactiv
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Just a tip, 2012 model year is when Mazda introduced Skyactiv Technology, which makes their cars vastly more superior in terms of efficiency. Most 2012 Mazda 3's will have it, but not all. If you decide to go for it, go for one with skyactiv technology. They also revamped the body style in 2014, but the upgrades are mainly in appearance and a Ipad type thing, not performance upgrades. I'd recommend a 2012 or 2013 with skyactiv
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I was aware that the skyactiv came in for the 2012's, but I was unaware that not all the 3's have it. Do you know if all 2013's have skyactiv?
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Mazda 3 is a great car, even more so when they added skyactiv.
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What's wrong with what you already have?
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Just a tip, 2012 model year is when Mazda introduced Skyactiv Technology, which makes their cars vastly more superior in terms of efficiency. Most 2012 Mazda 3's will have it, but not all. If you decide to go for it, go for one with skyactiv technology. They also revamped the body style in 2014, but the upgrades are mainly in appearance and a Ipad type thing, not performance upgrades. I'd recommend a 2012 or 2013 with skyactiv
I was aware that the skyactiv came in for the 2012's, but I was unaware that not all the 3's have it. Do you know if all 2013's have skyactiv?
Not sure about 2013s, all 2014s have it, some 2012s don't, there is an emblem on back that will say skyactiv if it has it, the engine also will be part blue and say skyactiv
Also, no 2011s have it
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The 3 you are looking at is what I would consider to be a good buy. The 2012+ with the skyactiv powertrains are sneakily reliable. Post ford ownership, mazda's reliability as a whole has been fantastic. My wife's car is a 2013 CX5 and we have yet to experience a single issue with it and it has 50k miles. If that's the car you're leaning toward, look for a clean, well maintained example and you'll have something that will last a long time.
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A friend has a 2012 or 2013 with SkyActiv and loves it.
We've got a 2015 with SkyActiv and love it. It should last us a long, long while.
There is a slight engine difference with the 2014+ body style - the engine bay has space for a huge 4-2-1 exhaust manifold, so the engine's compression ratio can be bumped a bit and improves power/fuel efficiency a bit. Not worth much, but it's not exactly an identical motor between the 2012 SkyActiv and the 2014+ SkyActiv.
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I just bought a used 2015 Mazda 3 hatchback yesterday after driving my 2001 Ford Escape into the ground. I can't speak to my own reliability yet but I did a ton of research and am happy with my decision. I needed a car that would fit a dog crate in the trunk, baby seat in the back, and capable of installing a hitch for my bike rack. I'm not a car person and was looking for practicability and reliability. Seems to fit the bill!
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We currently own and really like our 2005 Matrix. The matrix used to be called the corolla matrix, but that was just in the first few years of production. They don't make it anymore, which is a shame. It still is great for our family of 4, including a rearfacing Radian Diono (narrow seat, but really big front to back when RF). 167K miles and we plan on taking it to 200K before considering a replacement. It's gotten some expected replacement parts- battery, clutch (it's manual transmission) and shocks/struts. That's it, and the parts that got replaced lasted longer than expected, actually.
My sister has a Mazda 3 and I really like it. We borrowed it for our family on a drive from the bay area to lake tahoe while visiting. I would consider one when we finally decide to replace the matrix. I think it was a little more room for cargo than our Matrix, plus a little more passenger space, as well. I also had thought about the reliability based on anecdotal info, but I think if you look at "real" studies with cost to own data, Mazdas are plenty reliable.
I wouldn't put much stock into someone that says "it's got 50K miles and we haven't had a problem!" I really think most cars should get to 100K miles with zero issues.
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We currently own and really like our 2005 Matrix. The matrix used to be called the corolla matrix, but that was just in the first few years of production. They don't make it anymore, which is a shame. It still is great for our family of 4, including a rearfacing Radian Diono (narrow seat, but really big front to back when RF). 167K miles and we plan on taking it to 200K before considering a replacement. It's gotten some expected replacement parts- battery, clutch (it's manual transmission) and shocks/struts. That's it, and the parts that got replaced lasted longer than expected, actually.
My sister has a Mazda 3 and I really like it. We borrowed it for our family on a drive from the bay area to lake tahoe while visiting. I would consider one when we finally decide to replace the matrix. I think it was a little more room for cargo than our Matrix, plus a little more passenger space, as well. I also had thought about the reliability based on anecdotal info, but I think if you look at "real" studies with cost to own data, Mazdas are plenty reliable.
I wouldn't put much stock into someone that says "it's got 50K miles and we haven't had a problem!" I really think most cars should get to 100K miles with zero issues.
For those that don't know, a Pontiac Vibe is a cheaper version of a Toyota Matrix, basically the same car, just cheaper because it doesn't have the Toyota name.
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What's wrong with what you already have?
was wondering the same thing.
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If you end up going for a Matrix, check the VIN and make sure the airbag has been fixed. It's less of a problem in Canada, but you still don't want a known-defective Takata bomb in your steering wheel.
FWIW, I have a '14 Mazda3 hatch (2.0L, 6MT) and it's great.
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I drive a 2010 Mazda 3 hatchback and I love it. I am just passed 80k miles after 7 years. I have had to get a set of new tires, and there is a sensor on the anti-lock brakes that I need to replace. That is all the work that it has needed. I have been told that I need to re-do the brakes before 100k.
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I have a 2012 speed3
it's the least practical hatchback of the bunch. fits and matrixes have better shaped, roomier cargo compartments with better features for hauling either stuff or passengers.
when i did my research in 2012 the (regular) mazda3 had worse fuel economy as well. I had a honda fit before this and liked it way better.
not pleased with the interior either; I'm not convinced it's any higher quality than my Fit was but it just seems tacky. IDK. this is an intangible.
don't get a Speed3 (I'm sure you know this), everything about them is way more expensive. tires are double. fuel mileage is way lower, plus it takes premium.
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What's wrong with what you already have?
was wondering the same thing.
I am a former Suzuki Aerio (predecessor to the SX4) owner. From my experience, the Mazda has better gas mileage, and is probably MUCH more reliable and well-built than the Suzuki. Plus, Suzuki no longer sells cars in the US (not sure about Canada), so at least here, parts are more expensive and harder to come by now. I can understand wanting to replace it, especially after 200,0000 km.
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What's wrong with what you already have?
was wondering the same thing.
I am a former Suzuki Aerio (predecessor to the SX4) owner. From my experience, the Mazda has better gas mileage, and is probably MUCH more reliable and well-built than the Suzuki. Plus, Suzuki no longer sells cars in the US (not sure about Canada), so at least here, parts are more expensive and harder to come by now. I can understand wanting to replace it, especially after 200,0000 km.
But the car's still reliable and not very old.
I guess if the OP puts it on Craigslist, they might meet some Mustachians looking to buy it. :)
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I have driven a 2006 Mazda 3 since 2008... (its about 11 years old now)
Routine maintenance is actually less than other vehicles of the same age.... e.g., oil changes less often, timing belts, etc. We have about 100k miles on it now. The following are typical routine or 'unusual' expenses that cost a bit:
1) The low profile "zoom zoom" factory tires wear out much more quickly than average. I am on my third set. (first set lasted only 35k I think, have maybe 8k on the current set...have put all seasons on after that).
2) Almost no brake work needed, other than very very occasional pad wear. I think this is the least brake work I have ever seen on a car, and we drive our cars for many years before letting them go.
3) Shocks / struts were done a few years ago -- normal age / maintenance cycle.
4) New battery needed last year -- it went 9 years on the factory battery.
5) Thermister needed replacement a few years ago (cheap, but annoying light came on)
6) Headlights now are starting the foggy look, more noticeable recently.
7) New windsheid about a year ago
8) The power windows don't all activate consistently from the drivers side. I have been putting this one off cause I don't know...
9) AC is still on factory original, no recharge or anything...
Other than that, oil changes, wipers and air filters. Oh, and the 2006 is very meh on fuel ecomony especially compared with the new models, but that is not your worry.
Hmmm, Had the spark plugs checked at routine times, but I don't think they have been replaced as yet, at least if they were, it was very cheap so I don't recall.