About the Mazda 3
Scott Allison purchased this Mazda 3 used for $20,000 (including all on-road costs) in 2023. Scott Allison would buy this car again because: “Why? I got a decent changeover price plus stylistically and dynamically the car is everything I want within my budget. I am sure there are better options but for me this was ideal. No hesitation to do it again.”
How reliable has your car been? Tell us about any issues.
Six weeks in no issues. I was a little peeved dealer hadn’t put chip/stick into sat-nav, nor filled the windscreen washer reservoir with water. First world problems I guess. Aside this it has been flawless. Time will tell in the long run.
What do you think of the ownership experience with your car?
I had initially signed to buy a new Mazda 3 Evolve sedan in deep crystal blue from my local Ipswich Mazda dealer in March 2023.
As stock was not available and no lead time available at this time it was play the wait and see game.
I was informed in May 2023 a new model with upgraded engine tech and of course an upgraded price was my only option. Given a tight budget I couldn’t afford the increase which was disappointing but that’s life and in no way do I feel any anger towards the dealership.
I saw a 2022 Mazda 3 Evolve sedan online for $33,970 which had 12,090km on the clock and was the colour I wanted and the tech/vision pack and Mazda floor mats.
Called on the Monday and made an appointment to see the vehicle on Wednesday afternoon. Was informed was an ex Mazda dealer principal car. The salesperson at dealership was a mixture of hardball/insincere compliments which rubbed me up the wrong way.
We had a $250.00 difference between changeover figures and I got up to walk out. Finance manager came over asked what the issue was said for $250 just get the deal done. I loathe these sort of games.
I collected the car three days later on the Saturday.The car had been washed but not detailed. A full tank of fuel was a nice touch to be honest. Cheaper for me
Are you happy with the price and features of your car?
Very. Compared to my old 2016 Lancer GSR it’s generations ahead with the safety tech like lane keeping assist and radar cruise to name two. A little odd has push button start but not keyless entry. Again first world problem.
What do you think of the performance and economy of your car?
It only has 2.0-litre motor tied to six-speed auto but zero problems keeping pace with city and highway traffic.
Fuel economy at present around 6.5-7.0 litres per 100km. Good that E10/91 RON fuel can be used not high octane variants only
What do you think of the technology in your car?
To be honest, the lane keep assist does drive me insane and is deactivated each time I drive.
The blind-spot warning and 360-view monitor are welcome along with the front cross-traffic alert. As stated having previously a Lancer GSR with only rear camera/parking sensors its like being a child in a candy store.
The Android Auto is wonderful with voice to text; the Bluetooth pairs seamlessly with my Galaxy S22 and the unbranded eight-speaker audio is terrific compared to what I was used to – but it’s no Bowers and Wilkins system.
What do you think of the ride comfort and handling of your car?
The ride comfort is excellent with both large and small bumps dealt with comparative ease.
Handling is excellent, with nice chassis balance and very direct steering which has tremendous feedback through the steering wheel which is perfect size wise.
My poor old Lancer wasn’t even in the same ballpark. The stability on the highway is excellent and the car feels glued to the road for want of a better cliche.
Do you have any additional comments about your car?
I appreciate in its class it’s probably not the last word in chassis dynamics or NVH but my 55 year-old man-child loves it and very happy with the way all things panned out