Mazda3 crowned Australia's most popular

[Djrystofer]

I'm not a fan of the new styling, I actually liked the older 3's (2004ish)

But from what I've experienced, in the older ones, pretty good value for money and cheap to run aswell.

[Nic85]

Originally Posted by BadMax

Lets us know how you're getting on in a few years. We got laughed at when we went and test drove a Golf Gti and requested a real manual. Too bad I know all the stories as a mate was a service manager for VW/Skoda.
BTW, you'll probably blow a turbo, hole a piston, burn oil, destroy the mechatronics before you wreck the box itslef.

And nobody said the Mazda is bullet proof, but there is a fair bit of positives even in this thread about it's reliability. Sure, maybe the full hypo models aren't, neither are FPV's.

I've heard the mechatronics units usually let go near about 40,000kms if they're going to. I know VW has spent a lot of money fixing their DSG in the last few years. You're probably right though . Good thing with VW is, you can buy an extended factory warranty through VW to extend it to 5 years and you get 60,000kms chucked onto the warranty after the 3 year period is up. We will most likely sell it after 3 years.

[Motorbreath310]

Mazda's stand out among the competition in their respective segments. The styling, the colour options, the interiors, all of it is fairly appealing in some way (in my eyes at least)

It doesn't matter that other competitors may have better build or better fuel economy or even more equipment. The Mazda's have that look about them. That, and their marketing is what I attribute their success to. They've taken A-to-B appliances and made them stylish and appealing.

The only thing I've always wondered? How do people manage to sell these cars when a new model comes out and the market is flooded with cars either identical to or better than yours? Who buys them? I've always viewed them as being somewhat disposable.

Edit: regarding my comments to the way these cars appeal, I'm speaking from a joe carbuyer's point of view i.e someone with no idea about cars.

[Supercharged]

Ford sold off all or part of their 31% ownership of Mazda, that was a mistake. Anybody know if they still own part of Mazda.

[stevz]

Originally Posted by Supercharged

Ford sold off all or part of their 31% ownership of Mazda, that was a mistake. Anybody know if they still own part of Mazda.

Why was it a mistake? Don't be fooled by the sales figures, Mazda is in dire straits financially.

[jmac]

Originally Posted by Supercharged

Ford sold off all or part of their 31% ownership of Mazda, that was a mistake. Anybody know if they still own part of Mazda.

30 percent of a Mazda still has fomoco labels stamped into it.. And about 10 percent Volvo lol.

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[Struggo]

Pulled up next to a new Mazda 6 today, they are massive.

It made the FG look small, yet it's classed as a medium car

[RSgerry]

Originally Posted by Struggo

Pulled up next to a new Mazda 6 today, they are massive.

It made the FG look small, yet it's classed as a medium car

they are also very expensive. lovely inside and out, but a $6k price rise on the mid level car is steep.

[MethodX]

What will be the next gotta have it brands? at the moment its VW and Mazda.
Any hope that GM or Ford can be them again?

[mike_nofx]

Originally Posted by Windsor220

As for the Hilux sales, they have a very strong following in the 4wd crowd. Same as Cruisers/Patrols. Its still on a solid front axle I'm pretty sure. Would take a lot to hurt its rep.

Hilux hasn't been solid front axle for a long time.
It's more popular with mining and construction companies, motocross riders and flat brimmers than the true 4x4 crowd.

As a previous 4x4 owner (owned 3, only sold to buy a house and need reliable transport for work) and member of 3 4x4 clubs, it was very rare to see a newer model hilux off road, older solid axle ones yes, but new ones almost never.

[a-total-tool]

To all of you one-eyed Ford supporters, how many of you have actually driven one of these cars?

I will start by saying that I own a Mazda 3 diesel. They have their purpose. Purchased new in July, now has 16,000km on it. Bought to go to/from work, it serves its purpose well.

For what it is, it's a good car. Value for money, well equipped, well built. Handles well.

60% of the time it is in peak hour traffic, and I am getting an average of 6.1L/100 in it (also with a heavy foot)

[Windsor220]

Originally Posted by mike_nofx

Hilux hasn't been solid front axle for a long time.
It's more popular with mining and construction companies, motocross riders and flat brimmers than the true 4x4 crowd.

As a previous 4x4 owner (owned 3, only sold to buy a house and need reliable transport for work) and member of 3 4x4 clubs, it was very rare to see a newer model hilux off road, older solid axle ones yes, but new ones almost never.

Ah so they aren't solid any more. I hadn't had enough to do with them to be sure. Even if the newer ones aren't as common off road its the rep they have that helps with sales now. I think that's why the motocross/FIFO crowd still like them. The reality is there are better utes on the market.

[jmac]

Have a look at the dip stick ;-)

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[Nic85]

Originally Posted by jmac

Have a look at the dip stick ;-)

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Woah! It's covered in oil!

[jmac]

Originally Posted by Nic85

Woah! It's covered in oil!

Derp.

FoMoCo

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[Nic85]

Originally Posted by jmac

Derp.

FoMoCo

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Sorry, couldn't resist.

When my old man was looking at new utes we looked at the Mazda BT50. All the suspensions arms etc were all stamped FoMoCo.

[jmac]

Originally Posted by Nic85

Sorry, couldn't resist.

When my old man was looking at new utes we looked at the Mazda BT50. All the suspensions arms etc were all stamped FoMoCo.

Most of the car is ford lol. Shares platform with the focus.

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