8 replies to this topic

[PHB1969]

Ok....my head is in a spin I'm losing my company car in September. I am getting a healthy car allowance and a fuel allowance (covering home to work). The best rate for diesel is 17p per mile for over 2 litres so I'm looking at anything over 2 litre which is fairly limited. The Mazda 3 and 6 both have a 2.2 diesel and the styling on the new 6 and 3 (fastback) is quite nice. Driven the 175bhp 6 and the 150bhp 3. So. New Mazda 3 150bhp sport nav with leather and met paint. Avg 72.4 mpg (yes I know real world will be less - maybe 60-62 mpg as most miles are motorway). 0-60 book time 8.0 sec. Dab and heads up speed display, 7" touch screen 9 speaker Bose system lovely dash with led rev counter. OR Mazda 6 150 bhp Same mpg as above 11 speaker Bose system. Bigger car. Probably nicer look, bigger wheels. 0-60 in 9 sec. OR Mazda 6 175bhp Avg 62.8 mpg 0-60 in 7.9 sec. Spec the same as above but faster. I'm sh*t at making a decision and this is the first car I have bought for 19 years as a daily driver. Anyone got one or have any sensible suggestions - I drive a 520d SE and have managed only 44.5mpg driving briskly (have tried sedately and got 53mpg). The 6 is available with 0% on pcp or with 30% deposit the 3 is only 0% with 50% deposit. I need help - thought buying a car would be fun!

[Tfp]

My opinion.

 

The Mazda's will feel cheap after driving a 5 series.

 

The last mazda 3 I drove, not a brand new one, had a lot of road noise. Could have been the choice/condition of tyres, but I'd certainly have an extended road test before ordering one.

 

 

[PHB1969]

Yes was my concern but drove about 15 miles in a 6 and it was very quiet and in 175 form pulled better than the 5 series. All reviews are good, but wondered if anyone has tried the new ones - appreciate the old models were heavier and the engines less refined.

[Graeme Lambert]

Driven various 6s and 3s at launch, and currently have a 3 150 diesel tonight. Can dig out my copy and download my thoughts if it would genuinely help?

[turbo boy]

How about an alternative option?

 

I have recently bought a Mondeo ST TDci. It has the same 2.2 diesel engine you mention. I bought it as I used to have one as a company car and absolutely loved it. Its more involving and IMO better value than the Mazda.

 

46MPG realistic and 50-55MPG if you want to be boring.

 

The new versions (Titanium X)  look awesome too....

 

Great cars and a lot of car for the money as a second hand purchase after someone else has taken the brunt of depreciation.

 

Mines had a filter, exhaust and remap, making 200BHP and 360 ft / torque.... pretty impressive with the economy and comfort to match.

 

Just wanted to try and help make an alternative suggestion.

 

Good luck,

 

Jon

 

 

[JG]

6 is nice, i wouldn't have a 3.

 

I wouldn't buy new either if you are trying to make money on it.

[PHB1969]

I think my problem has been solved - Mercedes have a stunning offer on a C class coupe - giving me over £5.3k dealer contribution. With a £89 deposit, same payments as the Mazda. Also got a quote on a Lexus IS300h over £100 a month more than the Merc.

[PHB1969]

Driven various 6s and 3s at launch, and currently have a 3 150 diesel tonight. Can dig out my copy and download my thoughts if it would genuinely help?

Thanks Graeme - it would be useful, if you think either would be a better buy than a Merc C class coupe. Genuinely open to opinion, never had a Merc and have always been stopped from a coupe as last 19 years have been a company car and 2/3 doors were not allowed.

[PHB1969]

Deal done on Merc - finally got £7273 discount - 21.7% Use orangewheels.co.uk - big discounts delivered via main dealers. No association with them