Advice Needed on Which Variant of Mazda 3 (Used) to Buy

starbearer on 25/06/2018 - 23:39
Last edited 25/06/2018 - 23:40

Hi guys,

After my research (spanning a month) on my first used car, I've shortlisted the Mazda 3. Now from the options available, I've arrived on a 2011 Mazda 3 Neo (BL Series 1 - Sedan) and same year Maxx Sport (BL Series 2 - Hatch). Both are absolutely the same as far as the drive experience (according to me ) is concerned. Although the hatch is zippier, I would prefer the sedan coz of the added boot space. The price difference between the two is also not major (about $500 more for the maxx sport). Here is a thorough item-by-item comparison between the two. I do care about the GPS (which the maxx sport offers over the Neo) however, I feel I can make do with a spare old phone in a holder that I have.

My main requirements are reliability and I was wondering whether either of them are superior in that regard. I'm not a very passionate driver or even a very knowledgeable car person, but I will be doing a pre-purchase inspection by a proper mechanic to have a better peace of mind.

Just needed some guidance and experiences if any of these cars and how one would be better than the other.

Thanks in advance!

P.S. before anyone asks, yes I've done PPSR on both and both are clean without any accidents or money owed.

Poll Options

  • ?
    Mazda 3 Maxx Sport (BLS2)
  • ?
    Mazda 3 Neo (BLS1)
Automotive Car Mazda Mazda 3 Maxx Sport Mazda 3 Neo

Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 26/06/2018 - 00:44
    +1

    Statistically the hatch is 18% more reliable than the sedan.

  • zonra on 26/06/2018 - 01:46
    +11

    Reliability wise I’d say both should be the same if bought brand new, but since you’re buying used it ultimately comes down to how it was maintained and serviced by previous owners.

    I would prefer the sedan coz of the added boot space.

    How do you mean? I would say the hatch has a bigger boot, and with seats folded down I’ve fit mini fridges, heaps of moving boxes, 1.8m wood planks, 1.4m tv unit and even a piano (unbuilt) in my 2011 3 hatch.

    Personally I’d go for one that has been better maintained and serviced, but if both are on par then just go with your preferred look (hatch vs sedan, taking into account of boot space) and colour.
    GPS is a non issue as I prefer dedicated GPS, my 4 yo Tomtom still serves me well when I need it.

    • starbearer on 26/06/2018 - 10:09

      hmm, good point. Didn't realise that the seats can be folded down.

  • GangGang on 26/06/2018 - 08:27
    +2

    Speaking just on Hatch's vs Sedans. Personally, Hatches have a lot more boot space. Especially if you fold the seats down. Larger items you can fit in your hatch & not sedan.

    It also depends on what you will transport. Long term car & thinking for the future? Go for the Hatch. I hate loading a pram into a sedan.

    • starbearer on 26/06/2018 - 10:10

      yes, good idea, thanks.

  • Euphemistic on 26/06/2018 - 08:33
    +1

    Doesn't matter. Pick the one you like better, or has the features you will prefer.

  • AutomationGuy on 26/06/2018 - 08:55
    +1

    Check that the Neo has ABS brakes. I know ones of a similar age that didn’t, and they shouldn’t be on the road. It is ridiculous that you could buy a car from the early 90s with ABS and that around 2010 they were selling the Mazda 3 without.

    Also, as mentioned above, if you don’t have kids, a hatch is a much more practical proposition, as you can fold the rear seats down and fit a huge amount of bulky items.

    • starbearer on 26/06/2018 - 10:11

      Yes, both have got ABS.

    • JimB on 26/06/2018 - 10:27

      ABS?

      I'm hoping you're referring to ESP rather than ABS!

      • starbearer on 26/06/2018 - 10:36

        Here's what the redbook comparison states (link in OP):

        ABS (Antilock Brakes)
        Brake Assist
        Electronic Stability
        Traction
        EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution)

      • AutomationGuy on 26/06/2018 - 10:41
        +1

        Nope I was referring to ABS :/ During my defensive driving course in I think 2011 everybody separated into groups for ABS and non ABS for the practical test. Half way through our ABS group (in my ‘97 ABS equipped car) a girl in a new Mazda 3 Neo her parents had just bought her (to be ‘the safest thing’) locked up all the wheels and left a plume of smoke after everybody assumed her brand new car had ABS and it didn’t.

        • JimB on 26/06/2018 - 10:53

          That doesn't sound right or was a pre 2006 car. You can turn ESP off but didn't think you could turn off ABS?

          the mid-life upgrade of the ‘3 in July 2006 saw ABS fitted to all cars in the range irrespective of price.

          https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-reviews/used-car-review-maz…

        • AutomationGuy on 27/06/2018 - 16:30

          @JB1:

          I’m a little confused. It was definitely a Mazda 3 Neo, perhaps my memory is failing me and it was actually a near new car not brand new… but 2006 is more than a couple of years. Maybe there was a fault with the car or something then, because I certainly remember the smoke off the tires!

  • tomleonhart on 26/06/2018 - 09:39
    +2

    Isn’t the Neo the poverty pack version and Maxx is just a version up from the Neo? I’ll say $500 for a version up and a hatch is a better buy.

    I had an sp25 sedan and wish I bought a hatch instead sometimes.

    • HKS on 09/07/2018 - 09:27

      yep. have a sp25 hatch and it looks much nicer than the sedans tbh.

  • Masterpupil on 26/06/2018 - 09:41
    +1

    In car GPS can be problematic for a used car. You will probably have to pay for updates, which can be expensive. Probably easier to use a phone with Google Maps or the like.

    • starbearer on 26/06/2018 - 10:12

      Yea, that's the idea even if I do end up getting the Hatch coz I rely on the google maps voice navi too much. More so than the screen based one.

  • pantsparty on 26/06/2018 - 09:47
    +1

    If reliability is your concern than the question is how have both the cars been treated? What are their service histories like? How much mileage do they both have? Choose the one with the best combination of low mileage and good service history.

    • starbearer on 26/06/2018 - 10:14

      Both have got proper service histories. Of course the pre-purchase inspection will provide a better idea. However, I'm looking to limiting the inspection to just one car and save on the costs of doing them both.

  • HighAndDry on 26/06/2018 - 09:49

    I'd go with the Maxx Sport. Other than having GPS, hatchbacks are just more versatile in fitting stuff (dimensions can matter more than total space), it's a BL2 vs BL1 (so more chance of having issues worked out in the upgrade), and the Maxx Sport is the higher trim level too.

    Reliability wise - if you're buying used then year built, mileage, service record, and how the previous owner drove it is all gonna matter more. Get it checked out by a mechanic.

    • starbearer on 26/06/2018 - 10:16

      Reliability wise - if you're buying used then year built, mileage, service record, and how the previous owner drove it is all gonna matter more. Get it checked out by a mechanic.

      Both have similar kms (about 7k apart). Yes, I will be doing a pre-purchase inspection but wanting to limit it to just one car instead of both.

      • HighAndDry on 26/06/2018 - 10:17
        +1

        Don't have your heart too set on one or the other before the pre-purchase inspection. That limits, psychologically, your ability to walk away if it actually comes up with borderline issues.

  • cauilfield on 26/06/2018 - 10:17

    Mazda Hatch is a girly car, if it doesn't concern you I would go for hatch.

    Also, the red colour usually degrades in a couple of years - this would be my second concern.

    • starbearer on 26/06/2018 - 10:22

      The one I've shortlisted is not red and has a "masculine" colour ;-)

    • [Deactivated] on 26/06/2018 - 10:47

      Also, the red colour usually degrades in a couple of years - this would be my second concern.

      Modern paints/clear coats have improved massively. Not really an issue any more.

      • JimB on 26/06/2018 - 10:56

        Yeah, they have improved.

        All older Mazda in flat red faded badly.

        I have a 10yo VW and the red is still very good even though it's not garaged and I haven't waxed it in the past 8 years.

  • quog on 27/06/2018 - 13:53

    Bluetooth and sterring wheel stereo controls are the big plus for the maxx sport. As well as "leather" steering wheel, gearknob and handbrake handle.

  • HKS on 09/07/2018 - 09:30

    Opt for the hatch, its much better than the sedan. Also if you can find a SP25 hatch it's well worth the buy. 2.5L has a decent amount of power + great features.

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