[jamesm113]

My SO is getting pretty serious about buying a new to her car. She's narrowed down a few 2012 and 2014 Mazda3 hatchbacks with under 50k in the ~10k price range. Since it's a commuter car, she wants the 2.0L engine.

We've never owned a Mazda before - we've both owned Toyotas in the past, and I currently own a Outback and she owns a Nissan.

Any insight on common issues/things to look out for/etc?

 

[RalphVa]

Look in this forum for issues. None so far on our 2016 bought September of 2016. Drives like an old Bimmer 3, better than the new Bimmer 3s.

By comparison, Toyotas are appliance vehicles. Good appliances but unexciting. Yeah, we've driven Toytotas worldwide, even passing triple road trains on 2 lane roads with a Toyota Hemi head engine in a Corolla. Still unexciting.

Ralph

 

[M3Nitro]

Welcome to the forum
Good luck finding your new vehicle addition to your family a Mazda :smile2:

 

[Matt22]

I had rented a new 2015 Camry before buying my 2015 mazda 3 and i am so glad.
The newer three is a fun car but, you should have her test drive the 2.5 liter before pulling the trigger.

 

[LeeMazda3]

Was choosing between a 2013 and a 2014 Mazda3: the 2013 was a top-line trim variant and the 2014 was a mid-line trim, comparable prices. Test drove both and the 2014 was the winner.

 

[jamesm113]

Thanks for the tips everyone.

So no major flaws or mechanical issues to worry about? For example, if someone asked me they were looking at Subaru's, I'd be screaming head gaskets.

I'm quite handy with the wrench, so as long as there's no major flaws or issues, it should be alright.

She currently has a 1.6L engine, doesn't drive fast, so the 2.0L is probably OK for her, but maybe we'll swing by the dealer to make sure the 2.5L isn't more desirable.

 

[Road Trip]

We are a happy Mazda 3 family. Started with our daughter who bought one two years ago, loved it so much, she wanted me to try it. And now we happily have our own.

 

[CerealKiller]

I've driven two Mazdas, a 2016 sport touring hatchback and a 2018 grand touring hatchback.

Both cars have performed exceptionally well for me with no mechanical failures or issues.

Be careful though, you may fall in love with the car and start down the road of modding and upgrading. It's fun, but it eats a hole in your wallet fast... plus you're never finished..once you start.
CK

 

[RalphVa]

Thanks for the tips everyone.

So no major flaws or mechanical issues to worry about? For example, if someone asked me they were looking at Subaru's, I'd be screaming head gaskets.

I'm quite handy with the wrench, so as long as there's no major flaws or issues, it should be alright.

She currently has a 1.6L engine, doesn't drive fast, so the 2.0L is probably OK for her, but maybe we'll swing by the dealer to make sure the 2.5L isn't more desirable.

I was quite happy with the 2.0. Just had to go with the 2.5 to get all the equipment we wanted. If she's on a 1.6 now, she'll like the 2.0 fine.

Ralph

 

[grendels_m3]

I'm used to power in my cars so the 2.5, after driving the 2.0, was a must have for me. Recently drove a new CX-5 that I assume had the 2.5 in automatic and that felt like it was good too.

 

[jamesm113]

She just bought one today. A 2014 Mazda3 sport with the 2.0L engine. She said it was peppy.

It was the base model, but it had 24k miles and was just over $11,000.

TODO:
Auto dimming mirror
Possibly upgrade the stereo to a nicer one and/or backup cam.

 

[Rdrokit]

Congratulations on pulling the trigger. Happy motoring from Thailand.

 

[CerealKiller]

Oh..one thing that pops up on the 2014 model year is uneven wearing in the brake pads.

The rears have a tendancy of wearing faster on some cars.

There is a TBS that's been around for years for it.
CK

 

[arathol]

Oh..one thing that pops up on the 2014 model year is uneven wearing in the brake pads.

The rears have a tendancy of wearing faster on some cars.

There is a TBS that's been around for years for it.
CK

That TSB originated in 2014 with the advent of the gen 3 cars. Its been updated over the years to include most of the newer models also. Still the same issue. Different causes have been pointed to though nobody has anything definitive yet on why it happens to some but not others.