Mazda 3's Leak oil
Mines a lemon. It has an oil leak that the dealer can't fix. They've tried to repair it three times already. I've owned the car for less than three months. It's been in the shop 20% of the time. Stay away from this car and if you have one check it for oil leaks.
Japanese BMW
Fun, extremely tossable hatchback. And you would not believe how much cargo this vehicle can hold with the seats folded down. It's my wife's car, but I feel lucky when she's out of town and I can drive it a bit.
- s Sport 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $3,2006 mi away
- iMSRP: $7,37989 mi away
- i Sport SedanMSRP: $3,500146 mi away
Great fun, great value!
Overall, a great balance between fun driving and economy. MPG seems closely tied to temperature - I got as low as 25 mpg last winter w/ mostly city driving, but had it up as high as 35 mpg in the summer, even w/ AC on. The steering is a little looser than I'd like, but handling is sharp, otherwise. Road/engine noise actually aren't bad - it's a *sporty* car, folks. Back seat is apparently comfy enough for my friends to fall asleep in it on a 3-hour trip. Interior was a little squeaky for the first several months, but that seems to have gone away. Better in the snow than I expected w/ this kind of HP. Engine is way forward of front axle - I suspect to deal w/ torque steering.
It is almost perfect BUT....
I love this car, but would strongly recommend you get the manual transmission if you are after max fun. The automatic shift function is a joke. Off of the highway the 2.0L engine is almost just as fun and much better on gas, plus you can avoid those terrible 17" tires. 33K so far and nothing except basic maintainace and having to buy snow tires on steel rims and new street tires on the 17" rims.
Great Car
With the kids all grown, I no longer needed a midsized car for 95% of I need a car for. The 3 seems just the right size and is a lot of fun to drive. I like the go-cart feel, and I really like the steering and suspension feel and sound on this car.