Just test-drove a Mazda 3s hatch MTX. I *like* it...pulls hard, handles well, basically like a smaller, sportier Six but with better throttle response. Basically, just what I'd like from a new car right now. The saleswoman must have been fairly new because she INSISTED on giving me the full open-all-doors walkaround, even though I told her I was a car nut and that we had a Six. And she looked disappointed when I said I wasn't making any decisions yet. She also told me that other than a $500 loyalty bonus for being a return customer, they weren't willing to deal at ALL on the car. Nice one, lady.

I wish there was a Mazda dealership in my town. I'd like to try out a Mazda3, they look like pretty nifty cars.

I think they are turning out to be pretty popular cars. The closest Mazda dealership, according to Mazda's online thing, has 1 five speed hatchback in stock. But surprised that they aren't willing to deal, since 05's have gotta be just around the corner.

Me too - I like the 3's a lot - but I got a killer deal on my Mazdaspeed Protege -

I would LOVE to get a MS3 - if they ever come out with one

My Dad purchased a Mazda3 s 4-door mtx and is now anxiously awaiting its arrival...so much so that he has been checking the ship arrivals at the port of Seattle to see if any have come in from Japan! It is a nice car...he's upgrading from an old 626, so I guess you could say he's become a loyal Mazda guy!

Lance is drooling to drive the car.

=) Christy

i was looking at the ass end of one today and wondered what an SVT ass would look like molded to it...can someone knock up a chop (mikey????)

The first time I see someone put a big a** shoping cart handle on one I'm gonna run em' off the road.

I do think the sedans need the factory wing back there to finish off the profile. The trunk is too stubby by itself, IMO. With the factory wing, it really adds to the resemblance to the RX-8.

They have two types of spoilers for the sedan -- a little lip and a a slightly raised wing. The hatchback is my favorite look because of that stubby rear on the sedan.

Christy, I've heard that the paint on the Mazda3 is very soft and likes to get rock chips. Maybe your dad should look in to some of that 3M paint protection film stuff to avoid rock chips. Allow him to drive it without being so anxious about dinging up the front end. And tell the dealer not to wax it and swirl it up, let Lance do that in exchange for a drive

After being out for only a year, they have a ton of body kits. Couple CAI kits, cat back systems, Eibach springs.. Seems like some aftermarket companies see some future for the car

i still would like to see an SVT rear bumper molded to one, i think it would go good with the lines...

Originally posted by Horse:

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That is the color my Dad is getting. We all love it. My mom on the other hand isn't as swayed by it. He has waited a long time to get a new car...he is upgrading from a 1985 626! He loved that car, he even put a Japanese 30K engine in it when the original wore out. He loves working on cars and found that one to be easy to work with. He also has a long commute and didn't want to put a lot of miles on a new car. However, the old 626 is having problems pop up often now and he didn't really trust it anymore.

Perry, I'll let my Dad know about the soft paint. I'm sure Lance could be swayed to bring all his car goodies over and let my Dad go to town. Who knows, Alexa and I may not see them again for awhile once they are done!

=) Christy