In-depth reviews

Mazda3 Saloon owner reviews

"The Mazda3 Fastback offers more space than the hatchback, but the same equipment and stylish looks"

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by Charlie Harvey

27 Nov 2024

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Mazda3 Saloon

Carbuyer Rating

3.9 out of 5

Owners Rating

3.8 out of 5

Reviews

Owner Reviews

5 out of 5
4 out of 5
3 out of 5
2 out of 5
1 out of 5

63%of people would recommend this car to a friend

Common Problems

Other (2 cases)
Electrics, Engine (1 case)
Electrics (1 case)

Review 1 of 8

Tell us what you think about your car?

Despite the good looks this car,and quite good road behaviour this is not something I would ever buy again.The visibility from the driver's seat to the left is blocked by the left door front frame. The technology that Mazda is so proud about is nothing to be proud of. 1.Side mirrors do NOT automatically fold.You have to do it manually. 2.When starting to drive doors do not lock automatically. 3.Welcome home lights do NOT go on automatically.You have to do that manually. 4.Multimedia is lame,compared to other brands.The Bose speakers are great but the system options are minimal. 5.For many phone models, Wi-fi needs password inserted for every time you connect your phone. 6.Only one steering wheel mode . 7.No rear window wiper 8.No heated front window. 9.Rear view camera is ok.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

Mazda almost for it right, fit and finish is high quality and it looks great. Its really fun to drive, handles great and is fairly quick to move. However, I've had a number of niggling issues the most serious of them diesel constantly diluting the oil. In the end I got rid of it as I got no joy after multiple failed resolution attempts. MPG isn't great either

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

This car conflicts me. Its ok to drive, feels mechanically solid, and the engine is strong and economical without any turbo lag, save for when the dpf regenerates and the smaller turbo is turned off for a while. However the electronics are a complete pain - the Usb cant seem to play tracks for more than an hour tops before freezing and requiring the car to be restarted, it's departed on a tow truck twice, once for an engine sensor failure and once for claims of 'degenerated oil'. Firmware upgrades have been the order of the day, although the stereo issues remain unresolved. The car suffers from having very large blind spots around the A and B pillars. Double and triple checks need to be made at junctions and on motorways. The handbrake also tends to oxidise to itself quite rigidly after only 2 days standing. Steering on both summer and winter tyres can have a nervous feeling to it. Mazda's customer service has been great. They sorted me with a free courtesy car when my previous car was stolen and I ordered this one, and they have been good each time it's been in for repairs. Mazda breakdown is standard with a new car - luckily in my case! The car generates enough snow grip on winter tyres to get going, but strangely is noticeably less capable on these than my previous Focus RS was. As I said at the start, I'm conflicted - it can be great, it can be a pain.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Love this car. I had a 140ps diesel Seat Altea XL which I thought was the best car I've had, mainly because of how easy it was to drive. I got the Crystal Blue, which makes the car look phenomenal in the sunlight. The Mazda is just as easy to drive, the difference between the petrol engine and the diesel is the missing turbo g force, but you have to watch when pulling away because 30 comes very quickly and smoothly before you realise it. Town driving is effortless, I haven't sussed out it's overtaking capabilities truly, but you do need to change down for any rapid changes in speed, maybe me getting used to a non turbo car. I was only slightly disappointed to find some of the features in the manual such as Radio Controlled Cruise Control, or Headlight Full Beam Control, were not part of the UK SportNav Fastback fittings. I miss the rear window wipe feature of a hatchback, but using the rear window heater soon clears any moisture. The cars very comfortable, has great luggage space, and the rear seat fold down is easy and it took Ikea flat packs easily. I carry a lot of sports gear and it all fits easily. Only had it 2 months so reliability is still to be commented on. The smaller tank than the Seat and the less mpg between petrol and diesel does mean less time between refills, but the £30 road tax appealed to me versus £145 for my Seat. Not bad for a 2 litre engine.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

I bought my Mazda 3 Fastback ( Soul Red )in Feb 2016 & so far it has been a happy relationship, a few stone chips but all cars get these, but price quoted to repair paint work was very expensive. The hand brake has been tightened twice but apart from that the car is very reliable, comfortable & it turns heads, the car is more than I expected on all levels & I would highly recommend it.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

It fulfills my requirements as a saloon. Very easy to drive and paddle shift auto gearbox is fabulous

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Bought car new in Soul Red from my local dealer in Romford, car returned same day because tracking was not set correct, dealer corrected this. Car picked up over 7 stone chips in its first 50 miles, dealer contacted Mazda U.K., they would not help and dealer offered to touch them in with a paint brush. Also rear window has a blemish in glass, dealer informed me Mazda would not change it. The paintwork is also very orange peel in its finish, I pointed this out and the dealer showed me this was the same problem on other new 3s they had for sale. Petrol consumption is about 32 urban and 44 on a motorway run, below Mazda claimed figures. On plus side the car is well equipped, not bad to drive but engine does lack power and need to make more use of gearbox to keep momentum up. Would I buy another Mazda 3 NO i wouldn't. The main reasons are poor paintwork and MPG

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

Excellent fuel economy. Very good ride and handling. Steering feedback excellent. Top class build quality. Lovely to drive. Big boot.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

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