Hello!
My name is Tyler and i am looking to give up my pick up truck and buy a mazda. I am deciding between around an 04 mazda 3 hatch and 04 mazda 6 sedan. Are there any advantages/disadvantages i should know about? I am new to mazda's so is there anything in general about mazda that i should know about? I have used the search tool and have found some answers, i am just curious as to what other answers i get. Thanks for any info!

- Tyler

 

Hi Tyler. Welcome.

Two very different car the 6 and 3. Both 4-cyls?
What mileage do they have?

Personally, I like the first gen 6's, especially the 4 cyl, 5-sp. They handle well and have a very nice ride. W/the manual they have pretty good power as well, and can get decent mileage. They are also generally reliable.
Coming from a 3 though I noticed a lot more body roll than I am used to, so my first suggestion would be bigger sway bars.

By comparison, the 3 is smaller of course and the ride is firmer, the handling a little tauter. Again I would recommend the manual trans for a more interesting drive, more usable power, better mileage and fewer potential issues.

As far as issues for either, they have been relatively few, especially in '04. Check for any service bulletins that have been issued and that they have been taken care of.
As far as my personal issues with my own '04: The driver's side window "snaps" because the plastic hardware does not stay tight for long. This has been mostly an annoyance than an issue.
I had to have the MAF sensor replaced, and also the evaporative fuel "purge" valve replaced a few years ago. And the RS motor mount also. They are fluid filled and can develop leaks that cause them to go flat. Again, not a danger so much as an annoyance. Many cars these days have fluid fill mounts to dampen engine vibration so don't let that throw you.
That's it for me, but you should get as much history on any used car you are considering. If there isn't any, or its not good, I would steer clear no matter what the make.

 

Wow, thanks for the info! I still can't really decide which one to go after more. It's either a 4 hatch or a 6 sedan, so whichever deal i find best will be mine!

 

zoom-zoom

 

After reading all the commotion about the 'precat' issue and how it eventually ruins the motor i am kind of scared to buy a used mazda. Is this something to be concerned about when looking at used cars for sale? Would this be an easy fix if caught in time? Thanks.

 

What pre-cat issue?
I have been a Mazda owner for 7 yrs. A Mazda forum reader for at least 5 yrs and have never heard of anyone complaining about a pre-cat issue.

 

I'm not exactly sure, i have not looked that far into it. I guess its on v6 6's? Anyone know what i am talking about or did I just hear something totally different? lol