At some point today, I am no longer going to be a Mini owner. Instead I will take possession of a 2009 Mazda3s Grand Touring.

I needed a cheaper, less stressful to own car and this was the best option for me.

 

good luck...

 

Good luck! It was a pleasure having you with us. I have a 2008 Mazda3. Good car. A little loose in the corners, but other than that, it's a nice ride.

 

I just came *from* a late 2007 hatchback version of the same car. I'm still on my honeymoon with my MINI but as I truthfully told the lucky young couple who bought my car - it was a completely competent, flawless car for me. Everything just worked and it had options and features galore. (I never could tell what the speed-sensitive radio thing was doing in the Mazda, either )

I'd still be driving it other than seeing a Clubman pass me one day and the "Holy smokes, Mini makes a wagon?" thing. That and the mid-life crisis.

 

MINIs should not be stressing out their owners. If it is, it's time to move on.

 

+1

 

Well, thanks all. As I have previously owned 2 Mazda Protege's and was quite pleased with them, I'm sure I'll be happy with the 3. It's got all the toys, too, which I love.

 

A traitor with 15,000 posts, you were very convincing! Good luck with your Mazda

 

Let us know how that works out.
But don't let go of NAM completely; hang around, chat, enjoy the banter. You never know when you might come back to the MINI side.
(I like the Mazda's too; sweet ride, dependable, good bang for the buck)

 

I know a lof of people with 3's and they all love them, so I'm sure you'll be happy, but with over 15,000 posts the NAM is going to loose a source of great expertise, so for selfish reason's like Mariner says stick around the forum!

ps Not interested in the Speed3?

 

My MINI stresses me. But I still love it.

 

Wow and you didn't even go for the MazdaSpeed 3? Now that could almost be tempting.........hmmm.....maybe

 

At the annual MAMA fall foliage tour through rural NH, there's always the Mazda3 hatch labeled "Mini Support vehicle" and other quippy titles which I can't remember. I've always felt that although it isn't a MINI, it's about the closest car to fitting in.

 

I appreciate all your support. My appearances here have diminished greatly in recent months, anyway, but I don't think I'll totally abandon you. Actually,I was considering a Mazdaspeed3 when originally considering the Mini. It would put me in the same boat, stresswise.

 

My wife loves her '07 3s Grand Touring... being that I drive it close to half the time it is a GREAT car (overall but its not my MINI!)

 

I had an '05 Mazda 3 as a rental car once. It was the second most fun car I've driven.

 

Good thing you're not getting a 2010! have you seen that front end! Only a face a mother could love

 

Do you not like the big, goofy, toothless grin look?

 

 

not a mini owner yet, but curious to know what makes owning a MINI stressful?

 

^^^

 

Zoom, Zoom, El. It's all good.

 

Best of luck with your new 2009 Mazda3 Grand Touring

 

As some one on the verge of buying a MINI you have me wondering about what aspect other than initial purchase price is going to be expensive and what is going to stress me out about this car?.
I was also thinking Mazda 3 as a replacement for the driving experience of my recently sold Miata as every one tells me what a fun car the Mazda 3 is to drive but i never got passed a few questions in their forum http://www.mazda3forums.com/
to realize my passion just couldnt get worked up over a Mazda 3.

 

Yeah, Lynn, you were always much too rational to be a true MINIac.

That Mazda is a good car. Good luck with it and everthing else.

I'm sure you'll stick around here for the Off Topic stuff !