Mazda 3 2.0 sport (04-09 model)
Discussion
Hi all,
Am considering a Mazda 3 2.0 sport to replace my trusty Focus MK1 3 door 1.8. The Mazda's are good value for money, look good (IMO) and the equipment specs look v good.
The focus has been driven hard for the best part of last 10 years and has been excellent for reliability and overall for my needs which is mainly stop start town driving and less than 5k.miles per yr. I now need 4 doors whether it's a hatch or saloon and am looking for the same/similar level of reliability ideally with a bit more poke than my 113 bhp focus which is not fast by any means but 'feels' quick and nippy.
I have two concerns holding me back on the Mazda... potential rust issues on this model..my focus is starting to rust so I really could do without it and the poor performance figures on paper.. for a hatch with 149 bhp...are they really that slow..the figures suggest it's slower than my 113 bhp focus?!
Finally open to other suggestions...I like the petrol 1 and 3 series beemers (E87 /E90 118i/120i/320i) but if a high ish miler beemers.is bad for my wallet and sanity then IL stick with Japs/Ford's. Not keen on the Vauxhall's or French cars..sorry no snobbery intended unless you can tell me which have tried and tested bulletproof petrol n/a engines.
Am considering a Mazda 3 2.0 sport to replace my trusty Focus MK1 3 door 1.8. The Mazda's are good value for money, look good (IMO) and the equipment specs look v good.
The focus has been driven hard for the best part of last 10 years and has been excellent for reliability and overall for my needs which is mainly stop start town driving and less than 5k.miles per yr. I now need 4 doors whether it's a hatch or saloon and am looking for the same/similar level of reliability ideally with a bit more poke than my 113 bhp focus which is not fast by any means but 'feels' quick and nippy.
I have two concerns holding me back on the Mazda... potential rust issues on this model..my focus is starting to rust so I really could do without it and the poor performance figures on paper.. for a hatch with 149 bhp...are they really that slow..the figures suggest it's slower than my 113 bhp focus?!
Finally open to other suggestions...I like the petrol 1 and 3 series beemers (E87 /E90 118i/120i/320i) but if a high ish miler beemers.is bad for my wallet and sanity then IL stick with Japs/Ford's. Not keen on the Vauxhall's or French cars..sorry no snobbery intended unless you can tell me which have tried and tested bulletproof petrol n/a engines.
- Sorry for long.post!
I had a 2008 2.0 Sport for about 18 months. a few years ago. The 2.0 models like to chew up engine and transmission mounts, the rear shock mounts break and mine had a steering shimmy I could never get rid of despite changing lots of suspension and steering parts.
You'd be better with a Mk2 Focus. My OH runs a 2008 1.6 Titanium we've had it since it was 5 months old and it has never been any trouble.
You'd be better with a Mk2 Focus. My OH runs a 2008 1.6 Titanium we've had it since it was 5 months old and it has never been any trouble.
As above the Mazda3 is based on the Focus as is the Volvo C30 & to be honest the Focus is the best out of the three so I'd recommend looking at those, if your Focus is only showing signs of rust now then you've done well, rust would only be an issue on the Mazda if you're not one to look after your cars bodywork by giving it a polish every now & then as well as taking the time to sort any stone chips (this applies to pretty much every newish cars these days as the paint is thin) & you'll be fine.
If you look for the 1.6T Focus's you'll get 150/180bhp models with a nice amount of torque too:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
180 Zetec S
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Not sure what your budget is but the facelift Mazda3 Sport, they're not slow but you have to work it harder than the Focus's above due to their extra torque.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
My pick of the bunch is the Alfa Giulietta in Veloce trim these are proving to be very reliable & the 1.4T engine is very robust & 170bhp will give you a decent amount of go as well as whoa with the Brembo's:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
I know you said you didn't like French but these Megane GT 180's are as reliable as any VAG (they come with a detuned RS lump) & they're well equipped too.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
If you look for the 1.6T Focus's you'll get 150/180bhp models with a nice amount of torque too:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
180 Zetec S
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Not sure what your budget is but the facelift Mazda3 Sport, they're not slow but you have to work it harder than the Focus's above due to their extra torque.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
My pick of the bunch is the Alfa Giulietta in Veloce trim these are proving to be very reliable & the 1.4T engine is very robust & 170bhp will give you a decent amount of go as well as whoa with the Brembo's:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
I know you said you didn't like French but these Megane GT 180's are as reliable as any VAG (they come with a detuned RS lump) & they're well equipped too.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Thanks for all the input guys.
So for the options mentioned...love the look of the Focus and the Giuletta but I have concerns about these modern small capacity engines with turbos/superchargers...they just don't seem as robust or to take abuse like older n/a engines..maybe I'm being unfair?
In an ideal world would love to get a 130i /330i but will always worry I'm one bill away from financial ruin due to electric or engine gremlins
I know my driving is all town and low miles but what do people think of Volvo diesels? Would dpf issue rear it's ugly head?
So for the options mentioned...love the look of the Focus and the Giuletta but I have concerns about these modern small capacity engines with turbos/superchargers...they just don't seem as robust or to take abuse like older n/a engines..maybe I'm being unfair?
In an ideal world would love to get a 130i /330i but will always worry I'm one bill away from financial ruin due to electric or engine gremlins
I know my driving is all town and low miles but what do people think of Volvo diesels? Would dpf issue rear it's ugly head?
Edited by VR99 on Tuesday 26th March 09:17
In regards to modern Turbos I'd say you had a point if you were talking about 1.0/1.2cc engines producing 150-180bhp but the 1.6T in the Focus is the same one used in the ST Fiesta & that has proven itself very reliable same with the Giulietta the 1.4T has proven itself very reliable the main thing on these cars is to change the oil regularly.
When you test drive one you'll find they're more than capable, with regards to the diesel option with your usage I'd say you don't need a diesel as it'll mean you'll end up with a blocked EGR or even worse a blocked DPF.
When you test drive one you'll find they're more than capable, with regards to the diesel option with your usage I'd say you don't need a diesel as it'll mean you'll end up with a blocked EGR or even worse a blocked DPF.
VR99 said:
Thanks for all the input guys.
So for the options mentioned...love the look of the Focus and the Giuletta but I have concerns about these modern small capacity engines with turbos/superchargers...they just don't seem as robust or to take abuse like older n/a engines..maybe I'm being unfair?
In an ideal world would love to get a 130i /330i but will always worry I'm one bill away from financial ruin due to electric or engine gremlins
I know my driving is all town and low miles but what do people think of Volvo diesels? Would dpf issue rear it's ugly head?
May or may not be representative, but we've got a 2010 Giulietta with the 1.4 litre 170bhp engine. It's currently at just under 110,000 miles and no sign of any problems thus far. Most important thing is to service them every 9000 miles and to use the correct Selenia oil, it's not the cheapest but it works out far cheaper than replacing turbochargers or Multiair units.So for the options mentioned...love the look of the Focus and the Giuletta but I have concerns about these modern small capacity engines with turbos/superchargers...they just don't seem as robust or to take abuse like older n/a engines..maybe I'm being unfair?
In an ideal world would love to get a 130i /330i but will always worry I'm one bill away from financial ruin due to electric or engine gremlins
I know my driving is all town and low miles but what do people think of Volvo diesels? Would dpf issue rear it's ugly head?
Edited by VR99 on Tuesday 26th March 09:17
Sounds promising...what's the general.lifespan of the turbos?
I've seen a lot of positive comments about the Giuletta along the lines of it being a significant step-up in reliability by Alfa.. given.their past models etc
How's servicing.costs for the Giuletta and was there.some issues with.early versions?
I've seen a lot of positive comments about the Giuletta along the lines of it being a significant step-up in reliability by Alfa.. given.their past models etc
How's servicing.costs for the Giuletta and was there.some issues with.early versions?
As with many 'what car's threads about to throw a random option into the mix...Honda Accord 2.4 VTEC..referring to the older shape around '04/'05 ish. Bangernomics pricing, semi-sleeper looks in an unassuming saloon shape and decently quick compared, at least compared to my focus. Not many around in manual guise but what's people thoughts? I don't.mind higher miles when it's a solid Jap car which can take a thrashing etc my thinking is can get one for less than £3k and another £1k stays in the bank for any unexpected bills/age related wear n tear.thoughts?
I've had 4 Mazda 3 Sport.
Watch out for ABS module failure (very common on early cars) and rust - underneath and around the arches.
Post facelift cars (56 plate onwards) are better in both regards.
I never had a single problem with any of them. They are great cars IMO.
As with any car that is getting on a bit - buy on condition.
If you can find a good one though, not much goes wrong.
As stated, many parts are shared with the Focus and the engine is a chain driven Duratec.
My uncle owns a 56 plate ( bought new ) and has taken the car to over 100k miles without anything breaking or going wrong and not a single MOT advisory !
Watch out for ABS module failure (very common on early cars) and rust - underneath and around the arches.
Post facelift cars (56 plate onwards) are better in both regards.
I never had a single problem with any of them. They are great cars IMO.
As with any car that is getting on a bit - buy on condition.
If you can find a good one though, not much goes wrong.
As stated, many parts are shared with the Focus and the engine is a chain driven Duratec.
My uncle owns a 56 plate ( bought new ) and has taken the car to over 100k miles without anything breaking or going wrong and not a single MOT advisory !
Edited by Red 4 on Wednesday 27th March 15:03
Rust Rust and rust regarding Mazdas of that age
I have had a few mazdas around and before that period and they all rusted
I had a 06 Mazda6 with that 150bhp petrol engine, never felt "quick" but was a nice drive, the 6 speed box made cruising easier but like most cars with that amount of bhp was a bit of a stretch for the engine
It felt a cheap but solid and reliable car, I think it did the first 80-100k miles with no expenditure at all, bar oil, pads and tyres. Then I had a few suspension parts need doing, which were quite pricey. The whole ethos of the car felt like it was designed to do 100k with no fuss and then be a bit disposable
Id buy one but only if I could get it cheap and it had no signs of rust
I had a 06 Seat Leon, I really liked that, felt much more solid but slower and I miss that car. Id have a Leon over a Mazda anyday
I have had a few mazdas around and before that period and they all rusted
I had a 06 Mazda6 with that 150bhp petrol engine, never felt "quick" but was a nice drive, the 6 speed box made cruising easier but like most cars with that amount of bhp was a bit of a stretch for the engine
It felt a cheap but solid and reliable car, I think it did the first 80-100k miles with no expenditure at all, bar oil, pads and tyres. Then I had a few suspension parts need doing, which were quite pricey. The whole ethos of the car felt like it was designed to do 100k with no fuss and then be a bit disposable
Id buy one but only if I could get it cheap and it had no signs of rust
I had a 06 Seat Leon, I really liked that, felt much more solid but slower and I miss that car. Id have a Leon over a Mazda anyday
Edited by TwistingMyMelon on Wednesday 27th March 16:10
I really like the Mazda 3's..I think they are great value and look half decent for the money.could probably get a fairly.clean one in 5-6k range but I'm struggling to look past the performance and the ved isn't exactly cheap for what it is either but I accept that on petrols it's generally higher.
Seat Leon - I will look into them..bit marmite in the looks department but seem to be fairly solid overall.
Seat Leon - I will look into them..bit marmite in the looks department but seem to be fairly solid overall.
Then go down the the Turbo Petrol route you get better performance due to the better mid range or enjoy the Mazda for what it is:
Here's a nice Sport Nav:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Here's a nice Sport Nav:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
You have made some great suggestions and hopefully won't drive you insane with my excessive worries about reliability but..on the 1.6T focus models you mentioned with 150/180bhp...if I was unlucky and the turbo went pop or major engine failure would there much chance of Ford actually sorting it out or would I likely be shafted? I know issues.were for the 1.0 Ecoboost but I really want to avoid risk of big bills later...couple of 100 and usual maintenance is fine but the engine rebuild nightmare haunts me!
Or maybe I need to live a little 
The focus has been great and handles well but maybe like the Auris no character..just does the job. I'm struggling to hone in to what I want..at minimum need 4/5 doors as my focus is 3 door and not ideal esp if/when little sprogs come along..not yet! petrol too as less than 6k per year and London stop start journeys doesn't need a diesel.
I'm looking at other posts on the forum.and it makes.it even harder..W211 E CLASS...E46/E90...old Japs like Subaru,Honda,Lexus..130i...paralysis by analysis and spoilt for choice...
The focus has been great and handles well but maybe like the Auris no character..just does the job. I'm struggling to hone in to what I want..at minimum need 4/5 doors as my focus is 3 door and not ideal esp if/when little sprogs come along..not yet! petrol too as less than 6k per year and London stop start journeys doesn't need a diesel.
I'm looking at other posts on the forum.and it makes.it even harder..W211 E CLASS...E46/E90...old Japs like Subaru,Honda,Lexus..130i...paralysis by analysis and spoilt for choice...
I hear what you are saying OP.
Difficult to combine reliability and performance/ character without adding the potential for the expensive bork factor.
Just by an Alfa and have it blessed by your local priest
Re; the Mazda 3 performance - they certainly aren't the quickest cars out there from a standing start but they are adequate for mid-range performance ( which is what you want ).
Difficult to combine reliability and performance/ character without adding the potential for the expensive bork factor.
Just by an Alfa and have it blessed by your local priest
Re; the Mazda 3 performance - they certainly aren't the quickest cars out there from a standing start but they are adequate for mid-range performance ( which is what you want ).
Edited by Red 4 on Thursday 28th March 11:56
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