I am thinking about going to a Mazda 3, the 5 door hatchback model. I need a daily driver as my volvo is getting too old, my Powerstroke Diesel is too expensive for in town driving, and I can't see using the 8 like that.

I have never driven my 8 in the winter, and seldom in the rain even, so I'd have a hard time pulling it out to the garage if it was raining, therefore I would miss too much work

So I had been looking at the Scion XB but the more I look at the 3 the more I like it.

Anyone have both and can give me an opinion on the 3?

Oh, I might end up posting my 8 on the group here later on too.

 

No. If your circumstances dictates that a Mazda3 is a better choice, then so be it. There are plenty of worse cars than Mazda3.

 

I got my daughter a Mazda6 and am impressed by it every time I drive it. I got a '6 as a rental the last time I traveled to Atlanta and enjoyed it. An excellent, all weather, daily driver. I haven't driven a Mazda3 but would think that one a good choice as well.

 

"On any given weekend, there are more Mazdas on the road-race tracks of America than any other brand of vehicle." IMO - If what you need is a daily driver that is more utilitarian than the 8, I think the 3 (or Speed3 if you still need that kick once in a while) is a great choice.

 

You will like the Mazda3 a lot better than an XB. At least coming from an 8. Gota do what ya gota do. As delhi said, you could do a lot worse.

 

I figured it was a decent handling car, and it has some of the good looks of the 8 too. The 3 just looks fun to me and I might be able to get close to an even trade? Plus I think I may be able to use my chrome wheels on the 3, anyone know if they are the same size?

I am sort of car poor right now and need to get rid of one instead of paying insurance on 3. I have to keep my truck so that leaves only one other choice.

Sure would kill me to see a nice 8 on the road and think of how much I enjoyed mine.

 

give the VW GTI a shot too, it's a nice car.

 

I owned the mazda3 before I traded it for the 8. I had the 4-door with the 5-speed 2.3L

It was a great car. Handled pretty well and had respectable pep. Great looking interior/exterior for the price IMO

Mazda3 also has a great forum and some very dedicated people on there.
I had the AEM CAI which I liked.

Good luck

 

Sea Ray,

I have a 2006 Mazda 3 base model with the 2.0 engine, 4 door. I wish I would of gotten the 5 door with the 2.3 since it's sportier. But, the base model was cheaper and gets better gas mileage. The 3 is a good daily driver and a fun car on the curves. I would take the 3 over what toyota and honda has to offer for small economical cars.

Do you really need to sell the 8? I would keep the 8 if possible, you will definitely miss it once it's sold.