Comments from GRM: Considering a Mazda 3 or 6

I have grown to not like the fuel mileage and the need for premium fuel that my WRX requires. I am currently fixing the shell donor 07 Subaru Wagon that I bought for resale and will likely either sell the 02 WRX or part it out (it has rust issues).

Looking for some input on Mazda 3's and 6's in the 2004-2008 range. I know Mazda's also can be rust magnets, but beyond that, I would appreciate some input. Any known issues? I would only be looking at MT's and in the 3 would prefer the 2.3L

I found a sweet 04 Mazda 6 wagon with the 3.0L, MT and the Grand Touring package and about 125K kms (78K miles) that really had me looking at 6's too.

What sayth GRM?

I would say to go with the 3 by default because it will get maybe 2-3 more mpg, which adds up over time(especially years) that you may own it. If you really need more space, then get the 6, especially a unicorn wagon MT. I just know that they're really fun FWD cars.

My '05 2.3L 5-speed manual Mazda6 would struggle to get 29-30 on the highway. Overall, it was a very good car. If you need good mileage, go with the 3.

Now I get 21/26 w/premium fuel in the Speed6. I just can't keep my foot out of it.

I don't need the mileage that much. Here is the issue - my 02 WRX struggles to get 400 kms (250 miles) per tank. I am running a full TBE, Cobb V1 with Stage 1 map. Up here premium goes at 13 - 16 cents per litre than regular, so that is $9-$10 per fill up more. Either the 6 or the 3 have got to better than that.

I am not a small guy (6'4" and big build) and I have two boys (8 and 11) and they aren't getting any smaller. Is the extra space in the 6 worth it?

I have also been considering the Ford equivalents - Focus and Fusion. I would like a Focus. The Fusion of that era is 1) Ugly and 2) MT's are rare.

We talking new or used?

If used, get that wagon MT quick as they are few and not easy to find.

If new, get the 6 since you are tall and the boys need some room to grow. The new one rocks and isn't too pricey.

We bought the first 2004 Mazda3 (S) off the lot in Virginia back when they first came out. Owned that car for 4 years. Had not even the smallest issue with it. Sold it once we had the kids (needed something bigger) and it had only lost $2k of value in 4 years.

Fun car to drive, handled great in stock form. Engine was decent if not overly ballsy (this was the 2.3), but you could wring it out with the M/T. Got good mileage. Great seats and nice interior. Only complaint from me was that the center console is wide and my knee would hit it pretty hard in my normal seating position.

We liked it much better than our much-trouble Jetta before it, and my wife still says she misses it 5 years later (after 2 SUVs).

NGTD wrote: I don't need the mileage that much. Here is the issue - my 02 WRX struggles to get 400 kms (250 miles) per tank. I am running a full TBE, Cobb V1 with Stage 1 map.

Maybe something is wrong with your WRX. My 09 with catback and Cobb Stg1. Gets 24-25mpg on a typical tank (city + 80mph highway sprints in heavy traffic). And I'm pushing 270whp in a heavier car than yours. I usually fill up at over 300 miles without the fuel light coming on. Not sure what size your tank is though.

Hell, get the unicorn, try it, if you don't like it flip it.

We have loved our 3, wish it had the touring package, I really liked those seats but the 3s seats are comfotrable. The 3 has a ton of room, but then I don't have kids, so that may be relative. The only issues we have had with it are the passenger headlight burns out much faster than the other one, and the stereo display quit about a year ago. Stereo still works, you just have to figure out which mode you are in by trial and error. We bought ours new in 2006.

irish44j wrote:

NGTD wrote: I don't need the mileage that much. Here is the issue - my 02 WRX struggles to get 400 kms (250 miles) per tank. I am running a full TBE, Cobb V1 with Stage 1 map.

Maybe something is wrong with your WRX. My 09 with catback and Cobb Stg1. Gets 24-25mpg on a typical tank (city + 80mph highway sprints in heavy traffic). And I'm pushing 270whp in a heavier car than yours. I usually fill up at over 300 miles without the fuel light coming on. Not sure what size your tank is though.

I have thought about that. From what I understand cleaning the MAF may help. I guess I need to try that.

That is in town mileage. I do much better on the highway.

Tank is 60L witch is just over 15 US Gal.

We found the 3 to be too small in the back seat (especially foot space) and switched after a year to a 6 wagon. The v6 gave approximately 25+ mpg...about the same as a van, but otherwise was a very nice car to drive. The 6 is also available with the 4 cylinder if you consider the hatch or sedan.

They are both a great choice, with kids and being a taller guy i would think the extra room of a 6 would be more of a comfortable time for you.

NGTD wrote:

irish44j wrote:

NGTD wrote: I don't need the mileage that much. Here is the issue - my 02 WRX struggles to get 400 kms (250 miles) per tank. I am running a full TBE, Cobb V1 with Stage 1 map.

Maybe something is wrong with your WRX. My 09 with catback and Cobb Stg1. Gets 24-25mpg on a typical tank (city + 80mph highway sprints in heavy traffic). And I'm pushing 270whp in a heavier car than yours. I usually fill up at over 300 miles without the fuel light coming on. Not sure what size your tank is though.

I have thought about that. From what I understand cleaning the MAF may help. I guess I need to try that. That is in town mileage. I do much better on the highway. Tank is 60L witch is just over 15 US Gal.

yeah, even when I'm doing all-city, I never get worse than 20-21mpg in mine. And I have a heavy foot. If you're only getting 16-17 with a 2.0....something is wrong.

I owned an 05 3 2.3SP auto for about 6 years and have had my current 6 2.3 hatchback since 2009. Mpg was a wash between the two, but I think that May have been because they were both atx and the 6 had a 5-speed vs the 4 speed in the 3. When I had to get rid of one, I kept the higher mileage, lesser optioned 6 for the following reasons:

1- rust. Rear quarters on the )60k mile, regularly washed 3 were bubbling

2-Road noise. The 6 is way quieter

3- seating position and interior room. I felt like I was sitting on a milk crate in the 3, and it was hard to have a passenger with a kids seat in the car

4- AC issues with the 3. Had warranty work done on the AC, it never seemed to get very cold, and the compressor locked up at 59k miles

5- dumb electrical issues. Drivers window switch went out, had blown both Bose door speakers at different times

When I had to choose, I chose 6. But YMMV.