Mazda 3 Sportback for 10k?

[dawsonnn3]

Hello. I'm looking for a new car in the next month or two and the Mazda 3 sportback has really caught my eye and fits all of my (and my wifes) requirements - 4/5 doors, <30k miles, newish model (anything > 2013), not too large or small (wife wants a saloon car or a small SUV), great sporty looks and colour, really nice interior with some toys to play with and fits under our 10k budget.

What are you thoughts on it?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Is a good car for the price? and are they reliable? We need something reliable as we plan to have this car for a long time so want to make a sound investment. Happy to take on any suggestions if there are any better alternatives out there.

There is also the 2014 model of the car for £1000 less and also has less miles but we prefer the white colour however if there is no difference between 2014 and 2015 model then perhaps its better to save the £1000?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...


Thank you for your time.

Edited by dawsonnn3 on Sunday 6th January 16:33

[BenjiS]

We’ve owned the 2l 120bhp Sport Nav hatchback version from new in 2014. It’s been a great family/town car. No faults at all in that time, although it’s only done 8000 miles.

It can be a bit crashy over bumps and a tad noisy on the motorway, but no worse than anything else of that segment and cost. Surprisingly fuel efficient for a 2l petrol and drives very nicely, pulling well, and whilst it’s no super car it’s plenty quick enough for its usage.

Ours is also white, Sport Nav trim which has everything, although no DAB radio and the sat Nav is starting to feel a little dated. We also opted for the very rare cream and black leather interior that turned out to be really nice and very high quality leather, so get the leather if you can.

Frankly I bought it because it made a nice change from all the Golfs and Focuses you usually see, and it’s been a great buy. I’ve no idea what it’s worth, but we’ve no plans to change it any time soon.

[ZX10R NIN]

the white one is nice I'd actually look for the Sport Nav but you have to spend a bit more also one with the Bose upgrade is worth seeking out.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[dawsonnn3]

Thanks for the replies! What is the difference in the sport nav version? Is it just faster? (Forgive me as I'm not a very car technical person...yet)

Edited by dawsonnn3 on Sunday 6th January 17:46

[BenjiS]

Sport Nav is a trim level. If I remember rightly there are a few engines, a 2l diesel, a 1.5l petrol, and a 2l petrol in 120 and 160bhp versions. Then there’s the trims, some are available on all engines and some, like Sport Nav are only available on the 2l ones.

I think Sport Nav got BOSE stereo, basic head up display, HID lights and bigger wheels than SE-L. Anything suffixed with ‘Nav’ obviously got the sat nav too. Certainly when we bought, the only options we could add to the Sport Nav were the cream leather, and a safety pack which added on lane keeping and emergency braking.