Anyone have any experience with...

[SexyStang1994]

Anyone have any experience with the Mazda 3i (sedan)?

Since I got my new job at Morgan Stanley, I'm going to need a daily driver. This way I can park my stang in the garage and begin modding her.

I think they look decent, get good gas mileage and are reasonably priced (about 15-18k brand new).

I was just wondering if they are turds or are a decent daily driver for me.

 

[donkey_punch]

i don't know about the mazda 3, but the svt focus looks like a fun daily driver.

 

[SexyStang1994]

i don't know about the mazda 3, but the svt focus looks like a fun daily driver.

Yeah I'm sure it is but I'm not looking for speed lol. I'm getting this car for fuel economy. I think the specs said it has 140 hp!!!!!!!!!!! LOOK OUT!! lol

 

[94GTLaserRC]

Since you are not in a BIG hurry, my suggestion is what I did...Grab an Auto Trader (I dont know your budge...I was looking for $3k or under). Also, go to car dealerships where they have lots of used cars. Just keep searching around. I was pretty lucky when I got the 97 Escort for $3k that looks fairly new and has 36k miles on it. I was looking too at Saturns at the time. I wanted a sedan or small SW to take the girls in and haul stuff. (also wanted Auto) You can be more choosy, since you can get a coupe.

Keep searching EVERY DAY...also look online.

GL.
RC

 

[SexyStang1994]

Since these cars are so cheap, I'm just going to buy it brand new or slightly used (<10k miles). I will definitely look on Autotrader and we have a huge new auto mall here in daytona (Daytona Auto Mall, over 6000 cars).

 

[1105]

Why dont you get a scion? What are they, $8000 brand new?

I'm with RC... Look through the autotrader until you can find a nice cheap car. No need in going out and buying a $10k+ car to use as a beater unless you want to keep it for a long time.

 

[urban96]

anyone else think the scions look like toasters with wheels?

 

[1105]

depends on which one you get... the XA (car i believe) doesnt look bad, but the XB (SUV thing?) looks like total ****. I always saw it as a shoebox on wheels

 

[urban96]

the Tc is the car i think... also comes supercharged

 

[stprorolla49]

mazda's are ****....cause one of em hit me....that bitch........

 

[SexyStang1994]

some people have been telling me to look at the toyota camry...... I'll have to compare the specs.

 

[94GTLaserRC]

some people have been telling me to look at the toyota camry...... I'll have to compare the specs.

Jess,
If you want new or "slightly used", go to a Carmax or Autonation. You get a warranty and everything. The problem with a used Toyota or Civic is that the resale value is HIGH...GOOD for the seller, bad for the buyer. The American cars...Saturn, Escort, GM's etc, have lousy resale values..GREAT for the buyer. When I got the Escort for $3k with 36k miles on it, a comparable civic (if there was a '97 with that low of miles) was running low to high $4's, depending on the condition.

If you REALLY want a car that most people could consider their "main" car, then you will be spending $5-$10k. If you want a "true" beater, dont spend more than $2k. If you want something to get around in that's just "clean" and economical, youre looking at $3-$5k.

Drop me an IM if you need more help.
RC

 

[95strokerPSU]

For a strictly daily driver I'd look for a Honda or Toyota from a private seller who has maintenance records and proof of regular oil changes. American cars might be cheaper, but a well kept Honda or Toyota will run forever.

As for me, the stang will be my daily driver throughout the summer and fall. Fortunately I got a job that's like 3 miles from my house. Then when the winter comes, I'll be garaging it and buying my parent's 98 Explorer. Hopefully in two years the company that I'm working for will open a new plant in South Carolina and I'll get moved down there so I won't have to deal with snow anymore.

Good luck with whatever you get.

 

[BlueOvalStangGT]

i don't know about the mazda 3, but the svt focus looks like a fun daily driver.

I would not recomend a SVT Focus, my freind has one and it has had so many small things break on it its getting ridiculous.

 

[94yellowsleeper]

mazda 3 is a great car from what i've heard. I would definetly go with a used one, unless you plan on keeping it forever or are paying cash, that way you don't take the initial depreciation hit.

 

[SexyStang1994]

mazda 3 is a great car from what i've heard. I would definetly go with a used one, unless you plan on keeping it forever or are paying cash, that way you don't take the initial depreciation hit.

Exactly.. I'll hit up autotrader and find one with ~10k miles or less and snag it.

 

[94GTLaserRC]

Exactly.. I'll hit up autotrader and find one with ~10k miles or less and snag it.

GL..That wont be an easy task. I will tell you from experience that if you are looking for a SPECIFIC car for a SPECIFIC price with SPECIFIC miles and features, you will probably be disappointed. Pick 2 or 3 cars that you would at least "consider", and go from there. You will get frustrated otherwise.

Keep in mind that the reason you want this car is for "transportation".
RC

 

[1994Vib.RedGT]

anyone else think the scions look like toasters with wheels?

me and my friend call them milk trucks

 

[donjohn]

This way I can park my stang in the garage and begin modding her.

i think it's kinda funny you calling the stang 'her', shouldn't it be 'him'? or would ur bf get jealous

to keep on topic... RC's plan seems good, and scions look like a square pile of crap, unless you don't get the boxy one