My name is Darrin and I am a car addict. Here's my story, followed by what I think of my new 3.

Earlier this week, I took delivery of a 2011 Mazda3 S Sport 5-door. At 44, I have my cars than I have lived years, which is something I hope will stop with the 3. We'll see.

I not only buy new cars, but I like to play with old cars, too. The problem is, I eventually get frustrated with my old cars and I just want the gone. Trading a car, while not always smart, is just easier then selling it yourself.

I had a 1974 Mercedes Benz 450SL and a 2010 Mini Cooper Base. A few weeks ago, I pretty much decided I was done pouring money in the nearly 40-year Benz. So, doing I know all to well, I started working a deal to trade off my cars. I didn't really want to trade the Mini as I really liked it, but if I wanted to ease of trading off a car from the 70s, I knew I would have through the Mini into the deal. I wasn't at all that confident that I would get the deal I would want to make the deal happen, but amazingly, after several weeks, it came together.

Initially, I wasn't overly keen on the 3, but as far as new cars go, the only other I liked was the Buick Regal Turbo manual. I realize the two cars aren't comparable at all. Had the Buick dealer been willing to deal at all, this story might have a different ending. But, now that it is done, I think the Mazda was the right choice.

I have only had the 3 for a a few days, but I am really warming up to it. During my test drives, the 3 seemed to lack the character and fun of the Mini, but it was more refined. After a few days with the 3, however, I think my initial impression was wrong. The 3 does have character, lots of it, it is just not as in-your-face as the Mini.

So, I am so relieved that I no longer have the old Mercedes, and if I the 3 is as rewarding as the Mini, I will be one happy man. I can tell that the 3 will be so much easier to live with day-to-day. I didn't realize just how limiting the Mini could be.

Anyway, I was really happy with the deal. I bought the new 3 with the Bose stereo, sunroof and homelink mirror for $19,900. On trade, I got $17,400 for the Mini that I bought almost a year ago for $19,250, and I finally accepted $4,300 for the Mercedes. The experience and the dealer was nothing but horrible.

Have of the more seasoned 3 owners here had problems with their cars? The net seems to be pretty full of unhappy owners. Same with the Mini. I was always worried that the Mini repairs would be astronomical. I feel a little more at ease with the 3 will be more reasonable.

Anyway, I was really happy with the deal. I bought the new 3 with the Bose stereo, sunroof and homelink mirror for $19,900. On trade, I got $17,400 for the Mini that I bought almost a year ago for $19,250, and I finally accepted $4,300 for the Mercedes. The experience and the dealer was nothing but horrible.

Has anyone else here gone from a Mini to a 3? If so, what did you think?