Rented a Mazda 3 today

[TD]

So far I'm very impressed. Granted this is all within the context of the car being what it is and costing what it does. But it sure looks, feels and drives like a more expensive car than it is.

Short list of things that especially impressed me:

-Interior layout/design (instruments and steering wheel especially)
-Seat fabric (very nice cloth - reminds me of the cloth in my '97 A4)
-Fast-shifting manumatic tranny (unless my recollection is really faulty, I swear it shifts significantly quicker than the Steptronic in my dad's E39 - I actually did not just give up on it and leave it in"D" as I always end up doing in his E39).
-Ride quality (very communicative while still being quiet and well-damped - reminded me of the E46's feel - a bit too soft but nice)
-Handsome exterior styling

It didn't have enough power to make the FWD nature of the car all that noticeable. And I didn't fling it vigorously enough to bring forth the handling limitations we all know it has. But for an enthusiast-friendly commuter, I could definitely live with it. And if I was looking for a car in it's price-range, it seems like a really solid pick.

[undefined]

are you out of town or do you have a car being serviced?

[clyde]

So far I'm very impressed. Granted this is all within the context of the car being what it is and costing what it does. But it sure looks, feels and drives like a more expensive car than it is.

Short list of things that especially impressed me:

-Interior layout/design (instruments and steering wheel especially)
-Seat fabric (very nice cloth - reminds me of the cloth in my '97 A4)
-Fast-shifting manumatic tranny (unless my recollection is really faulty, I swear it shifts significantly quicker than the Steptronic in my dad's E39 - I actually did not just give up on it and leave it in"D" as I always end up doing in his E39).
-Ride quality (very communicative while still being quiet and well-damped - reminded me of the E46's feel - a bit too soft but nice)
-Handsome exterior styling

It didn't have enough power to make the FWD nature of the car all that noticeable. And I didn't fling it vigorously enough to bring forth the handling limitations we all know it has. But for an enthusiast-friendly commuter, I could definitely live with it. And if I was looking for a car in it's price-range, it seems like a really solid pick.

Let us know how it dfoes in the snow on the way home

[TD]

are you out of town or do you have a car being serviced?

The Saab is in for service. As it is supposed to snow today, I took the rental and left the BMWs warm and inside the garage.

[TD]

So far I'm very impressed. Granted this is all within the context of the car being what it is and costing what it does. But it sure looks, feels and drives like a more expensive car than it is.

Short list of things that especially impressed me:

-Interior layout/design (instruments and steering wheel especially)
-Seat fabric (very nice cloth - reminds me of the cloth in my '97 A4)
-Fast-shifting manumatic tranny (unless my recollection is really faulty, I swear it shifts significantly quicker than the Steptronic in my dad's E39 - I actually did not just give up on it and leave it in"D" as I always end up doing in his E39).
-Ride quality (very communicative while still being quiet and well-damped - reminded me of the E46's feel - a bit too soft but nice)
-Handsome exterior styling

It didn't have enough power to make the FWD nature of the car all that noticeable. And I didn't fling it vigorously enough to bring forth the handling limitations we all know it has. But for an enthusiast-friendly commuter, I could definitely live with it. And if I was looking for a car in it's price-range, it seems like a really solid pick.

Let us know how it dfoes in the snow on the way home

It's FWD and wearing all-seasons. I'm sure it'll do fine. Hell, the Saab did fine last winter wearing summer performance tires (it's got all-seasons on it now, though).

[rumatt]

are you out of town or do you have a car being serviced?

He had to rent a car for the snow storm since his M3 has performance tires.

:lol:


J/K

[TD]

are you out of town or do you have a car being serviced?

He had to rent a car for the snow storm since his M3 has performance tires.

:lol:


J/K

And if I did that, say, 5 times a year, it would cost me <$200 for that season. It rarely snows more than that around here. As a typical winter wheel/tire set runs $1500-2000, that's 7-10 years worth of rentals.

Today cost me nothing as it was technically a loaner. And on any other day, I'd probably just take the Saab. But even if I had to rent every time it snowed, I'd still be way ahead over buying a winter wheel/tire set.

Especially since the nearest Enterprise location is a short walk from the house.

[rumatt]

And if I did that, say, 5 times a year, it would cost me <$200 for that season. It rarely snows more than that around here. As a typical winter wheel/tire set runs $1500-2000, that's 7-10 years worth of rentals.

Today cost me nothing as it was technically a loaner. And on any other day, I'd probably just take the Saab. But even if I had to rent every time it snowed, I'd still be way ahead over buying a winter wheel/tire set.


Bah, I was just kidding.

But I disagree with you that renting is cheaper. Your discarding the value of the wheels and or tires when you sell them later. But I say we skip it. Get back to the mazda 3.

[undefined]

And if I did that, say, 5 times a year, it would cost me <$200 for that season. It rarely snows more than that around here. As a typical winter wheel/tire set runs $1500-2000, that's 7-10 years worth of rentals.

Today cost me nothing as it was technically a loaner. And on any other day, I'd probably just take the Saab. But even if I had to rent every time it snowed, I'd still be way ahead over buying a winter wheel/tire set.

Especially since the nearest Enterprise location is a short walk from the house.but you'd have to do that every year

[TD]

I'd still rather rent for those 5 days than be stuck on winter tires on dry roads for 3-4 months.

Plus, if some invincible moron in an SUV careens into me, I'm not in my own car.

[TD]

And if I did that, say, 5 times a year, it would cost me <$200 for that season. It rarely snows more than that around here. As a typical winter wheel/tire set runs $1500-2000, that's 7-10 years worth of rentals.

Today cost me nothing as it was technically a loaner. And on any other day, I'd probably just take the Saab. But even if I had to rent every time it snowed, I'd still be way ahead over buying a winter wheel/tire set.

Especially since the nearest Enterprise location is a short walk from the house.but you'd have to do that every year

So a wheel tire set will pay for 7+ years worth of rentals. I'm not keeping the car that long.

[FC]

And if I did that, say, 5 times a year, it would cost me <$200 for that season. It rarely snows more than that around here. As a typical winter wheel/tire set runs $1500-2000, that's 7-10 years worth of rentals.

Today cost me nothing as it was technically a loaner. And on any other day, I'd probably just take the Saab. But even if I had to rent every time it snowed, I'd still be way ahead over buying a winter wheel/tire set.

Especially since the nearest Enterprise location is a short walk from the house.but you'd have to do that every year

So a wheel tire set will pay for 7+ years worth of rentals. I'm not keeping the car that long.

Unless you are fortunate enough to have a rental place nearby, getting the car and returning it can be a huge hassle.

[blee]

The Mazda 3 is fun car in need of more power. Sort of like my Focus, only not as tightly wound.

[wdc330i]

Unless you are fortunate enough to have a rental place nearby, getting the car and returning it can be a huge hassle.

Yes, and I usually score some awful loaner from Enterprise--a pickup truck or minivan with terrible handling and worse brakes.

[GregE_325]

The Mazda 3 isn't a bad car for what it is. I have had mine now for a little over 5 months, and have no major complaints. I got the S model, with the bigger engine and sports suspension. I also have leather, xenons, side and curtain airbags, and the navigation system. All for $20k.

Even though I generally don't like front drivers, this one is okay. And the shifter is pretty decent, even though the clutch really should have a smoother engagement. Or maybe it's just me. :smile:

Now if I could just fine the perfect E30 325is to play with, then I'd be set.....


-- Greg

[TD]

Again, FOR ME, I am a short walk from an Enterprise location (although they always volunteer to pick me up - I decline). And I have not had an especially bad rental in many years (I recall one time, years ago, the Enterprise counter at VOB BMW stuck me with a Buick Skylark back when the Skylark had this most ridiculous beak for a front end - Hands down, that was the worst car I've ever driven.)

[Roadstergal]

even though the clutch really should have a smoother engagement. Or maybe it's just me.

I think it's BMW. All of the stock BMW clutches I've tried have had a rather long, vague disengagement point. I prefer grabby clutches; when you're trying to go fast, a slow-transition clutch is frustrating.

[GregE_325]

I think it's BMW. All of the stock BMW clutches I've tried have had a rather long, vague disengagement point. I prefer grabby clutches; when you're trying to go fast, a slow-transition clutch is frustrating.


It's really not that bad, but I guess I'm comparing it to a lot of the Honda manuals that I've owned, and it's just not quite as precise. I've tried to feather it a bit more than I normally would, just to keep the passengers heads from snapping back. :lol: I do like to launch it with some enthusiasm. It's just fine for hammering second through fifth, but that initial start in first can be a problem, especially when it's cold. So sometimes, I'll just start in second gear until things warm up.
You are right, it is very different from a BMW clutch. But I can live with it. The worst thing that I can say about the clutch is that in order to start the car, the pedal has to be planted on the floor. Any less, and the nanny switch won't let the car start.

[Rob]

even though the clutch really should have a smoother engagement. Or maybe it's just me.

I think it's BMW. All of the stock BMW clutches I've tried have had a rather long, vague disengagement point. I prefer grabby clutches; when you're trying to go fast, a slow-transition clutch is frustrating.

If you think the BMW clutches are bad (some of them are), you should try the clutch in the Volvo. Sure, it's a full size station wagon and won't really go fast no matter what you do, but the clutch is horrible. Better than an automatic, but still horrible.

[JST]

even though the clutch really should have a smoother engagement. Or maybe it's just me.

I think it's BMW. All of the stock BMW clutches I've tried have had a rather long, vague disengagement point. I prefer grabby clutches; when you're trying to go fast, a slow-transition clutch is frustrating.

Grabby clutches are good for going fast, but they are a PITA in stop-and-go driving, especially in a car like the M3 that has a lot of driveline lash.

[Roadstergal]

If you think the BMW clutches are bad (some of them are), you should try the clutch in the Volvo.

Oh, I'm sure there are worse. The BMW is kinda middlin' in the vagueness area. I test-drove a Scooby this weekend, for the helluvit, and the clutch was grabbier than a BMW's.

[GregE_325]

Grabby clutches are good for going fast, but they are a PITA in stop-and-go driving, especially in a car like the M3 that has a lot of driveline lash.


Yes, it's definitely at its worst when it is stop-and-go. But I've never driven a car that seems to want to stall so easily when coming to a stop. With most manual cars (from my experience), you don't have to push the clutch in until the car is almost stopped. With the Mazda 3, the engine starts to stall while the car is still rolling along reasonably well. I really don't understand why.
In addition, when the car is starting off in first and I'm completely off of the clutch pedal and accelerating, the car shudders and hesitates like the driveline is just overwhelmed, or fuel flow isn't constant. It's hard to describe, but the acceleration isn't linear.
It's most likely not the correct line of thinking, but it seems like the clutch is just a little "weak", for lack of a better term.

[ff]

TD, your comments match my experience very closely. I test drove a 3 before buying the MINI last summer, and thought that it was an outstanding car for the money. Felt very much like the E46 does on the road. Very well-executed car by Mazda.