Now, I know there is nothing else out there like a Mini. There is no car that is a "substitute" for it. Nothing rides like it, looks like it (unless you consider that Chinese knock-off a real car), or has its unique characteristics. BUT, if you find you must part ways with your Mini, or need another car that you could actually enjoy driving after being fortunate enough to drive a Mini, the 2009 Mazda3 is certainly something to consider. I now have a little over 500 miles on mine and would like to share these thoughts. First off, I have the Mazda3 S Grand Touring version of the car. As such, I cannot really consider it an economy car, which I had initially set out to purchase. But, fully loaded at $23k ($10k less than my 2007 Mini was), this car is definitely a bargain. At that price, among it's features are: a 2.5L engine, xenon lights, rain-sensing wipers, moonroof, satellite radio, LED tail lights, ABS, DSC, traction control, 17" alloy wheels, F/R disc brakes, TPMS (okay, so all 2009's have that), auto climate control, Bose 7 speaker stereo w/ in-dash 6 CD changer, power seats, windows, locks, keyless entry, seat heaters. In fact, the only option I didn't get was the built-in navigation, which was bundles with the sat radio, which I didn't want anyway, but they threw in because it was already installed in the car that otherwise had everything I wanted, including the color (Metropolitan gray). I didn't particularly like the built-in nav because of it's view options, location and the fact that it wasn't touch screen. Instead, i got the Mazda portable nav, which is actually a Garmin 760T, with a Mazda opening screen. Anyway, on to the particulars: While my initial objective in replacing the Mini was to get a cheaper, less stressful, more practical, family vehicle, after looking at the Yaris, Versa, Fit, etc., I decided I still wanted something fun and less basic. Having owned 3 Proteges in the past, I looked into the Mazda. First, this thing is fun to drive, even after enjoying the Mini. It holds the road well, has a firm but not harsh ride, is quick and quiet. And it doesn't have the Mini's bone-jarring reaction to bumps in the road (which may be more due to the loss of run-flats than anything else). Nor does it have the torque-steer Mini is famed for (of course, it doesn't have the Turbo, either). Now, please don't slam me on that. But, the fact is, my Mini S had incredible torque steer. The Bose stereo blows away the Mini's upgraded stereo. Those of you familiar with my prior rants know what I thought of the Mini's stereo "upgrade" so that isn't any surprise. The rain-sensing wipers (which I thought worked excellently on the Mini) aren't quite as on-target as the Mini's, but have a sensitivity adjuster on the stalk and still work very well. The xenon lights aren't self-leveling or bi-xenon, but provide much better lighting than the Mini. The automatic climate control, which I also loved on my Mini, works great, on par with the Mini's. The only (minor) complaint I have there is, display-wise, one has the choice between viewing either the cabin temp setting or the outside ambient temp, but not both at the same time. The auto-dimming mirror works great and, happily, its built-in compass (which I'd rather not have) works in perfect sync with the navigation's travel direction info. The seating is comfortable and grippy. Good lumbar support adjustment and --- the shoulder harness doesn't strangle me! (God, I wish Mini would bring back the shoulder harness height adjuster). One of my biggest complaints about my Mini was the rattles, which everyone but the dealer could hear. This car doesn't have any. Sure, it's brand new, but so was my Mini when it rattled. Plus, having spent time dismantling pieces of the interior to hard wire my radar detector, I can see how well-assembled and dampened everything is. The most difficult decision for me in buying this car was whether to get the 6-speed manual transmission or the 5-speed auto. I LOVE manully shifting. BUT almost all of my driving is in traffic. Ultimately, I went for the automatic. It has a manual shift mode. But I almost never use it; it ain't like shifting a manual and I've never driven one that was). It shifts smoothly and at the right times. My ScanGauge confirms it makes good use of the engine's HP. I miss the keyless entry, auto door locking and push-button start of the Mini. I wasn't that impressed with the Mini's comfort access option when I had it (there were often huge delays in the locking & unlocking of the doors), but it was nice not to have to fumble with keys or the remote with hands otherwise loaded. The auto door lock thing is something that will just take a little time to get used to. I have to remember to lock the doors myself now. Bottom line, after living and loving the Mini, this car, at $10k cheaper, with essentially all the goodies, is a fun car to own and drive. I think that says a lot. Now, if I can only find a Mazda umbrella....

 

I am currently driving a 2007 Maxda 3 GT edition as well. Mine has all that yours has except the electric seats. It has manual seats but they are heated. All of the rest of the features are the same. I find that your assessment of the car is pretty close to my 07. I think the lights are pretty good on the Mazda. I have not seen the MINI yet because we have not taken delivery of the car yet. I find it funny that you are going to a Mazda and I'm trading in my Mazda (only 8000 miles on it) for a new MINI. Go figure.

My headlights have the manual adjustment on them. Does yours? I also have the Bose sytem. I like the Bose but I have to say that the sound system in my 05 GTO sounds better. Go figure.

The fuel economy on the Mazda is not that great and with the small fuel tank, (at least on the 07) it seems like I drive from gas station to gas station. Actually my wife drives it most of the time and she does not like the milage as compared to her Toyota Corolla that she used to own.

Anyway, have fun with your new Mazda. It is a lot of value for the money. Did you look at the new Mazda 6? The 2009 version is an awsome car but more money. Much like the S Cooper loaded.

Regards,

Pat

 

Yes, mine does have the manual light adjustments. Yeah, the mileage isn't that great, but then, I never have been a mileage-conscious driver. Doing almost all stop & go traffic driving so far, my average MPG is 18.5, which, the way I drive, isn't bad. My Mini would get about 24 MPG under the same conditions. But, I can't say I'm surprised by the mileage. I'm not sure how the 09 Bose system compares to the 07, but in the 09, it's WAY superior to the Mini's "upgraded" system, the paper cone speakers of which cannot handle the amp's modest power.

Yes, I did look at the 6 and I really like it. But, given my original intent, I didn't want to spend more than I did and don't need a bigger car. I may end up up-grading to the 2010 3 when it comes out, though, as it will add some things I would like (push button start, bluetooth, etc.). Plus, I like it's big smile.

 

is mazda still owned by ford?

 

Yes that is correct. Ford owns 33.4% of the company.

Pat

 

that's too bad. thanks.

 

I thought Ford sold off a large chunk of that back to Mazda?!?
Kept only like 10 or less

 

Nope, they still own the percentage cited.

In addition they own Volvo as well. They paid 6.2B for Volvo in 1999. In 2007 Ford said they were going to sell Volvo but to date they have not.


Regards,

Pat

 

We have owned two Mazda's and bought one of the first Mazda 3's in 2004 for the wife. It is a great car and I had a blast driving it. The wife didn't like me "borrowing" it all the time and the need for the utility of my Truck was declining.

I finally found enough excuses to buy a MINI when the Clubman came out and enjoy it over the Mazda 3 for a little more sportiness, fun , looks, and smaller space it occupies in the garage. Both cars have strengths, right now the MINI has the right ones for me. IMO the biggest advantage Mazda has over Honda or Toyota is you get more for your money and more performance. They have generally been reliable cars also.

 

No, the first poster was correct. Ford sold a portion of their controlling interest to a comglomerate of Japanese banks in the past month. They still own around 11% of the company, and Mazda has publicly stated that their cooperation with Ford will continue unabated.

 

Yes I stand corrected. It appears that the stake is reduced to 13% according to Frobes. And the sad part about it is that Ford only got a paltry few hundred million dollars for the stock.

Pat

 

I traded my MINI for a 2009 Mazda5, which is on the same chassis as the 3, same drivetrain, etc. Kind of the same concept as the Clubman. I got the Grand Touring model, which included all the bells and whistles. I also got the in dash NAV, and upgraded it with a JL Audio signal processor/corrector, and JL amp, along with aftermarket speakers. I am thrilled with the upgrade.

I really like this vehicle a lot; I would dearly love to have access to the Speed3 drivetrain, but then again I always want more power! I get around 23 or 24 mpg in town, and get 29 on the road, driving just under 80 on average.

The clincher for me was the sliding doors; I have 2 9 year olds, and I love not worrying about them drilling other cars with their doors. The 5 is very comfortable, with a very upright seating position, and has power seats that allow me to really move the seat off the floor for even more comfort. It's a very nice looking ride, very stylish in the typical Japanese styling idiom. Plus, because it shares its mechanicals with the 3, I have access to many more aftermarket upgrades, should I so desire. And yes, having owned an MPV for 8 years as our family vehicle, the quality is very good.

 

We rented a Mazda5 when we were in Hawaii last March. Not that we intended to (it was just Lynn & I), but that's what they gave us. I really liked it. As a rental, it was not fully loaded, but it was certainly enjoyable. We were actually considering it to replace the Expedition my step-son totalled. We were in Kauai, which is the least developed Hawaiian Island and we found ourselves moderately off-road, driving through heavy-flowing creeks (which, oddly, they have cross over the tops of the roads, instead of go under them, and making some pretty steep altitude changes. The 5 was up for it all, got great mileage, had a very good ride and room for 7. The "up-top" seating and large windshield gave a great view. And the a/c was actually powerful enough to cool the whole vehicle, even back to the 3rd row seats.

Regarding the Ford ownership thing: The Mazda is no Ford. In fact, European Ford is no Ford. My 3 is 97% Japanese content and 0% American. The window glass is European, which may account for the entire 3%. While Ford does benefit from Mazda development, a Yamaha guitar compares better with a Yamaha morotcycle than a Mazda does to a Ford.

 

I'm glad it worked out well for you.
I completely understand your reasons.

I wanted to chime in on the other side of the coin.

The mazda 3, more equipped than my MINI was my second choice.
(no where near what you got). So it wasn't 10k more for me it
was in the 2k range more.

Bascially a slightly loaded up 3 or a MINI base, for about the
same price more or less.
I'm very sure I made the correct choice (for myself).

I'm also convinced you will return to the motoring on world
after the gadgets wear off
(not making a slam i'm saying it in a positive way)

I'm getting a solid 33 mpg city with auto which is way
above the mazda I considered. High mpg isn't new to me
and it would really bug me not to get over 30.

 

Before I got my Mini, I was going back and forht between the Mini and the MazdaSpeed3. Obviously, they aren't equivalents, but I really liked both. I still couldn't recommend one over the other to anyone; they're just too different and serve different purposes. But, I can assure you, I will never get over the gadget attraction. I love gadgets and never tire of them, as long as they do what they're supposed to. Back in the days when I had more $, I would always opt for the fully gadgeted C Class over the 'up-graded" (and cheaper, as equipped) E Class. Not that my 10 year old, stripped down Mazda Protege didn't have a certain charm, much as a fat, lazy, smelly dog that can't be bothered to fetch a stick does.

 

It's going to be. Beginning with the Fiesta, Fords are being developed globally, and will be produced as global products. The new Fiesta is already in production in Europe, and is a top seller. Ford is gutting a truck plant in Mexico to build it here. All the other Euro Ford products will be built over here (at the least the B and C chassis products) in gutted truck plants in Michigan and Kentucky. The next gen Fusion will be combined with the Euro Mondeo and built both here and overseas. Good stuff coming.

 

i owned an '08 Mazda 3 for 9 months last year after giving up my '03 MC.

the most reliable, trouble free, perfectly soulless car I ever owned.

European cars are worth the premium!

 

I sold my 07 Mazda 3 to help finance the 2 MINI MCS we are buying. We also sold an 05 Toyota Corolla to help with the same.

Best decision we ever made.

Regards,

Pat