Mazda 3 hatchback thoughts/review?

[sometimewoodworker]

12 minutes ago, onekoolguy said:

I have a mazda 3 sedan. 2018 model. I've put about 24000km on it in the last year and it's a great vehicle!. Lots of power from the 2.0liter 165 HP engine. Handles like a sports car and gets upwards of 35 mpg. I got the top model to get the electronics such as blind spot monitor and back up camera etc and highly recommend those features.

There is nothing available in Thailand that comes close to the Mazda 3 in tech if you get the top model. Also the sedan has 55 litres more boot space than the hatch at 419 more information here Boot space

[bamboozled]

I have heard a few folks say the sedan has more boot space. But I don't think that takes into account the fact that with the hatchback feature you can fit a bigger item but maybe not overall more stuff. Is my thinking correct? I'll check out that link.

One of the reviews I had read about the Mazda 3 said it was a bit slow. I think it was a Top Gear report. Again, I don't have to have the fastest car on the road and in fact the Jazz is feeling pretty peppy around the city running with just me in it. But def the engine is straining a bit and revving quite high. A bit tin-canny on the ride, too. But it does have a lot of space. No doubt at all the Mazda 3 will feel better.

Yes, I have seen the CX3 and it is nice. The CX5 looks even nicer! Though I have just seen it in passing. But man, price is going up on me I think!

I am going to take my time, for sure. Hoping to look at a few cars today.

[fredob43]

13 hours ago, DaRoadrunner said:

There are independent specialists that repair turbos for less. Just needs new bearings. Make sure they install the proper Titanium bearings as ordinary ones won't do.

The UK isn't Thailand independent places are not on every corner. The Mazda has to be serviced and fixed at Mazda as you will at least get a 1 year guarantee, independent 3 months if your lucky. Whatever the turbo is only just one of the problems he's had, the lump is a total pile of crap. He has had to call out the RAC several times.

 

A few years ago I had a friend in Thailand with a new Mazda 3. The rear suspension had major problems after 3 months that had to also be replaced/sorted. Ok it was a freebee but a new car going up the creak after 3 months I don't think so. Doesn't make you overly confident in them does it.

[Lacessit]

A Mazda 3 has a 2 litre engine. The Jazz is 1.5 litres. Further down, the Yaris and Almera are 1.2 litres. As Peter Wherrett used to say, they wouldn't pull the skin off a rice pudding.

Don't buy anything used from an Asian owner unless it has continuous service books and the appearance matches the odometer reading. Winding back odometers is a national sport here. Many Asian owners skimp on maintenance, or use inferior lubricants to save money. As another poster has noted, flooding is also an issue. At minimum, have a compression check done.

The Mazda 3 in Australia is highly rated for build quality and durability. I guess the poster who is saying they are crap cars is a statistical outlier. Every brand has them.

[fredob43]

58 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

A Mazda 3 has a 2 litre engine. The Jazz is 1.5 litres. Further down, the Yaris and Almera are 1.2 litres. As Peter Wherrett used to say, they wouldn't pull the skin off a rice pudding.

Don't buy anything used from an Asian owner unless it has continuous service books and the appearance matches the odometer reading. Winding back odometers is a national sport here. Many Asian owners skimp on maintenance, or use inferior lubricants to save money. As another poster has noted, flooding is also an issue. At minimum, have a compression check done.

The Mazda 3 in Australia is highly rated for build quality and durability. I guess the poster who is saying they are crap cars is a statistical outlier. Every brand has them. 



I think the last part of your post is referring to my post. Think you should re read my post. I didn't say Mazda were a load of crap. Just my son in laws one has been. It's only 4 year old and it's been back to Mazda several times to have problems fixed. Out of guarantee now, now it seems the big items are going wrong. I have only had knowledge of two Mazda car's and both have had problems. As I said must tell you something.

[LawrenceN]

I bought a new car just about a year ago. We had narrowed it down to a Mazda 3 hatchback or an MG ZS. Test drove both. Mazda had the edge, as I had been saying for years that would be my next car.

 

The Mazda has a lot of pep. The 2-liter engine really makes it take off. I liked the instrumentation, though by the time you add the package with GPS and a bigger screen, you're pushing a million baht. I also really enjoyed the road feel.

 

We bought the MG and saved at least 200k baht. It's got a lot more cargo space and legroom in the back seat. Its 1.5 liter engine makes it less peppy, but we're pensioners in our 60s, so not a priority. Its acceleration meets our needs. With GPS and nice stereo, new price was ฿729,000. Worth a look?

[Lacessit]

18 minutes ago, fredob43 said:

I think the last part of your post is referring to my post. Think you should re read my post. I didn't say Mazda were a load of crap. Just my son in laws one has been. It's only 4 year old and it's been back to Mazda several times to have problems fixed. Out of guarantee now, now it seems the big items are going wrong. I have only had knowledge of two Mazda car's and both have had problems. As I said must tell you something.

Well, you did use the expression a total pile of crap. And referred to one here with major suspension problems.

It's funny that when I have a new or recent model used car ( multiple brands ) they seem to last a very long time. Back when I was driving company cars, when I turned them in after the mandatory 120,000 km, people were lining up to buy them, as they knew I was scrupulous about maintenance, and didn't thrash them. I met up with one of those that was still going strong with 380,000 km on the odometer.

I will admit I've bought a couple of lemons, but they were much older cars which were more restoration projects. I've learned the hard way one needs very deep pockets for that kind of activity. On the other hand, every new car I have bought going back almost 50 years has served me well. You look after a car, and it will look after you.

[Lacessit]

14 minutes ago, LawrenceN said:

I bought a new car just about a year ago. We had narrowed it down to a Mazda 3 hatchback or an MG ZS. Test drove both. Mazda had the edge, as I had been saying for years that would be my next car.

 

The Mazda has a lot of pep. The 2-liter engine really makes it take off. I liked the instrumentation, though by the time you add the package with GPS and a bigger screen, you're pushing a million baht. I also really enjoyed the road feel.

 

We bought the MG and saved at least 200k baht. It's got a lot more cargo space and legroom in the back seat. Its 1.5 liter engine makes it less peppy, but we're pensioners in our 60s, so not a priority. Its acceleration meets our needs. With GPS and nice stereo, new price was ฿729,000. Worth a look?

I wish you luck with the resale value of an MG here. Resale values are there for a reason.

[bamboozled]

I am afraid of the MG from what I have read: made in China. My feeling may be very unfair, it's true. I think they are very stylish, no doubt. I just got back from looking a some cars. Didn't drive any yet. I sat in the Mazda 3. It was a 1.6 for what it's worth. Yes, good looking and feels solid. It doesn't look like it would hold all that much in the back, even with the seats down. It may be fine for my needs as those are somewhat unknown but it might be a little frivolous. It is very sporty with less functionality. I sat in a much newer Jazz. They are lovely enough. Quite utilitarian with a lot of carrying space. The position felt more comfortable and normal from the one I am rented. Yes, a little bit tin-cannish. I sat in a couple CRVs. One was a 2013 2.4 4wd with 88,000km for 820k. The other was a 2014 2.0 2wd for 655k. I don't remember the km. They were quite lovely and spacious and beautiful interiors. Is it too much car for me? Hmmm. Certainly costly. Do I need 4wd and a 2.4 engine? I have to think.

Also sat in a 2015 HRV, 1.8 engine75,000km, 790k. Interesting car. Feels sort of like a batman car. Solid feeling. Spacious. A little frivolous maybe for me? I dunno. For the same money, I might opt for the CRV. Test driving might sort out some of these things.

 

That sums up my day today. Will check around to see how these prices compare to what I find online.

Edited June 5, 2019 by bamboozled

[Speedhump]

Sorry I can't help with the Mazda but 2 years ago I was choosing between the Mazda, the Jazz and the MG3. I chose the MG3 (Xross model). It felt far more solid than the others (listen to the doors and boot close), and I liked the drive. It took me a while during the test drive to understand the manual/auto gearshift setting (flicking the stick left to switch between them), but I like the manual option. No problems with it after 20000 kms. I don't have a sunflower yellow one (seems that 90 pct of the ones on the road are yellow ????). Worth a test drive maybe. 

[fredob43]

25 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

Well, you did use the expression a total pile of crap. And referred to one here with major suspension problems.

It's funny that when I have a new or recent model used car ( multiple brands ) they seem to last a very long time. Back when I was driving company cars, when I turned them in after the mandatory 120,000 km, people were lining up to buy them, as they knew I was scrupulous about maintenance, and didn't thrash them. I met up with one of those that was still going strong with 380,000 km on the odometer.

I will admit I've bought a couple of lemons, but they were much older cars which were more restoration projects. I've learned the hard way one needs very deep pockets for that kind of activity. On the other hand, every new car I have bought going back almost 50 years has served me well. You look after a car, and it will look after you.

With older/second hand cars you could expect some problems. But the one's I was referring to were obtained new. The one with suspension problems was only 3 months old for Buddha sake. Son in laws one has been back as stated several time with small problems mostly electrical. Now at 4 year old the turbo has gone belly up. That's only costing 2.5th UK £ to fix cheap at half the price. Just waiting for the next lot of problems to rear their heads.

 

I like you service my Toyota's even before they need it. The 3 new ones I have had have over the years have never been a problem, second one was 9 year old when I sold it. Never even had to change a light bulb. Battery yes but that's normal in Thailand. 

 

Saying that my lump is sitting in the short term car park in BKK airport only hope it's 2 year old battery is ok when I get back Tuesday night.   

[MatteoBassini]

I think you are mistaking the "bigger" Jazz for the Honda Civic hatchback.

[bamboozled]

29 minutes ago, MatteoBassini said:

I think you are mistaking the "bigger" Jazz for the Honda Civic hatchback.

It's possible. Or is it also possible some have smaller wheels on them making them appear much smaller? It's actually quite large inside. But as I mentioned, the one I have rented seems to have a really weird angle driver's seat to steering wheel to pedals. I sat in some other Jazz's today and I didn't think that was a problem. They seemed roomier around my feet, too. But it's a bit hard to say if that was an illusion or truth.

 

[Lacessit]

2 hours ago, fredob43 said:

With older/second hand cars you could expect some problems. But the one's I was referring to were obtained new. The one with suspension problems was only 3 months old for Buddha sake. Son in laws one has been back as stated several time with small problems mostly electrical. Now at 4 year old the turbo has gone belly up. That's only costing 2.5th UK £ to fix cheap at half the price. Just waiting for the next lot of problems to rear their heads.

 

I like you service my Toyota's even before they need it. The 3 new ones I have had have over the years have never been a problem, second one was 9 year old when I sold it. Never even had to change a light bulb. Battery yes but that's normal in Thailand. 

 

Saying that my lump is sitting in the short term car park in BKK airport only hope it's 2 year old battery is ok when I get back Tuesday night.   

I doubt I would ever buy a car with a turbo, they seem to be expensive to fix if they cark it. I don't need the extra power anyway.

So far and touch wood, I appear to be getting 4 years out of a battery here. Maybe I'm just lucky. My runs in the cars are usually long. I have a scooter for the short trips.

Possibly there's just bad luck with your Mazda's. They have a very good reputation in Oz. Manufacturers nowadays need to establish confidence in a brand, or they go under. That's a mountain the Chinese and indians are still climbing.

[DavisH]

18 hours ago, bamboozled said:

It's possible. Or is it also possible some have smaller wheels on them making them appear much smaller? It's actually quite large inside. But as I mentioned, the one I have rented seems to have a really weird angle driver's seat to steering wheel to pedals. I sat in some other Jazz's today and I didn't think that was a problem. They seemed roomier around my feet, too. But it's a bit hard to say if that was an illusion or truth.

 

What is your budget and what are your priorities ...interior space, ride height, economy, comfort, etc. Around 1-1.2M baht there is a lot to choose from. 

 

I ended up getting a diesel crv recently and really looked long and hard at car statistics. 

This website is very useful for making a decision.

https://www.autoinfo.co.th/datron/

 

I got the crv because I wanted a combination of ride height (for flooded roads, better than a low sedan), fuel economy (crv diesel gets as good or better than the wife's swift), and very good comfort (much better than a ppv). Decent power as well. Had I not wanted a higher car, I would have opted for the civic turbo (the new version has the honda sense safety package). Occasionally I get the drive the crv, but usually my wife takes it:)

[bamboozled]

Hi Davis, thanks for your input! I've fallen into the trap of the ever expanding budget so that's a good question. I had initially thought 12k USD was my budget. That was sort of a random figure which I'm not sure how I came up with. I did not want to spend a small fortune on a car. But then, of course, I started looking around and kept upscaling, debating this and that in my head, you only live once, blah blah. I have not owned a car in the many years I've been in Thailand. That makes it somewhat hard to know how I will use it in the future or what I want in a car. However, I do like the ability to carry somewhat large items on a whim which is why I had initially thought of a truck. I've tossed that idea but it led me to hatchbacks for the carrying capacity. I don't really want a big SUV...that being said, I did become enamored of the CRV (sitting in it in the lot). Not sure if that qualifies as an SUV or not. Is it worth the extra bucks, compared to a Jazz, for example? Probably any car I buy will be sitting unused a lot of the time as for a lot of the short buzzes around town we will use motorbikes. I'm not sure how to factor that into the equation. Stupid to invest a lot of money in something just sitting there a lot with little use? Or it doesn't matter because fewer km on the clock will maintain re-sale value?

I've never bought a car that cost over $4k USD so this big an expense is a new thing for me.

One yardstick I am using to convince myself to buy a more expensive car is safety, that it will be safer. We can make all kinds of excuses to spend money, can't we??

A lot of folks mention flooded roads but really, for me in Chiang Mai, how often is that a consideration? It's not huge. Of course, not having had a car in the past, I might find myself heading into the mountains more and more and encountering mud and floods and bad roads. Hard to say.

I am driving a rented Jazz for a few days. The interior space is nice, and with the seats down, quite large. It's quite low to the ground, however, and I can see getting the underside hung up on some bad roads here and there. It's a bit tin-canny and the drive is not particularly cushy. It's peppy enough. You wouldn't call it a luxurious ride by any standards. But other than going up to the CRV or and SUV, it seems to be the biggest space going. I like the HRV but is it worth the extra expense? It appears to have a smaller carrying capacity but the ride is much nicer, I'm sure (haven't test driven one).

I live on a small soi at the moment (rental house) and the small size of the Jazz makes it easier to go in and out and turn around (dead end soi).

I guess I could say that something like the Jazz is my normal comfort level in cars. A CRV or HRV or Mazda 3 would be a luxury for me. Do I want to go there or not? It might depend on what kind of financing I can get, or my wife can get. I would be sad to take all the cash out of my account in one fell swoop. I could do it but it would be painful. So, if financing with favorable interest was available, that might be helpful. But...do I want to take on debt? Is there such a thing as 0% financing here such as one finds in the US sometimes?

 

The thing least on my mind is fuel economy. It's just not on my radar and probably because I have always driven a motorbike here and so quite cheap. If I'm not driving the car often, putting lots of kms on it, perhaps it is less important. I confess ignorance on that issue. I suppose I should start paying attention to it.

 

So, as you see, I'm all over the place.

 

What is a ppv?

[Andrew Dwyer]

Hi Davis, thanks for your input! I've fallen into the trap of the ever expanding budget so that's a good question. I had initially thought 12k USD was my budget. That was sort of a random figure which I'm not sure how I came up with. I did not want to spend a small fortune on a car. But then, of course, I started looking around and kept upscaling, debating this and that in my head, you only live once, blah blah. I have not owned a car in the many years I've been in Thailand. That makes it somewhat hard to know how I will use it in the future or what I want in a car. However, I do like the ability to carry somewhat large items on a whim which is why I had initially thought of a truck. I've tossed that idea but it led me to hatchbacks for the carrying capacity. I don't really want a big SUV...that being said, I did become enamored of the CRV (sitting in it in the lot). Not sure if that qualifies as an SUV or not. Is it worth the extra bucks, compared to a Jazz, for example? Probably any car I buy will be sitting unused a lot of the time as for a lot of the short buzzes around town we will use motorbikes. I'm not sure how to factor that into the equation. Stupid to invest a lot of money in something just sitting there a lot with little use? Or it doesn't matter because fewer km on the clock will maintain re-sale value?

I've never bought a car that cost over $4k USD so this big an expense is a new thing for me.

One yardstick I am using to convince myself to buy a more expensive car is safety, that it will be safer. We can make all kinds of excuses to spend money, can't we??

A lot of folks mention flooded roads but really, for me in Chiang Mai, how often is that a consideration? It's not huge. Of course, not having had a car in the past, I might find myself heading into the mountains more and more and encountering mud and floods and bad roads. Hard to say.

I am driving a rented Jazz for a few days. The interior space is nice, and with the seats down, quite large. It's quite low to the ground, however, and I can see getting the underside hung up on some bad roads here and there. It's a bit tin-canny and the drive is not particularly cushy. It's peppy enough. You wouldn't call it a luxurious ride by any standards. But other than going up to the CRV or and SUV, it seems to be the biggest space going. I like the HRV but is it worth the extra expense? It appears to have a smaller carrying capacity but the ride is much nicer, I'm sure (haven't test driven one).

I live on a small soi at the moment (rental house) and the small size of the Jazz makes it easier to go in and out and turn around (dead end soi).

I guess I could say that something like the Jazz is my normal comfort level in cars. A CRV or HRV or Mazda 3 would be a luxury for me. Do I want to go there or not? It might depend on what kind of financing I can get, or my wife can get. I would be sad to take all the cash out of my account in one fell swoop. I could do it but it would be painful. So, if financing with favorable interest was available, that might be helpful. But...do I want to take on debt? Is there such a thing as 0% financing here such as one finds in the US sometimes?

 

The thing least on my mind is fuel economy. It's just not on my radar and probably because I have always driven a motorbike here and so quite cheap. If I'm not driving the car often, putting lots of kms on it, perhaps it is less important. I confess ignorance on that issue. I suppose I should start paying attention to it.

 

So, as you see, I'm all over the place.

 

What is a ppv?

Your 12k USD isn’t going to get you much here !

You can double that for a new Jazz.

 

I think you are narrowing it down well, you’ve seen the pro’s and con’s with a Jazz , probably time to try out one of the others you are interested in .

 

P.s. I agree with everything you said about the Jazz, it is a bit tin canny and tbh the shape is more suited to an aged Japanese gentleman but it is the most versatile in its class and for city, or soi, life it’s perfect.

[bamboozled]

1 hour ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

Your 12k USD isn’t going to get you much here !

You can double that for a new Jazz.

 

I think you are narrowing it down well, you’ve seen the pro’s and con’s with a Jazz , probably time to try out one of the others you are interested in .

 

P.s. I agree with everything you said about the Jazz, it is a bit tin canny and tbh the shape is more suited to an aged Japanese gentleman but it is the most versatile in its class and for city, or soi, life it’s perfect.

12k is not going to get me anything new, for sure. If I don't mind getting something a bit older, there are certainly plenty of decent cars to be had for that amount. Apart from what car i would want/need, the question is how much should I spend/do I want to spend? I COULD spend more. Does it make sense? I don't know but this forum and all your input is helping me get my head around it. Luckily, I am not in a rush so I will try and take my time and look around well. Matteo, I think, had mentioned renting all the cars I am interested in. That's a great idea but not sure if it's possible. Guess I should do some research. Maybe in Bangkok...where I'm not!

[DavisH]

4 hours ago, bamboozled said:

12k is not going to get me anything new, for sure. If I don't mind getting something a bit older, there are certainly plenty of decent cars to be had for that amount. Apart from what car i would want/need, the question is how much should I spend/do I want to spend? I COULD spend more. Does it make sense? I don't know but this forum and all your input is helping me get my head around it. Luckily, I am not in a rush so I will try and take my time and look around well. Matteo, I think, had mentioned renting all the cars I am interested in. That's a great idea but not sure if it's possible. Guess I should do some research. Maybe in Bangkok...where I'm not!

You can try www.one2car.com for second-hand cars or www.taladrod.com. You should be able to find something in your area. I'm quite wary about second-hand cars here unless you know the previous owner/s and know the history of the car. Toyota and Honda hold their value really well, so you won't find much of a bargain with them - they are better bought new, in my opinion. Perhaps a nissan x-trail may be worth a look, and to a lesser extent, a subaru xv (subaru don't have a lot of dealers and spares may cost more than Japanese cars). But if you dont drive much, they may be a bit of overkill. I have a swift, but I've been told the suzuki ciaz sedan is quite comfortable and quite large inside. It's more comfortable than the jazz. It's an eco car though, so may not be great going up steep inclines. 

[stevehhd]

Until 10 years ago I always rented then a new start in Hua Hin made it more effective cost wise to own. I had different needs due to work so a city car and a pick up are needed. Tried every pickup on the market except the Ranger.  Settled on 2 vigos as they were the only ones that did not drive like a pickup with a nice carpet so fine for clients.  Runarounds. Mazda 2/3 or the new one. Top range Jazz but you do look like you are off to do the shopping ! Ford Focus is nice but not for the money.  The old Nissan Sunny TOTR was very nice but I do not think they make them any more. . 

[bamboozled]

I do like the look of some of the Fords but worried about repairs because not so popular. I like the Subaru XV but worried about repairs on that, too. Also read it is slow. Some of the Jazz look pretty sporty. I don't mind the looks. It's just the tin can feel I don't like. I will try a City again just for kicks, to compare. But it doesn't have that large carrying space like the Jazz. I have indeed been looking on one2car.com and to a lesser degree taladrot.com. I look a lot on Facebook Marketplace as it is the quickest for looking.

Many people are more wary of secondhand cars in Thailand than say, in their home country. I'm not sure this is valid. Really, why do we think it would be any different? Perhaps it's just a control issue....since we aren't Thai and most of us can't speak Thai as a Thai would we feel out of our element wheeling and dealing to get a good secondhand car. Is it just fear? I could be wrong. I think there are probably good deals and bad deals and normal deals and some scammers just like in the US where I am from. I'm just less nimble navigating the field here.

How is the Swift, how many kms on it now? It's a cute car. It seems slightly small and I wasn't sure of the rep of Suzuki. Yes, the Ciaz looks nice, too. I will have a look at those!

I am right now in love with the Honda HRV. I keep seeing it around town and it really catches my eye every time. It seems the oldest secondhand models are 2015 so that must have been when they came out. The cheapest I have found is 600k. Most are 700k and up.

I've got some thinking and driving to do!

 

Thank you.

[bamboozled]

 HOnda BRV looks nice, too. And cheaper than the HRV or CRV.

[DavisH]

4 hours ago, bamboozled said:

 HOnda BRV looks nice, too. And cheaper than the HRV or CRV.

I think this is based on the jazz. It has the same engine + cvt. It just has some more clearance. 

[DavisH]

4 hours ago, bamboozled said:

I do like the look of some of the Fords but worried about repairs because not so popular. I like the Subaru XV but worried about repairs on that, too. Also read it is slow. Some of the Jazz look pretty sporty. I don't mind the looks. It's just the tin can feel I don't like. I will try a City again just for kicks, to compare. But it doesn't have that large carrying space like the Jazz. I have indeed been looking on one2car.com and to a lesser degree taladrot.com. I look a lot on Facebook Marketplace as it is the quickest for looking.

Many people are more wary of secondhand cars in Thailand than say, in their home country. I'm not sure this is valid. Really, why do we think it would be any different? Perhaps it's just a control issue....since we aren't Thai and most of us can't speak Thai as a Thai would we feel out of our element wheeling and dealing to get a good secondhand car. Is it just fear? I could be wrong. I think there are probably good deals and bad deals and normal deals and some scammers just like in the US where I am from. I'm just less nimble navigating the field here.

How is the Swift, how many kms on it now? It's a cute car. It seems slightly small and I wasn't sure of the rep of Suzuki. Yes, the Ciaz looks nice, too. I will have a look at those!

I am right now in love with the Honda HRV. I keep seeing it around town and it really catches my eye every time. It seems the oldest secondhand models are 2015 so that must have been when they came out. The cheapest I have found is 600k. Most are 700k and up.

I've got some thinking and driving to do!

 

Thank you.

I like the swift. We got it in 2013 and has 84K kms on it. The new one is quite a bit better - top spec has 6 airbags and 4 disc brakes. I think the reliability is fine - had a few small issues but not too much. I asked a Thai car reviewer I know, and he said the ciaz is the most comfortable among the ecocars at the moment. It's quite large inside much more so than the swift. I was also told the ciaz will get a minor update this year. The HRV is the most popular car in its segment at the moment. I considered this when I got the crv, but the salesman said the crv would be more comfortable. I don't know, as I didn't drive the hrv. This is a different price point than the ciaz, so it depends on how much you want to spend. 

A PPV is a pickup based vehicle such as the fortuner, pajero sport etc. If I lived in the sticks I would consider one as they are quite rugged. 

[bamboozled]

I will check out the Ciaz. On a stupid note, the stylized writing of the logo "Ciaz" on the car bothers me!

[bamboozled]

How do you feel about the carrying capacity of the Swift? 1.6 engine, does it move pretty well? Does it feel like a tin can like the Jazz? Not that I can't live with the tin can feel, hell, I'm rather used to that as I've always had cheaper cars.....though I think they use heavier sheet metal in the US.

My feeling is for a hatchback thus the Ciaz might not do. That being said, I'm trying to be open about everything. Pick-up option is gone, however. Just not the right vehicle for me right now. The big PPVs, that's bigger than I want. The CRV seems a step down from those, size-wise, wouldn't you say?

I didn't realize the BRV had much to do with the Jazz. It looks more like a slightly smaller CRV. MOre rugged than Jazz.

I like the Mazda cx5, too! Getting up there in price again and there aren't many used models out there.

 

[DavisH]

3 hours ago, bamboozled said:

How do you feel about the carrying capacity of the Swift? 1.6 engine, does it move pretty well? Does it feel like a tin can like the Jazz? Not that I can't live with the tin can feel, hell, I'm rather used to that as I've always had cheaper cars.....though I think they use heavier sheet metal in the US.

My feeling is for a hatchback thus the Ciaz might not do. That being said, I'm trying to be open about everything. Pick-up option is gone, however. Just not the right vehicle for me right now. The big PPVs, that's bigger than I want. The CRV seems a step down from those, size-wise, wouldn't you say?

I didn't realize the BRV had much to do with the Jazz. It looks more like a slightly smaller CRV. MOre rugged than Jazz.

I like the Mazda cx5, too! Getting up there in price again and there aren't many used models out there.

 

The later swifts are 1.2L eco cars with a cvt transmission. I find it good around town, though it doesnt like to be revved hard due to the cvt. The new swift is 1.2 with less power but its not even 900kg. Thus the acceleration is better. I've never driven the new one though. Yes it's a bit tinny, but you don't get much for this kind of money. Heavier cars ride better - my old 2004 civic was more comfortable than the swift. I just use it for around town driving. We also use the crv around town but its really good on long drives. You could probably find a late model crv/x-trail/cx-5. These will be a lot more comfortable than the ecocars. 

[bamboozled]

It's too bad the Yaris is 1.2. I quite like the styling. I haven't sat in one or seen the interior space but it looks quite large and user friendly from the outside.

[ericg1953]

I bought my Mazda 3 when it first came out here...July 2014. I’m still driving it at 40km and haven’t had any issues and it’s works perfect for me and lines are still modern. I’ve seen the new 3 hatch that’s due out soon and didn’t care for the new bulbous rear end. 

[bamboozled]

Hi Eric, thanks for responding. Do you have the 1.6 or the 2.0 version? I don't have a good grasp of how the lines have changed and I most likely will not buy a new car as I don't want to worry so much about keeping it pristine. So the new bulbous rear probably won't affect me. One thing that worries me about the 3 is the hatchback opening. While the back cargo space of the car doesn't seem so small, the opening seems somewhat smaller than the actual space inside, limiting the size of what can be fit in. Has this been an issue for you? What is drawing me to the Honda HRV, if you know it, is the big cargo space and easy access (and from that the Mazda CX3 and CX5 and the Honda CRV). But the HRV is much more expensive, even used.

Good to know the 3 has held up mechanically. Do you have any other high or low points you could add about it? How is the air con, handling, fuel economy, speed?

 

Thank you.