If you have never bought a car before picking the right one is as easy as 1, 2, 3.
Zveřejněno 28. září 2023
Můžeme získat provizi z odkazů na této stránce.
If you are a new driver , whether that be a teenager who is just getting their license or perhaps an adult who is leaving the city for the suburbs, it’s easy to get bogged down on what car to buy . We’re here to make this easy for you, just get a Mazda3 .
The 2023 Dodge Challenger Swinger Edition Was The Most Fun Car Of The Year
Sdílej toto video
Phil Keoghan And His Toyota Corolla | My First Car
Října 4, 2023
Joe Pantoliano se „náhodou“ naučil, jak zvládat kopce pomocí manuálu
Června 26, 2023
The Mazda3 in all its generations has remained a staff favorite and it seems to be the ostatní Mazda that is constantly recommended to folks asking what car they should buy. I owned a 2010 Mazda3 manual hatchback for many years before upgrading to my GTI. Even though the 3 was a bit funky in the styling for that generation, it was an almost perfect commuter car.
A Better Balance Of Fun and Features
The two most obvious competitors to the Mazda3 are the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. Both of these are objectively good cars, but when comparing prices Mazda offers a little more car for your dollar if you happen to be shopping for something new. Moderately equipped versions of the Mazda3, Corolla, and Civic all retail for about $26,000, but the Mazda will give you something that feels a bit more upscale and sporty and a few more standard features.
Also for those of you who insist on buying a crossover, Mazda makes the CX-30 which is literally the exact same car as the Mazda3. So if you need a bit more ride height and plastic fenders, the Mazda3 is still the perfect car.
Better Powertrain Options
Earlier generations of the Mazda3 offered two engine options, both naturally aspirated four-cylinders in 2.0 liters and 2.5 liters of displacement. There was the turbocharged MazdaSpeed3, which is probably overkill for new drivers.
The current generation model uses the 2.5-liter as the standard motor making around 190 horsepower which out-muscles the base engines from its competitors. A turbo engine is offered on the upper trims for those who need a bit more performance . Mazda offers both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive options for its compact model.
Unlike most of the competing models that transitioned to a CVT, Mazda stuck with the traditional torque converter automatic. And for new drivers wanting to change their own gears, an easy-shifting manual transmission was available in various generations.
The only real downsides to the Mazda3 are that there was never a hybrid option and some of its competing gas model cars have a slight edge in the MPG department.
A Better Used Car Value
When most shoppers look for a pre-owned import compact the default choices tend to be Honda and Toyota. The reason for this is pretty obvious, those brands have historically made quality cars that are known to last. However, due to the popularity of these brands, their depreciation curve on the used market isn’t as sharp, so buyers end up finding lightly used models that are almost as expensive as brand-new cars, or really used models at a lower price point but with a lot of age and mileage.
A good sub-$ $20,000 car is now harder to find than ever before , but there is a solid selection of Mazda3s in either body style with very reasonable miles. You can even find some nice examples under $15,000.
Of course, this isn’t to say that the Mazda3 is the car for new drivers, there are many model s that will suit a new driver just fine. However, if you are an inexperienced driver and don’t want to spend hours of research on the various brands and their offerings, just find the nicest Mazda3 you can afford.
Tom McParland is a contributing writer for Jalopnik and runs AutomatchConsulting.com. He takes the hassle out of buying or leasing a car. Got a car buying question? Send it to Tom@AutomatchConsulting.com
Knowing the qualities it possesses will make you want it even more.
8 Qualities That Make the Mazda 3 a Superb First Car ![]()
#1 Sprightly Yet Efficient Engine
The fuel economy in the Mazda 3 is not class-leading, but it has consistently placed near the top.
Mazda 3 can achieve mid-20s mpg to mid-30s mpg in combined city/highway driving depending on the model year and trim.
Subcompacts and compacts are ideal for new drivers on a modest budget because of the savings at the pump.
It’s a solid achievement few compacts can rival – the Honda Civic is one.
- subaru impreza
- Toyota Corolla
- Kia Forte
- Hyundai elantra
#3 Robust Reliability
Mazda is among the most reliable automakers.
RepairPal ranked the Mazda 3 #9 out of 36 compact cars in reliability, effectively placing it in the top 25%.
(Refer to the compact cars comparison below to see how the Mazda 3 measure against its competitors.)
#4 Affordable Upkeep
Mazda 3’s relatively low running cost generally agrees with the reliability of Mazda vehicles.
According to RepairPal, a Mazda 3 costs approximately $433 a year to maintain, lower than the $526 annual average for compact cars.
The year-on-year increase in annual maintenance costs info (below) is useful in guiding your expectation.
The Honda Civic and Audi A3 are excellent yardsticks because the former is one of the more-affordable first cars, and the latter is an expensive luxury compact sedan.
Expect a 16-year-old male driver to pay higher than the figures above.
![]()
#6 Nimble with Sharp Handling
Sporty handling and excellent driving characteristics are hallmarks of this entry-level small car.
The Mazda 3 offers confidence-inspiring handling around corners through responsive steering that provides ample feedback, making driving safer.
Although its acceleration is quick for a four-cylinder compact, the power delivery is smooth and predictable.
Crucially, it delivers a fun-to-drive experience without sacrificing comfort.
The easy maneuverability and parking in tight urban settings should make life uncomplicated for new drivers.
![]()
#7 Optional All-Wheel-Drive
All-wheel-drive (AWD) provides better overall traction and is a drivetrain typically offered in premium vehicles due to the higher expense.
Conversely, front-wheel-drive (FWD) cars are more affordable and return higher gas mileage.
AWD Mazda 3 models are available from 2019 and are the ideal all-weather option for those living in snowy regions or experiencing inclement weather.
If your location enjoys primarily sunny weather year-round, the cheaper FWD Mazda 3 will suffice.
![]()
#8 Reasonable and Stable Depreciation
The Mazda 3 retains value pretty well, although a few small cars do better; it depreciates 48% after five years and 75% at the full-decade mark.
The table below assumes a brand-new Mazda 3 sedan that retails for approx. $22,000:
The 2014 Mazda 3 redesign marked the model’s third generation – evident from the considerable improvement in gas mileage.
The 2014 Mazda 3 or newer would be the more fuel-efficient option.
Avoid the 2010 Mazda 3 as it recorded the highest number of owner complaints (186; according to CarComplaints) – several times more than the average of other model years.
If a car’s crashworthiness is your main concern, opt for the 2009 and newer model years – they are safety-award-winning vehicles.
Mazda 3 Compared with Similar Vehicles
- Spotřeba paliva: mpg city/highway/combined (base trim – auto).
- Spolehlivost: /100; vyšší = méně problémů; 5 let prům. (JD Power).
- Náklady na údržbu: za rok prům. (RepairPal).
- Bezpečnost (IIHS): 1 (špatné) až 4 (dobré); Průměr testů IIHS.
- Bezpečnost (NHTSA): 1 (špatné) až 5 (nejbezpečnější); NHTSA celkově.
- Viditelnost: výborný, dobrý, průměrný, špatný.
Mazda 3 comparison with similar vehicles.
Compact cars’ average yearly maintenance cost is $526, so all the options above – bar the Volkswagen Golf and Subaru Impreza – are inexpensive to maintain.
The Honda Civic is a compelling choice for any teenager’s first car due to its excellent gas mileage and safety ratings, equaled only by the solidly safe Mazda 3.
Alternatively, the Hyundai Elantra can get you the best fuel economy.
But if you want an even more affordable option, opt for the Kia Forte for your first car.
It is reliable, fuel-efficient, and loaded with features typically available only in pricier options.
Still, the Mazda 3 is a perfect vehicle for young drivers if you love its sporty look and want a supremely safe first car.
Reference:
