I didn't plan on buying a Mazda 3. In fact, after much research along with countless hours searching used car websites, I almost bought a 2014 Honda Civic. It met my criteria for price, vehicle history and maintenance, but with higher mileage than I really wanted. I was almost about to set up an appointment to go see the thing when I noticed on one of the photos that one rim wasn't like the others, and the rear bumper cover was ripped out of its mounting. Exasperated, I kept on scrolling through the other cars.
That's when I noticed it, or at least stopped dismissing it. A Soul Red Mazda 3. I kept subconsciously avoiding it because I haven't heard much about Mazdas. But this particular unit checked all the boxes for what I needed and wanted. Low mileage, well maintained, and clean. I did some quick research, checked out some forums, and two days later, bought it.
This quickly proved to be one of my best decisions I made. This car is absolutely amazing. This is my ownership experience so far.
Back to topWhat can I say? The color is absolutely GORGEOUS! Soul Red metallic is an amazing color that has a real personality. In the sun the metallic flakes create a shimmering effect that really brings the color to life. At night or when the weather is cloudy the color takes an elegant hue that isn't dull. I've seen lots of maroon/red vehicles and it's hard to pull off what Mazda has done with the Soul Red color. The biggest drawback is the fact that the paint is very thin, so it's best to be careful when polishing or compounding.
The lines of the car give it a sporty yet classy appearance. It's not just your normal compact sedan, it's much more. creases on the sheet metal give it the impression of movement in stillness. The car just wants to go! In fact, after a year of ownership, seeing the car in a crowded parking lot still takes my breath away.
Back to topThe interior is a cockpit. No other words for it. While the controls do not wrap around the driver like an old school BMW, the controls are still within easy reach of the driver. The steering wheel is compact with basic audio/cruse control...controls. The gauge cluster is well illuminated and easy to see, although it lacks a temperature gauge, relying instead on an idiot light to indicate coolant temperature. The infotainment screen is small but still serviceable and the command wheel in the center console is pure magic. It takes a little bit to get used to it, afterwards it's second nature. The volume knob being in the same location also is a nice touch. The car overall is good for people of average (or below average in my case) height but if you're tall it may be a bit cramped.
Back to topThe car's driving impressions are, well, impressive. It's smooth without being spongy, it's zippy without being fast (emphasis on the "not fast" part) and the handling is crisp. Brakes are engaging and the pedal feel is sublime. I've experimented with putting 93 octane fuel in the tank and found that the ECU compensates by advancing the throttle timing, yielding better low end torque. The fun begins when you're at a stop and you mash down on the throttle. Once you hit the kickdown switch the car just roars to life. Read back a few sentences to the "not fast" part. The car isn't fast. You will not win any quarter mile races. The car doesn't try to do that. It just tries to make you smile. It's like a Miata with four doors.
Back to topThe modifications I've done are purely aesthetic and quality of life improvements. The nice thing about the 3rd generation of Mazda 3 is that there is a lot of "plug and play" attributes. I've installed foglights on the car because it's plug and play. The socket already exists behind the blanking plate on the bumper. Simply buy the light housing, the bezel, plug it in and you're done. The multifunction stalk does need replacing with one that has a switch for the foglight though. That also is plug and play. No extra wiring, not extra switches. Just a clean "OEM+" mod.
Another mod I've done is installing an Apple CarPlay unit in the infotainment unit. That is a simple swap out of a control box that also houses the USB ports. While it is all plug and play, there is a lot of labor that goes into this mod. I'll post a separate article on how that particular bucket of fun went.
Aside from that, I've upgraded my rims, tinted the windows and installed a leather steering wheel cover. In the case of the steering wheel, "installing" does not mean slapping a 4 dollar AutoZone unit. I actually sewed on a leather steering wheel cover. That was an interesting ordeal which I never thought I would ever do.
Back to topIn conclusion, I will say only one thing: DO NOT SLEEP ON THIS CAR. Okay, what I mean is, do not pass on this car if the opportunity presents itself. If you want to literally sleep on the car, it's a free country.
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