2006 mazda 3 1.6 - any opinions as first car for missus?

[philv]

Hi

Anyone have any thoughts / experience or thoughts about the mazda 3 ?

Thanks

[FoundOnRoadside]

It's a Focus, only more expensive.

[Gixer]

....and put together better.

My 2004 Mazda 3 4 door 2L petrol has 293,000 reliable miles on the clock.

[KrazyIvan]

My current Company Car is a 2011 Mazda 3 1.6d. In 45K miles the only thing to have gone wrong is an electric window switch, I am currently averaging 61.4mpg. The ride can be a little hard but it handles better then the focus I used to use. Its well put together and the cabin is a nicer place to be then most of the Ford/VW/Vauxhall equivalent, interior room is pretty good for all passengers and the boot space is good as well, though the boot "lip" can be a bit annoying when getting things in/out of it. Its not going to set the world on fire but as a 2nd hand purchase your not going to go far wrong.

[hornetrider]

It's a Focus, only more exclusive and reliable.

[telecat]

My Wife has a 2006 Mazda3 1600cc TS2 Model. 6 cd player, Climate etc etc. Very well equipped especially against the equivalent Focus or Astra. Handles Very well but the steering is a bit lighter that the Focus it is based on. VERY Spacious even five up you don't feel that cramped. Very reliable. We've had ours since 2006 and 12,000 miles and it's never failed up to today and 70,000 miles. Battery is an oddball size and that did go but even then the car started. Down sides are that it is noisier than the Focus and the wife thinks the interior isn't as nice as some newer cars. She thinks it feels "flimsy". Nothing has fallen off though so it is just perceptions. Overall it is a very good car but I gather the rear suspension needs to be checked on some but that is common with the Focus. We also had the Alloys replaced under warranty as the ones that they came with were deemed "substandard" by Mazda.

[runboy]

We have a 2008 1.6 Auto Takura (I think, or is that Tamura - anyway some run-out special edition which had a lot of kit). Not quick in auto form and fuel consumption can be a killer at 70mph but comfy, well built, nothing gone wrong etc. Does what it says on the tin, looks a bit different, comfy, climate, 6 cd changer, elec windows all round/elec mirrors. Standard stuff on a Jap car.

Shame Mazda never did the 2.0 petrol engine in Sport spec with an auto as that would be my car now. The MPS is a mad little car - 2.3l.

Bottom line is that this is my first Mazda and I would have another one. Maybe a Mazda 6 next time round.

Any specific question, just shout. There is a UK Mazda 3 fourm around too, plenty of info on there.

[TaRD]

My wife drives our Mazda 3 TS and loves it, really relaible after 90,000 miles and can be quite fun to drive.

[philv]

Thanks for the feedback

Fuel consumption a killer at 70 for the 1.6 auto?
What is killer? What mg?

I assume the seat is adjustable for height?
And the steering wheel adjustable for height and reach?

Thanks

[runboy]

Well on a 10mile dual carriageway trip I can watch the fuel needle move, but then that's probably due to my right foot and the feeling that I have to keep up with the outside lane brigade. 10 mile trip through a city and the fuel gauge doesn't move. It's a 4 speed auto so at 70 mph it's rpm is around 3800, it aint no 8 speed diesel running at 10rpm ;-)

[Buggerlugz]

get her a mps model

[telecat]

The "Computer" on my wife's reckons she gets about 34MPG on a run from cold. Journey consists of a run down theu village to th A64 then a run from there to the A1 Off at the next junction then a run on B roads to work so isn't bad. Going on M-Ways and fast A roads gets it over 40 easily. Wheel adjusts for rake and reach.

[Gixer]

I average around 33 in my TS2