Mazda 3 Hatchback (2004 - 2008) 2.0 Sport (01/04-03/06) 5d (2004/53) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Boy racer?

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Everyone thinks it's a very chic car. Even sat beside the new Discovery and new Scirocco R it looks like a sexy hatchback.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Without a shadow of a doubt. It's awesome to drive, quick, gets you from A to B with a smile on your face, although the clutch is a b*tch to use in traffic, everything else is pretty much perfect.

What are you likely to buy next?

Unsure yet, wouldn't mind Audi Q5.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£3,500

When did you buy the car?

May 2013

Did you get a good deal and why?

To say the car is 9 years old this year, it was a shock to see a car of 9 years of age be in such awesome condition. Not a scratch or a flake of rust, and engine wise superb.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

My girlfriend bought this car accidentally whilst we were test driving some cars as an afternoon out, she hated it at first... and then loved it. So she bought it.

What was the dealer like?

Honest. Open to discussion about the price.

What's it like to drive?

This car proved us completely wrong. We live on an island where the speed limit is 35mph and no motorways. We took this car across Europe and it was insane. It stated that it's top speed was 125mph, we had the needle well past 140mph in Germany. It's acceleration was quicker than stated too, it was sweet on the Nurburgring being thrashed around the track in 40c heat and not a problem at all. Revving 7.600rpm was no problem at all staying in the fast lane on the autobahns, and gave the big Range Rovers, Audis, BMWS a run for their money! 2500+ miles later, it was fine. As a normal day to day car, it's a good piece of kit. Although it uses a lot of fuel, even eco driving still uses a lot of fuel.

What's it like to park?

The view is restricted, but this model has parking sensors which help parking. You get used to it quickly.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Nothing. Apart from occasionally it may struggle going into reverse, but nothing serious.

What's most practical about your car?

The boot space is deceivingly big. It's awesome on long distance treks across Europe, comfortable and unusually fast.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

6 CD auto changer is handy, traction control was awesome on Nurburgring and works well in rain.