Mazda3

[jun_mazda]

common na yung white na 1.6 hanap ka ng green!!! or blue unique mga colors na yung

[chrisalcalamd]

Thanks niky.

I was able to get another 20k discount from my SA. That brings my total discount to P85k + free LTO registration. Hmmm, the only problem now is what color to choose. I'm leaning towards choosing the white. Anyone have any input regarding the color?

Hi PareKoy... I'm about to get my Mz3 1.6V unit tomorrow, friday, April 25. I was initially offered a 55K discount + free LTO reg, but I read from a post here that Quezon Ave dealership quoted a 65K discount (can't remember which thread, baka ikaw yun, hehehe). I texted my very accommodating SA and informed him about this, then he raised the discount to 75K+free LTO. I thought I made a good deal na rin, so I gave the P5000 reservation fee. But now having read your post, 85K discount+free LTO is a better deal! Is this offer for the V or S variant? Which dealership offered this? Now I'm having second thoughts of getting from the unit from Alabang if I could get 10K more discount from another dealer. Afterall, it's still our hard earned money, right?

BTW, they quoted P20K for a comprehensive insurance. Although it may seem to be cheap, I know it's still expensive since my friend who works in Standard Insurance can give it to me for a much lower price compared to Mazda's in-house rate (also Standard Insurance I think). But I still opted to go for the in-house insurance because of the "big" discount they gave... oh well, apparently not "big" enough. I guess I have to tell them that if they can't match the 85K discount the other dealer offered you, I might as well get the insurance directly from Standard.

I hope I can read from you later before I visit the Alabang showroom. Many thanks!

*everybody: It's my first time posting here, pasensya na for the long post. Welcome to me, hehehe.

*Randy Rivera: Kumpadre, I hope you're also reading this para may witness ako in case kausapin ko ang Alabang dealer mamaya, hehehe.

[PareKoy]

Hi chrisalcalamd.

It's really hard to get my in-house loan (read: tatay) as it is so I am getting the S variant. I am getting it at 85k discount + free LTO + car cover + plate cover + other regular freebies.

I guess 75k discount + free LTO is already a good deal for the V variant as my SA's initial offer to me for this variant was only 45k discount.

Try calling another dealer and explain to the SA on the phone the offer given to you by Quezon Ave branch. Ask him if he could give you a better offer. If he does, call your SA and try to have him match their offer. That is what I did to get the additional 20k discount.

So, you are getting it at P779000? I'm getting the S variant for P729000. If only I had 50k more hmmm. Maybe I should talk to my loan officer cause the difference in price is really more that worth it.

What color are you getting?

[niky]

Whether the higher variant is worth it or not is personal preference. Since all Mazda3's have dual airbags and ABS+EBD... it's only the accessories you're paying for. Those accessories won't really add that much to resale, but if you like them... well... why not?

[yourman]

Sir chrisalcalamd,
I came from Mazda QA and their offer for the Mz3 V is better than what you and Parekoy quoted. Call Dexson, SA and ask for his best offer. Tell him that I (guy who went there today with his wife and daughter) referred him to you. I also plan to get the Mz3 1.6V and he gave me a very good deal.

Sir PareKoy,
If you have the extra money, go for the V variant, the price difference is worth the added features, these are:
-leather wrapped steering wheel
-205/55/16 tires vs 196/65/15 tires
-fog lamps
-black-out meter w/blue lighting
-front map lamps
-ABS w/EBD and Brake Assist
-Front passenger air-bags
-front tweeters
-full auto + logic control a/c system

I got these from the brochure given to me.

I was comparing the Mz3 1.6V with the new Altis 1.6 G A/T with the same price (but no discount) and I must say, the Mz3 offers more amenities and still cheaper than the Altis. The higher variant Altis 1.6V A/T would be the better match-up but the price difference of the Altis(910k) is far more expensive.

[chrisalcalamd]

*PareKoy: Thanks for the immediate reply. I was already on the road when I asked Randy Rivera to check the forum for your reply, so he texted me back the first two paragraphs. (thanks kumpadre!)

I called my Alabang SA and the offer was firm. A friend of mine asked Mazda Greenhills to call me, but only offered 60K discount and they only have the red color. So I went for the Alabang offer na rin. I'm getting the silver unit. If your serious about the getting a unit, I would suggest getting it this month since they'll be jacking up their prices by 15K starting May, kaya iniipit na (daw) ng planta ang delivery ng units para umabot sa price hike.

As with yourman, I would also like to add that another "aesthetic advantage of the V-variant is the 16" rims compared to 15" rims for the S-variant (although smaller rims maybe more fuel-efficient due to the rims being lighter. And as per website, the S-variant also doesn't have map lamps (I always wanted to have this feature... babaw 'no?).

* yourman: Thanks for your input, very much appreciated. Nakakapagod nang mag-haggle kasi, nakaka-ubos na ng oras, lakas, laway at hiya, hehehe. Although if the discount would have a more than 10K difference, I still have time to make my last decision. If it's not too much, can you post Mazda QA's offer as well as your SA's contact number?

*everyone interested: Re Altis, I agree with yourman! In fact, Altis was the only car I was waiting for to come out so I can make my decision. Spec-by-spec, Mz3 1.6V beats the Altis 1.6V:
*transmission: (Mazda3's sports/manual mode vs Altis Auto-mode only... only the 1.8V variant has this tiptronic function but priced at P1,035,000!)
*interior looks: Altis looks so boring, and the pseudo-wood panel makes one feel immediately 10 years older, nyah! gurang na nga eh lalo pang gugurang, hahaha!
*Engine: simlar... Toyota VVT-i vs Mazda SVT, although Altis has a greater power-to-weight ratio.
*Radio: Both have 6 cd player, 6 speakers (2 are tweeters) but Mazda sounds a lot better to my ears.
*I haven't test-driven the Altis, but I did with the Mz3... and it was a surprise indeed! I love the interior 'silence' while on the road, the general handling, and the stiff yet no-so-stiff suspension that road bumps & humps are not much felt (compared to the new civic where I felt even just the minor of bumps), with superb turning stability even without decreasing the speed (almost similar when I test drove my friend's Audi A4).
*Price: Mz3 779K vs Altis 910K, the Mz3 DEFINITELY is a bang for the buck car.

Financial issues favoring Mz3 1.6V
***Mz3 * 854K less 75K discount, free LTO, in-house insurance 21K, totally free 1000 and 10000km check-ups - includes standard consumables;
***30% DP less P75K + P13,300 (chattel mortgage) + 21K in-house insurance with "Acts Of God" coverage (against natural calamities) = P215,000 initial cash-out; 48 months amortization at * 15,400/month

***Altis * 910K, no discount, LTO P6,500, Standard Insurance direct from office 26K, 1000km check-up (P2,500 for consumables), 5000km check-up (P5,000 for consumables), 10000km check-up (P5000 for consumables) - as per service department quotations in Toyota Bicutan;
***20% DP + 15K Chattel Mortgage + P6,500 LTO + outside insurance 26K = 216,000 initial cash-out; 60 months amortization * 16,100/month

So, if after 5 years, even if the Mz3 would probably have a 100K lower resale price disadvantage than the same-year Altis counterpart, the total savings would be way more than the lower resale rate. Not to mention the pogi points during the years of usage, hahaha! Makes sense? I hope so!

[yourman]

sir chrisalcalamd,

I totally agree with your analysis. Even if the Mz3's design was released 2004, it was way ahead of its time and is still comparable with the Altis and Civic, with its sporty features and look. I just hope they dont introduce an all new model next year.. the price difference between alabang and QA is only 5t (80t discount) plus the free back up sensor the SA is giving, on top of the other standard freebies. I guess you got a good deal na rin from Alabang.

to all Mz3 owners, is it true that the FC of the 1.6 li is 8 to 10 kms/li?

[chrisalcalamd]

sir chrisalcalamd,

I totally agree with your analysis. Even if the Mz3's design was released 2004, it was way ahead of its time and is still comparable with the Altis and Civic, with its sporty features and look. I just hope they dont introduce an all new model next year.. the price difference between alabang and QA is only 5t (80t discount) plus the free back up sensor the SA is giving, on top of the other standard freebies. I guess you got a good deal na rin from Alabang.

to all Mz3 owners, is it true that the FC of the 1.6 li is 8 to 10 kms/li?

*yourman: Thanks for the update. Already got the unit yesterday (it's past 12mn already so it's actually 2 days ago, hehehe). Yeah, I heard what Mazda QA is doing to capture clients. It's beneficial to the dealership as well since it can really entice an on-looker to purchase a unit. Although an additional P5,000 discount + free backng sensor is really nice, I don't regret getting the unit in Alabang. Kakatakot kasi mag-drive from QC to Parañaque with a brand new car, baka mabunggo sa dami ng sasakyan/traffic, hehehe.

BTW, if in case your getting a unit, better buy it before May 1, the price increase news is already up in Tsikot homepage... at baka lumiit ang discount, yun eh kung meron pang discount na io-offer. According to my SA it's gonna be around 15K add-on.

About a new model coming-out, I was afraid of that issue, too. But as you said, Mz3's design is way ahead of its time and after driving a test unit, my fear just disappeared. And I think the present design is what I can consider, "it never goes out of style", similar to the Miata or other sports/sports-type vehicle, the Corolla 92-97 or the Lancer 91-96. But having a new design-out would also be thrilling. And that's why I opted for the 4-year terms and not the 5-year payment loan scheme. According to Alabang dealership's manager, the new model will come on the 2010 in the country since Mazda Philippines is almost always 1 year delayed when all-new compact models come-out. I just hope he's right.

For the FC, i really don't know yet at this time since I've only had the car for less than 100km. Although I can honestly live with an 8-10 kms/L for city-driving compared to my 7-8km/L consumption on my old Corolla. You can read my mini-review below.

Chris

[chrisalcalamd]

Here's my mini-review (mini?) of my Mz3 1.6V... First thing's first, heto... HANEP!!! I've ridden and drove several consumer compacts (mine and friends' cars), and the Mz3, by far, is the most comfortable car I've EVER ridden. The transmission response if fast and lag-free. The suspension is superb! I test-drove the MZ3 only for a while on some good roads with only occasional humps & bumps, but when I got my own unit, I intentionally drove it on a "bad" road... and another HANEP! This d*mn car just went though it with ease. It doesn't bob after a hump although it's not as stiff as a Civic... I thereby give the new Civic a 7/10 points while the Mz3 is 9.5/10 (nothing's perfect, right?)! And I'm not exaggerating. I had my friend (who drives the new BMW Series 3 - after trading in his previous version) drive my car, and even he got very impressed. And I qoute "ang ganda ng ride nito ah, galing ng response, ang luwag ng cabin, mas maluwag pa sa BM ko at ang pogi ng exterior & interior!" And he even love the head & tail light designs". Not to mention, he was awed by the Active-matic transmission. So, I guess that would be enough proof, hehehe.

Other great features: THE DARK (black) INTERIOR! Another requirement for me is the the foldable back-seat (an advantage on the Altis & Mazda3; not available on Civic). The 60/40 split rear seats is easier to control since it's has an easthetically placed flat press-type button compared to the protruded pull-type lever on the Altis. And, it also has a lock-feature activated from the back, which prevents opening it from the cabin if in case a burglar manages to get inside the car. Well, he can always open the trunk from the outside (and risking getting caught!). The built-in 6-CD/MP3-disc changer is a standard on all Mz3 models, where's the Altis & Civics only has this on their top-of-the-lines versions. Oh, not to forget, the speakers, though not as good as my custom set-up in my previous car, is way better than that of Altis (Honda Alabang didn't allow me to test their sound system on the display 1.8S unit, with single-disc/4-speaker system ONLY).

The fog-lamps are very bright as well, and I prefer the oval design over the rectangular "sports-type" design on the Mz3 2.0L, which is also nice. While inquiring, only the 1.6S, 1.6HB, and 2.0R were on display. The SA mentioned that the 2008 1.6V & 2.0 have the same fog lamps, the day I got my unit, my car have the oval-type! YAHOO! Good thing the SA was wrong on this one, hehehe. He also mentioned that the 2.0R's 17" rims has the same design, though smaller, as the 1.6V's 16" rims, good thing the SA was again wrong on this one. I prefer the rigid-looking 10-spoke 16" over the softer/flowery-looking 10-spoke 17" rims... but it's not bad at all, it's just a matter of preference.

As for the non-essential-but awesome-to-have features: The instrument panel's blue lighting is awesome in combination with the standard overall red lighting... make's the car look very expensive and even more sporty, and makes the diver look younger, HAHAHA! But I have to say that I also love the Civic's & Altis' instrument panel. The leather-accented steering wheel feels very nice to hold. And I love the map lamps, wala lang, gusto ko lang meron nun, hehehe. The cupholder with cover is as nice as the Civic's (although I prefer Civic's design), while the new Altis has a so-so design on this, and the color can make dirt very visible. The glove compartment: Altis wins hands-down, I love their dual-door design... but Mz3 is not to be left-out, I can't describe the design but I also like it very much, if only it has a light when opened, as what's written on their specs page on their website.

Now, the let-downs: I don't like the Harry Potter-like antenna, I replaced it with the very short-one, but not the stubby-type, for only P350. The pipe-tail-end is not that long, such that the exhaust hits the bumper, I got a polished oval muffler-cutter (P600) to extend the pipe-end at the bumper's edge. I hope someone can enlighten me how this should be positioned properly. I don't like leather seats, but I like leather seat covers. Why? Canvas seats can be installed with seat covers as to one's liking, cloth or leather/ette which is very customizable in design... BUT putting seat covers on a leather seat seems like a funny thing to do. Well, it's just me. :D. I wish an AUX INPUT is standard on the radio like in the Civic so there's no need to tamper with the head unit and void the warranty just to add an iPod/MP3 player adapter. And the adapter costs at least P6500! The horns doesn't fit the looks of the Mz3, parang pang-motorsiklo, hahaha! I think it's not expensive to change it, will be doing it later today (sunday).

Biggest question... FUEL CONSUMPTION! As I've mentioned in my previous post, I haven't gone beyond 100kms yet. City-driving, my 1997 Corolla XE 1.3L manual usually gave me 9-11 kms/L until 2 years ago when it started to give 7-8 kms/L, which I've gotten used to without complaints (yeah, it's old). The last fill I had was P500 which gave me an 89km mileage. Now, for the Mz3, upon consuming the gas-in-tank when I got the car, when the low fuel warning lit-up, I also filled-up P500, which gave me 92kms before the warning light turned on again... but the thing here is, I played around with different speeds and pedal pressures, did some overtakes to increase rev, and zoom-zooming when the road is clear... SARAP! And from what I've read before, the Mz3's 1.6L engine was underpowered daw, but coming from a 1.3L engine on a heavy body, the Mz3's power came as a big surprise to me! I've never felt it as being underpowered. I know that if I just did continuous "proper" city driving, which I only intend to do after the break-in period, fuel consumption would be a lot better. I can't wait for the break-in period to end, as this will stabilize the engine components and consequently, the fuel usage.

To end, I'm really not a car-techie guy, in fact I'm a total noob. I'm not defending my purchase, although I've really studied and made comparisons as to the pros & cons of all models I was contemplating to purchase. What I've written are my own simple & practical assessment that is understandable (I hope) to any other 'ordinary' person like myself. I hope my personal review stays as is even when my car grows older. For now, it's ZOOM-ZOOM all the way... four years to go!

[yourman]

Nice review sir chrisalcalamd. I will try to get my unit before the price increase. I still have to work out with my Bank. Anyway, please continue posting your review as you drive it around the city. Appreciate your inputs. BTW, where did you get the replacement antenna? I also hate that harry potter antenna. I think many of the Mz3 in the states where replaced by the shark type antenna. It's available on the net.

Keep your inputs coming sir and congrats on your new ride.

[chrisalcalamd]

*yourman: Thanks! I'm glad you like my review, hehehe. I've just hit 130km today, and it feels as if the ride became better. Still not concerned about fuel consumption since I dedicated my recent full tank gas-up for lots of play with speed and rev, and the fun of driving the Mz3 seems elevate. I got the antenna in Alabang, near the Town Center. It's a short as the stubby type, yet looks sleaker because of the thin upper-half tip. The shark-type seems like a cool-looking antenna. I'll take a photo of my new antenna tomorrow, as well as the muffler cutter, and post it here.

I hope your Bank will approve it before the month end. I would suggest that you give the 5K reservation fee and tell the dealership not to raise the unit price since you've given the fee before May 1. Looking forward to your review on your upcoming unit, WOOHOO!!! Good luck! :D

[miLes]

if you have questions or tips on your ride please visit clubmazda3.org for fellow mz3 users and abusers

[abejr]

Chris,

I liked your review. Like you, I picked the Mazda 3 over the Civic and new Altis because of the many things you liked about it, and the value for money that I got. I was also driving a company car-provided 1.3 Corolla before, but I did get to drive my friend's 1.8V Civic to Pampanga, so while the 1.6 M3 is definitely faster & zoom-zoom than the Corolla we used to drive, it pales in comparison to the 1.8 Civic's engine.

But beyond that and the 7.5km/L that I get, I love my Mazda 3. I already fitted mine with Euro plates even before my LTO plates came in last weekend, so panalo driving it on Euro plates for almost a month (I don't drive in MMDA or police-infested areas kasi). I also had the 2.0 M3 lip spoiler installed (c/o Clifford).

On top of what you mentioned, I also love the responsiveness when braking, and the lack of the rolling feeling when you're rounding a curve at 60km/hr or zig-zagging through traffic. Winner talaga tong Mazda 3.

I still don't get tired looking at it. Hassle lang yung black kong napili pero ganyan talaga when you pick dark colored cars. Haha!

[typhoon]

if you have questions or tips on your ride please visit clubmazda3.org for fellow mz3 users and abusers

Bakit not available ata ung website

[Lucius]

Nice review sir chrisalcalamd. I will try to get my unit before the price increase. I still have to work out with my Bank. Anyway, please continue posting your review as you drive it around the city. Appreciate your inputs. BTW, where did you get the replacement antenna? I also hate that harry potter antenna. I think many of the Mz3 in the states where replaced by the shark type antenna. It's available on the net.

Keep your inputs coming sir and congrats on your new ride.

Sir, I have the shark's fin antenna installed in my Mazda3:

c/o Jeff of Fabulous/Starbright Gilmore. Got it for 2.5k with paint na yan sir. Fiberglass. Dummy lang yan but who cares, I paid for the look. Besides di ko din ginagamit yung am/fm so all good. But when I tried, okay pa naman sya.

RE Website: http://fab4online.com/cm3 -- try accessing this direct link.

[PareKoy]

*abejr

Sir, how much po score nyo dun sa rear lip spoiler nyo and kasama na installation? Also, ung clifford, is that a member here or name ng shop?

Thanks

[kupzi8]

Sir pano po ba sumali sa club mazda 3? nagregister na ko sa website pero ala duating s mail ko na activation. may kelangan pa ba akong gawin? d ako makapasok sa forums dun

[typhoon]

Ako din wala pa natatanggap na confirmation email hehehe.

[Si 06]

A fellow Clubmazda3 member had his car serviced at Mazda GH Friday for the Saturday funrun. I saw them by the roadside in the highway leading to Nagsugbu when his car suddenly quit on him. I cannot imagine what bu....it Mazda Greenhills will report regarding the failure. The guy felt betrayed.

[parakitoJDM]

[QUOTE=chrisalcalamd;1062238! :D[/QUOTE]



congrats on your new ride. zoom zoom!
yan ang ala BMW ride na FWD car fm. Japan-Mazda.