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2007 Mazda3 Sport 2.0 Individual...after having spent the better part of 2006 seeking a worthy replacement for my 1996 Honda Civic 160i hatch, I narrowed my choices down to three vehicles, Golf 5, Audi A3 and Honda Civic.
The issue with therein was simple. All three were great vehicles in their own right but lacked balance in terms of value for money and aesthetics. Then came the Mazda3. Underrated yet satisfying in (almost) every right save for after sale service.
I admit that a faulty airbag and CVs should have been warning enough but the good out-weighed the bad at the time and that was good enough for me. With ample performance, space (big boot too), 6-disc front loader (with MP3), rain sensor, automatic lights, folding mirrors, halogen lamps, auto aircon, 17 inch alloys and that cool red/black interior, I couldn't complain.
The issue arose when everything started falling apart. When the vehicle began to spend more time being serviced than being driven. When my warranty came into effect 3 months prior to having purchased the vehicle. When despite my dealership's willingness to assist me as best as they could, Ford SA could not be bothered about customer satisfaction. It was at this point that I then began to understand just how expensive the vehicle became (in terms of maintenance).
The above ruined all perception I had of the famed 'Mazda reliability' and I have unfortunately being forced to live with the curse until a better alternative comes along. Hopefully that will be in the near-future.
